I couldn't leave out the Kitties in our lives. Although both of mine are gone now, I know some of you have them at home and may benefit from this...
1. Lilies | The variety of lily determines whether it is relatively harmless or potentially deadly. Non-toxic varieties include the Calla, Peace and Peruvian, and typically cause irritation of the upper GI tract. Toxic lilies -- including the Tiger, Asiatic, Stargazer, Casablanca, Rubrum, Day, Japanese Show and Easter lily -- can prove deadly for your cat. Just a tiny amount of any portion of these plants can cause kidney failure. |
2. Household cleaners | General-purpose cleaners are relatively safe (all-natural products are a much better choice), but concentrated products like drain or toilet bowl cleaners can cause chemical burns. |
3. Flea/tick spot-on products for dogs | Never use a canine flea/tick product on your cat. Depending on the ingredients in the product, just a drop has the potential to kill a cat within hours. |
4. Antidepressants | Cymbalta and Effexor topped Pet Poison Helpline's toxic antidepressants list in 2013. For some reason kitties are drawn to these medications, which can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects. |
5. NSAIDs | Cats are more sensitive than dogs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. And because kitties are so sensitive, veterinary-specific NSAIDs should be used with extreme caution, if at all. |
6. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications | Just as with dogs, these drugs, which are amphetamines, can cause tremors, heart problems, seizures and death in cats. |
7. Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications | Many of these preparations contain acetaminophen (a painkiller) and pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (decongestants). Acetaminophen is especially toxic to cats – it damages red blood cells and causes liver failure. |
8. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals | Peace lilies, philodendron and pothos can cause oral and upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth and inflammation when ingested. |
9. Household insecticides | If you use insecticides on your indoor plants (which I definitely do not recommend, since they are environmental toxins), make sure to keep your kitty away from plants after application until the products have dried or settled. |
10. Glow sticks and glow jewelry | Many cats enjoying gnawing on glow sticks and glow jewelry. These items contain dibutyl phthalate, a chemical that can leak out and burn your cat's fur and tongue. |
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