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This summer, watch out for these cat hazards
Out and About
Hot Weather
Danger: Cats love sunbathing but can overheat in the midday sun or hot greenhouses. Overheating or sunburn is a risk.
How to avoid: Keep cats cool by using fans, providing water, and offering shade indoors and outside.
Blue-Green Algae
Danger: This bacteria can bloom in lakes and ponds and can be toxic. Swallowing even a small amount can be fatal.
How to avoid: Keep your cat away from water that might contain algae blooms.
Toads
Danger: Cats may try to lick toads, risking exposure to toxins that require urgent care.
How to avoid: If you live in an area with toads, keep your cat inside or avoid surfaces they may frequent.
Fish Hooks
Danger: Cats are attracted to bait and lures. They can swallow hooks or get injured.
How to avoid: Keep cats away from areas with discarded fishing gear or baited hooks.
Home and Garden
Open Windows
Danger: Cats may fall from open upper-floor windows.
How to avoid: Use restrictors and supervise open windows carefully.
Antihistamines
Danger: Large doses can be toxic, leading to lethargy, tremors, or seizures.
How to avoid: Sweep up dropped pills and keep meds out of reach.
Luminous Necklaces
Danger: These contain chemicals harmful to cats if bitten into.
How to avoid: Keep out of reach and dispose of used ones properly.
Slug & Snail Pellets
Danger: Ingesting them can cause severe symptoms within hours.
How to avoid: Avoid using or opt for pet-safe alternatives.
Plants & Flowers
Danger: Many plants can be poisonous to cats, e.g., lilies, tulips, foxgloves.
How to avoid: Remove risky plants and keep cats away from unknown greenery.
Grass Blades
Danger: Long blades can get lodged in the throat or cause irritation.
How to avoid: Keep your lawn short and check for signs of discomfort.
Fleas & Ticks
Danger: Fleas cause severe itching; ticks can cause infections or paralysis.
How to avoid: Treat your cat regularly and check for signs of infestation.
Insect Stings
Danger: Can cause swelling, hives, or breathing issues if stung on the face or mouth.
How to avoid: Keep your cat indoors during high-risk times and consult your vet if stung.
Common Poisons
Flea Products
Danger: Dog flea treatments may contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats.
How to avoid: Only use products specifically labelled for cats.
Engine Coolant
Danger: Often has a sweet taste and can cause kidney failure.
How to avoid: Clean spills immediately and keep containers secured.
Rat Poison, Weed Killer & Ant Powder
Danger: All extremely toxic if ingested.
How to avoid: Read labels carefully and keep cats away from treated areas.
Why Do Some Cats Eat Anything and Everything?
- Curiosity about smell
- Stress relief
- Boredom
- Possible nutrient deficiency
- To mimic prey behaviour
- Possible obsessive behaviour
- Genetic predisposition
- Dental reasons like teething