Household Products that can Harm your Cat

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As every cat owner knows, felines are full of curiosity and spunk, always finding new items to play with and cozy hiding spots. With closets and cabinets two of their favorite places to visit, keeping these household products out of your kitty’s grasp is especially important.

Dryer Sheets

A seemingly harmless and often used product, dryer sheets contain a few ingredients, like benzyl acetate and ethanol, which are very harmful to cats. Be sure to keep these sheets out of your pet’s reach and be sure to throw used sheets out in a garbage can with a lid.

Aloe

Although the inside of this plant calms and soothes human skin, it is one of many plants that are poisonous to cats. Keep aloe gel in a spot your kitty can’t get its paws and avoid keeping these plants around the house. For a list of other poisonous plants, click here.

Medicines

Medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen cause NSAID toxicity in cats, leading to stomach ulcers and kidney failure. One of the easiest ways for these toxins to be ingested is by licking an owner who has applied pain relief cream or by getting into a bottle in the cabinet. Keep medicines out of your cat’s reach and avoid the use of topical ointments around them. Acetaminophen is also dangerous for cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors. Be careful when taking these products and be sure to pick up any medicines that drop on the floor.

If your cat gets into any of these items or others that you are not sure about and shows signs of sickness or lethargic behavior, be sure to call your local veterinarian immediately.

Serving an array of towns near Kersey, Colorado, Powell Veterinary Service can be contacted at 970-352-9164 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. If your pet becomes ill in the evening hours, call the ASPCA’s animal poison control line at 888-426-4435 for assistance.