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Cat Safety Tips

Cats are very inquisitive by nature and can get themselves into a dangerous situation unless we follow basic cat safety tips. Kittens tend to be even more curious that adult cats. It is up to you as the owner to kitty-proof your house to prevent any unfortunate accidents. Following these cat safety tips among just using common sense can help to prevent any mishaps:

1. Exposed wiring can electrocute a curious cat who chews on it. Encase cords and electrical plugs inside PVC tubing, hide or tack down any cords or plugs to avoid tripping, and if needed use a substance that the cat does not like to deter any chewing.

2. Maintain your cat on a nutritious diet. Any sudden change of diet, even for just one meal, can give your dog or cat stomach pain and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals, whose digestive systems are often more delicate. If you feed moist food, make sure that you do not leave the food out after 30 minutes so that the food will not spoil. Remember that certain foods that humans eat regularly can be hazardous for cats - chocolate, onions or medicines (acetaminophen is toxic in cats).

3. Beware of simmering potpourri or potpourri oil. Most potpourri liquids contain natural or essential oils, which if ingested can cause vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, weakness, and possibly liver damage. Also keep a close eye on lit candles. Cats are attracted to light in a dark room. Cats can easily knock over burning candles over spilling hot wax over carpet and furniture, possibly getting burned or setting off a fire.

4. Store poisons and cleaners out of the reach of your cats. Cats like small children need to be protected from themselves and poisons, even the small drips on the side of bottles form them to lick or rub against and later lick when grooming. You can install baby locks on cabinets to prevent your cat from opening them.

5. Check the plants in your house to see if the could be poisonous if ingested. Among household poisonous plants are mistletoe, ivy, tulips, azaleas, lilies and holly berries can be poisonous.

6. Make sure that your cat even indoor ones are able to be identified if the get out of the house. A cat collar with you name and phone number can quickly return a lost cat to its owner. If you do not want to run the risk of having a collar on your cat, make sure that you have a microchip implanted that will allow a shelter or veterinarian to identify your cat.

7. Keep appliances and toilets that cats might want to use as a resting place or to get a drink secure. Cats have been known to crawl into a warm dryer! Also be sure to keep screens on windows so that cats sitting on sills will be less likely to fall out the windows.

Keeping cats indoors is generally thought to be the best way to avoid serious injury and to keep cats at their healthiest. Just as with kids, following these cat safety tips may not always prevent an accident. See a veterinarian as soon as possible if you cat is injured or suddenly becomes ill. Taking a few cat safety tips could save your pets' life and make yours easier.

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