Cats — especially active breeds such as Bengal, Abyssinian and young cats of all breeds — explore everything within reach. What looks safe to you can be dangerous for them. Go through this list before you bring your kitten home.
Toxic plants
Many popular houseplants are toxic to cats. The most important ones to remove or place out of reach:
- Lily (Lilium and Hemerocallis genera): extremely toxic, can cause acute kidney failure from eating even a small leaf
- Tulip and daffodil: toxic bulbs
- Pothos and philodendron: contain calcium oxalate crystals, irritate the mouth and stomach
- Aloe vera: mild to moderate toxicity
- Sago palm: highly toxic to the liver
Check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center database for your specific plant.
Electrical cables and small objects
Kittens chew on cables — it is a phase most go through. Cover or hide cables where possible. Cable conduits and spiral wraps work well.
Small objects such as elastic bands, needles, fish hooks, buttons and small toys are swallowing hazards. Survey the room with an awareness that the cat sees it from a different perspective than you.
Windows, balconies and escape
High-rise syndrome is a real phenomenon: cats fall from open windows in upper-floor flats. Even though they survive more often than you might expect, injuries are often serious. Fit window insect screens or purpose-made cat grilles.
Balconies should be secured with netting. Cats are not afraid of heights but lack an understanding of what a fall actually means.
Medicines and chemicals
Cleaning products and medicines should be locked away or placed out of reach. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is highly toxic to cats — potentially lethal in doses that are harmless to humans. The same applies to ibuprofen and many other over-the-counter painkillers.
If you suspect your cat has swallowed something toxic: contact a vet immediately.