Imagine the excitement of strolling through your favorite pet shop, carefully selecting toys and treats for your beloved feline friend. As you seek out the best products for their care, don’t forget to pay attention to harmful items they may be exposed to inside your home.

From human food and drinks to indoor plants and cleaning products, some everyday household items can potentially cause harm to your kitty.

This article explores why they are considered dangerous for cats and provides steps you can take to lessen their chances of posing a risk to your cat’s well-being.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol can have severe effects on your cat’s health, even in small amounts.

The ethanol, found in alcoholic beverages depresses the central nervous system, causing loss of coordination and lethargy in felines. Ingesting large amounts of the substance can result in respiratory failure in felines and may even be fatal.

Signs of alcohol toxicity in cats include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures

To keep your cat safe, store alcoholic beverages securely in cabinets or high shelves inaccessible to your furry friend. Also, be mindful of spills and clean them promptly to prevent accidental ingestion.

2. Alliums

Alliums, including onions, garlic, chives, and leeks, are flavorful additions to many dishes but are bad for cat health. These contain disulfides and thiosulfates that can cause gastroenteritis and rupture red blood cells in cats.

Symptoms of allium poisoning may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Pale gums (from low blood pressure and impaired oxygen delivery)

Never feed your pet foods containing alliums, and be cautious when preparing meals with these ingredients. As with alcohol, keep such foods securely stored and out of reach of your curious pets.

3. Aloe Vera

While aloe vera is commonly found in pet shampoos and household plants, it contains compounds such as saponins and anthraquinones that are toxic to felines.

The ingestion of aloe can lead to various health issues in cats, including:

• Depression
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Kidney problems

Keep your cats away from these household plants. Also, read the ingredients list in pet shampoos you buy to ensure they don’t contain aloe. If you use aloe-containing pet products, use them with caution and thoroughly rinse your cat to prevent accidental ingestion.

4. Dough

Freshly baked bread is a delight for humans, but raw yeast in bread dough can pose serious risks to cats.

Raw yeast ferments carbohydrates, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. If your pets ingest raw dough, their stomach will expand, causing bloating and discomfort.

Moreover, raw bread dough acts like alcohol in a cat’s system. This can lead to fatal alcohol poisoning.

To prevent this, store bread dough securely. Keep your feline friends away while you’re baking to avoid potential hazards.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine can also be harmful to cats. This stimulant, commonly found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some medications, affects their cardiovascular and nervous systems, potentially causing restlessness and rapid breathing. If ingested in large quantities, it can even result in death.

It’s crucial to keep caffeinated beverages and medications securely stored. If you have curious kitties, be on the lookout for signs of caffeine toxicity in your pet and seek veterinary care immediately in case of accidental ingestion.

6. Human Medication

Human medications can have harmful effects on cats due to differences in physiology and metabolism.

Common over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and ibuprofen (Advil) can be particularly dangerous. These medications can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, liver damage, and kidney failure in cats.

If your pet ingests any medication meant for humans, bring them to the vet immediately.

Store medications in out-of-reach cabinets and cupboards. Opt for medicine containers that your feline companion cannot easily open.

7. Antifreeze

Most automotive antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic to cats even in small amounts. In fact, even as little as one-eighth of a teaspoon can be fatal if consumed.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Uncoordinated movements resembling intoxication

Take note that these symptoms may improve temporarily, leading to a false sense of improvement. After ingestion, kidney damage begins, leading to irreversible kidney failure within 12 to 24 hours.

Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial if you suspect your cat has ingested antifreeze. Keep antifreeze products stored securely and clean up spills promptly to keep your curious pet safe.

8. String, Yarn, etc.

Cats are drawn to string-like objects. However, you need to keep a watchful eye while they’re playing with these items because ingesting them can lead to severe health issues like intestinal blockages. Symptoms of blockages include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

It’s best to store items like string, yarn, and dental floss out of their reach. Holiday lights and tinsel should also be kept away from your furry friend. Instead, provide safe toys specifically designed for cat play.

9. Chocolate

Feeding your pet kitty the right food, such as wet cat food, is crucial for their health. You need to avoid giving your cat human food, as some of it may be toxic to your feline friend.

One example is chocolate, which contains theobromine – a substance toxic to your pet kitty. Even white chocolate poses a risk, so it’s best to never share these sweet treats with your pet.

Symptoms of chocolate ingestion include:

• Elevated heart rate
• Seizures

To protect your cat, store chocolate securely and ensure it’s inaccessible. You must also be vigilant around children who might feed your pet these treats.

10. Flowers

While fresh flowers can brighten up a home, some varieties pose a serious threat to cats, including:

• Lilies
• Daffodils
• Azaleas
• Chrysanthemums
• Daisies
• Hyacinths
• Tulips

Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats, with all parts of the plant containing harmful toxins. Ingesting even small amounts of lily can lead to life-threatening kidney disease in cats.

Avoid bringing these flowers into the home or garden if you have feline pets. If a cat ingests any part of a lily, take them to the vet immediately to prevent irreversible kidney damage.

Take Proactive Measures for Your Cat’s Safety

To keep your furry companion out of harm’s way, take proactive measures and remove potential hazards . Remember, swift action is crucial. Contact your vet immediately for prompt assistance and peace of mind if your cat happens to accidentally ingest any of the items listed here.

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/cat-sleeping-on-bed-pdALzg0yN-8

Did you find this city dog content helpful? Share it with a friend or link it to social media. Enjoy short clips of silly dogs? Best dog training videos?  Holistic puppy training tips? Follow us on instagram @nydognanny or on YouTube at nydognanny.  Have some news you needs to get to dog and cat parents stat?  Email info@newyorkdognanny.com with your article pitch.