Having cats as pets can be a lot of fun, but there are some things that should not be in your house if you want to keep your cats safe. Cats can be curious and get into things, so it is important to be aware of the potential hazards that can exist in your home. Knowing what should not be in your house with cats can help keep them safe from accidental poisoning, injury, and other health hazards.
Things to Avoid if You Have a Cat
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If you’re a cat owner, it can be hard to know what’s safe for your pet and what’s not. Cats can be curious and may investigate items that can be dangerous for them. The following list includes common household items that should be avoided when you have a cat.
Houseplants
Houseplants are a beautiful way to add some natural elements to your home, however, some of them can be toxic to cats. Some common houseplants that can be dangerous to cats include lilies, amaryllis, aloe vera, and ivy. If you’re unsure if a plant is toxic to cats, it’s best to research it before bringing it home.
String and Ribbons
Cats love to play with string and ribbons, however, they can be dangerous if ingested. If swallowed, they can become lodged in your cat’s intestines, leading to serious medical problems. To keep your cat safe, make sure any ribbons or strings are kept out of reach.
Medications
It’s important to keep all medications out of reach of your cat, as even small doses can be dangerous or even deadly. If your cat does get into your medication, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
Cleaning Products
Many common household cleaning products contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats. Make sure to keep these products stored in a secure location where your cat can’t get to them. If your cat does get into any cleaning products, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
Small Objects
Small objects such as coins, paper clips, and rubber bands should be kept out of reach of cats. These objects can be swallowed, leading to serious medical problems.
Electric Cords
Electric cords can be appealing to cats because of their texture. If a cat bites into an electric cord, it can lead to serious burns or even death. Make sure to keep all electric cords tucked away and out of reach.
Tinsel and Yarn
Tinsel and yarn can be appealing to cats because of their texture. However, if swallowed, they can become lodged in your cat’s intestines, leading to serious medical problems. To keep your cat safe, make sure any tinsel or yarn is kept out of reach.
Garbage
It’s important to keep your garbage can covered and out of reach of your cat. Garbage can contain a variety of items that can be dangerous to cats, including sharp objects, cleaning products, and spoiled food.
Conclusion
Cats can be curious and may investigate items that can be dangerous for them. It’s important to keep these items out of reach of your cat to keep them safe. If you’re unsure if a plant or item is toxic to cats, it’s best to research it before bringing it home. If your cat does get into any items that may be dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
**Common Myths About Keeping Cats in the Home**
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the care of cats in the home. Below, we debunk some of the most common myths about cats and what you should and should not have in your house with them.
Myth: Cats Should Not Have Any Plants in the Home
This is false. While some cats may nibble on plants, many are perfectly safe for cats to have in the home. It is important to research the types of plants you are considering for your home, as some may be toxic to cats.
Myth: Cats Should Not Have Access to Dangerous Items
This is also false. While it is important to keep potentially dangerous items like cleaning products out of reach, cats are typically smart enough to avoid them. Just make sure that items like string, rubber bands, and other small objects are always put away and out of reach.
Myth: Cats Should Not Sleep on Furniture
This is false. Many cats enjoy sleeping on furniture, and it can provide them with a sense of comfort and security. If you don’t want your cat to sleep on furniture, you can try using a scratching post or cat bed instead.
Myth: Cats Should Not Have Access to Human Food
This is false. Some human foods are perfectly safe for cats, such as bits of cooked meat, fish, and vegetables. However, it is important to avoid feeding your cat anything that is too rich or sugary, as it can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a candle in my house if I have cats?
No, you should not have candles in your house if you have cats. Cats are naturally curious and could get too close to the flame and get burned.
Is it safe for my cats to sleep on my bed?
Yes, it is generally safe for your cats to sleep on your bed, but you should make sure that your bedding is kept clean and free from any allergens that could potentially irritate your cat’s skin.
Conclusion
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Cats need to be kept safe by avoiding common household items that can be dangerous to them. These include houseplants, string and ribbons, medications, cleaning products, small objects, electric cords, tinsel and yarn, and garbage. If you’re unsure if a certain item is dangerous to cats, it’s best to research it before bringing it home. If your cat does get into any items that may be dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
