Poisons and Hazards to CatsThe cat's natural curiosity can bring it in contact with poisons, plants and other hazards. Here is a sample list of the poisonous plants and some substances that are bad for cats to get in to. See the related pages for other items, too! Cats are much more sensitive than dogs and because they clean themselves, they are likely to be poisoned by things they step in accidentally. Cats like to climb and explore, and sometimes fall. Never keep used motor oil or antifreeze in an open container. It affects the kidneys and kills animals and people alike!
POISONOUS HOUSEPLANTS & DANGERS IN YOUR GARDEN
You want to think that your garden is a natural, safe and secure place for your cats to enjoy, but unfortunately this is not always the case. The most obvious dangers in the garden are poisonous plants but because the cat's metabolism is different from humans, plants that are poisonous to people are not always poisonous to cats and vice versa.
Houseplants
Cats often nibble on plants and many houseplants are poisonous to cats. If your cat vomits or doesn't want to eat, check the Philodendron for nibble marks. Poinsettias and mistletoe are especially toxic, but not eaten frequently. Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) is toxic, but because it causes an immediate burning sensation, cats rarely eat enough to do themselves any real harm.
List of Poisonous PlantsThis list of plants is far from exhaustive. Even if you uproot all possible harmful plants in your house or garden, your cat might still wander into a neighbour's garden and find poisonous plants growing there. Some plants smell and taste repulsive to cats and most cats retain many of their wild instincts, and therefore know which plants are edible. However, when a cat leads a more enclosed life and does not have the choice of plants to eat, it is less likely to differentiate between good and bad ones.
It is best to keep all houseplants out of reach of your cats or in a room they do not have access to, until you are sure they will not be tempted. Try to keep a pot of "kitty grass" available for cats that don't go outside; you can buy kits and seeds in pet shops.
Other Poisons and Hazards to Your Cat Other Seasonal Hazards for Cats Cats and Holidays What to Do in Cold Weather Cat Safe Chemicals for Around the House Home Veterinary Supplies Homeopathic Preparations for Cats MSDS Sheets
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