Speak to our team
Do you need help?
Autumn is a wonderful time of year that brings crisp leaves, golden walks and cosy evenings. But as the seasons change, it’s important to be mindful of the hidden dangers that autumn can bring to our feline friends. Whether your cat is a seasoned explorer or strictly indoor-only, there are seasonal risks to be aware of both inside and outside the home.
To help keep your cat safe this autumn, we’ve rounded up the top 9 seasonal hazards every cat owner should know.
Autumn Dangers Out and About
1. Harvest Mites
Harvest mites (Neotrombicula autumnalis) are microscopic arachnids that live in long grass and woodland areas. These tiny insects will climb up long grass and bushes and sit waiting to attach themselves to any warm-blooded creatures that stroll by.
You might notice clumps of small, orange bugs on your cat (particularly around their ears and stomach, or in between their toes) after they come in after being outside, so it’s best to incorporate regular checks to help spot these pests early. Cats may show signs of irritation such as scratching, licking, and inflamed skin. You might even spot clusters of tiny orange dots.
2. Mushrooms and toadstools
Whilst cats are generally more selective eaters than dogs, their curiosity can still get the better of them. And, with thousands of species of mushrooms in the UK, this means that identifying non-toxic and toxic mushrooms is extremely difficult. The safest approach is to assume all wild mushrooms could be harmful and to keep your cat well away.
If ingested, toxic mushrooms can lead to serious health issues, including liver and kidney failure.
If you suspect your cat has eaten any wild mushrooms, contact your vet or if out-of-hours, your nearest Vets Now
3. Fireworks
While fireworks are a staple of many seasonal celebrations, they can be a terrifying experience for cats. The loud bangs, sudden flashes, and unfamiliar vibrations can trigger intense anxiety. Startled cats may bolt in fear (sometimes straight into danger, such as busy roads or unfamiliar areas) especially during darker evenings in autumn.
How to Keep Your Cat Calm During Firework Season
1. Create a Safe Retreat Indoors
Designate a quiet, cosy area where your cat can feel secure, and consider keeping them indoors during a planned fireworks event.
2. Use Sound to Mask the Noise
Playing calming music, white noise, or a TV show with background sounds can help drown out the sudden bangs. To help, we have created a soothing Spotify playlist to help reduce stress during firework displays:
3. Check ID and Microchip Details
Make sure your cat’s microchip and ID tag details are current. In the unfortunate event that they do escape, this greatly increases the chances of a safe and speedy return.
4. Darker Nights
Cats that roam outdoors are at greater risk in the darker months, especially near roads. With visibility lower during morning and evening hours, they’re more vulnerable to traffic accidents.
To help protect your cat during the darker months, the following are important to consider:
Reflective collars: These bounce back light from headlights and torches, making your cat more noticeable when out and about at night.
LED collar lights: Clip-on lights or glow collars are a simple way to make your cat stand out in the dark.
5. Candles and Fireplaces
Cozy fireplaces and candles may look pretty, but they can be dangerous for curious cats so it’s important make sure your cat is never left unattended around either. Cats are natural climbers and love exploring countertops, shelves, and tables; exactly where you might place a candle. One jump is all it takes for them to get too close and risk burning themselves, or worse, knocking the candle over and starting a fire.
Autumn Dangers from Trees and Plants
6. Acorns and Conkers
As Autumn arrives, acorns and conkers become common sights on the ground. While they may seem harmless, they can be dangerous to curious cats, especially those that enjoy exploring outdoors and investigating new objects with their mouths or paws.
Conkers (seeds of the horse chestnut tree) contain a toxin called aesculin, which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and even neurological signs in cats. If swallowed whole, conkers may also cause intestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening.
Acorns (nuts from oak trees) contain gallotannins, which are toxic to cats and may lead to kidney and liver damage, as well as gastrointestinal upset. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and abdominal discomfort. Their hard, sharp shape also poses a risk of physical injury or obstruction.
If you notice signs or suspect your cat has ingested an acorn or conker, contact your vet or if out-of-hours, your nearest Vets Now clinic
Autumn Dangers In and Around the Home
7. Halloween treats
Chocolate and sweets are a seasonal favourite for humans, but they pose serious risks to cats.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats and can affect the heart, nervous system, and digestive tract.
Sweets, especially sugar-free types, may contain xylitol, a sweetener that’s highly toxic to cats and can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
Cats may not be as likely as dogs to eat chocolate or sweets, but they can be curious about new smells and textures, especially if food is left out. Keep all treats out of reach, and remind guests and children not to share human treats with your cat.
8. Rat poison
Rodenticide is commonly put down in Autumn when rats start heading indoors for warmth. The chemicals used in these products are often highly toxic to cats and cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, organ damage – and in very serious cases, can be fatal.
It’s extremely important to act fast if you if you suspect your cat has ingested rat poison. Contact your vet or if out-of-hours, your nearest Vets Now
9. Antifreeze
Antifreeze poisoning in cats typically occur when ethylene glycol, one of the main ingredients in antifreeze, leaks from car radiators or screen wash containers.
This chemical is very sweet-tasting and palatable, however it is extremely toxic to cats. The main signs to look out for are:
- Vomiting
- Feeling thirsty
- Seizures
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
The antidote for antifreeze poisoning is effective when administered within the first 8-12 hours of ingestion – so it is important to act as soon as possible.
Stay Safe This Autumn
For easy reference, download our handy infographic to keep these autumn hazards top of mind and help protect your cat all season long.