Although you may not be aware of it, there are many household dangers that can be hazardous to your cat's health and/or even its life:
- Strings, yarn, tinsel. If it is swollowed, it can cause severe intestinal damage.
- Antifreeze - Every year nearly 12,000 pets in the U.S. are poisoned by antifreeze. Less than a teaspoon will kill a cat.
- The clothes dryer. Cats love the warmth of the dryer and unfortunately have been trapped inside.
- Pain medication. Always check with your veterinarian before administering any pain medication to your cat.
- Certain plants can be harmful.
- Electrical cords. Do not allow cats access to electrical cords. Many cats have been electrocuted by chewing on these wires.
- Cars - either moving or non-moving. Outdoor cats can often be hit. Or another unfortunate instance is when an outdoor cat goes into the car to sleep on the motor to keep warm and then the driver, not knowing a cat is there, turns on the ignition.
- Getting shut in Garages, Basements, Closets.
- Falling out of open windows - especially from an upper floor.
- Using dog dips on cats can kill them.