Growing kittens love to learn by exploring, tasting and chewing, so they need protection from garden and household items that are dangerous if swallowed.
- Use covered trash cans in your house and garage
- Windows need to be kept closed so your kitten can't fall out or escape
- Keep kitchen countertops clean and clear of food items to reduce temptation
- Store household chemicals and poisons in a locked cabinet
- Keep toilet lids down so your kitten can't fall in or drink from the bowl
- Keep electrical cords and wires out of sight or secured to walls
- Keep dangling blind and curtain cords out of reach
- Consider planting fresh catnip in a stable pot indoors to entice your kitten and safeguard ornamental plants
- String, ribbon, yarn, sewing supplies and other small household items
- Paper clips, erasers, staples, rubber bands, plastic bags and twist ties
- Coins, small board game pieces, fragile keepsakes and ornaments
- Medication, vitamins, pill bottles, dental floss, razors and cotton balls
- Household and automotive chemicals
- Toxic garden plants, including lily, azalea, daffodil, tomato and hydrangea
Watch out for lilies
Lilies can be lethal to cats. All parts of the plant are poisonous to them. In fact, a cat doesn't even have to eat any to be affected. If a cat simply brushes past a lily and then the pollen is groomed from her fur, this can still be dangerous. Your kitten could suffer blindness, vomiting, renal failure, paralysis and may even die. If you suspect your kitten is affected, take her to the vet immediately.
We all like to spend more time outside when the weather warms up, but summer can be hazardous for your kitten, so she's going to need your help to stay safe in the heat.
Keeping summer cool for cats
Ever noticed how much your kitten loves warmth? How she always seems to find the sunniest, coziest spot to snooze in? Follow these simple tips to keep her safe throughout a long, hot summer.
Cats are not known for being "sensible" about the sun. Your kitten will probably make a beeline for the sunniest spot in your garden on a summer's day and you need to make sure she doesn't get heatstroke. Encourage her to go into the shade during the hottest part of the day.
Greenhouse danger
Greenhouses can be a real danger to your kitten. She may go in there to enjoy the warmth and then get trapped inside if the door shuts behind her.
Sunburns
White kittens with thin fur and pale ears and/or noses can be particularly prone to sunburn. Your vet will be able to offer advice on the use of sunblocks and sunscreens if your kitten is vulnerable. He will recommend a non-toxic formulation, as cats will instinctively lick off anything on their fur or skin.
If you come across an unfamiliar lesion on your cat's skin, get your vet to look at it, as it may be skin cancer. If caught early, skin cancers can be removed successfully.
Summer poisoning
Your kitten is more likely to stray into sheds and garages in the summer, and you never know what she might stick her nose into. Ensure your garden supplies and chemicals are safely out of reach. Always keep your kitten indoors if you're spraying plants, lawns, or sprinkling any insecticide pellets.
If you think your pet might have been poisoned, take her to the vet immediately, If you think you know what she's eaten, take the packaging with you. This will help your vet quickly identify the right antidote.