4 Cat Safety Tips from Your Veterinarian in Northshore, IL  

 

Did you just adopt a new cat? Besides ensuring that you have food, water, and plenty of toys and comfy places for them to sleep, you'll also want to ensure that your home is safe.  

 

Since many veterinarians recommend cats stay indoors for their highest quality of life, there are still some hazards they can experience if you're not careful.   

 

Keep reading to learn about our top four cat safety tips for new and old cat owners!   

 

1. Avoid Toxic Plants  

 

If you love plants, you'll want to keep in mind that many common indoor plants are toxic to cats and dogs alike. So make sure you keep them outside, or they're out of your pet's reach.  

 

Here are some of the most common toxic plants:   

 

  • Azaleas  

  • Birds of paradise  

  • Holly  

  • Hyacinth   

  • Mistletoe  

  • English ivy   

  • Poinsettia   

  • Wisteria  

  • Caladium   

  • And more  

 

Since this list isn't exhaustive, make sure that you look up whether an indoor plant is toxic to pets before putting it inside your home.   

 

2. Remove Poisonous Food  

 

Along with indoor plants, some types of food are poisonous to cats. Here are a few foods that you should keep away from your curious cat who doesn't know better:   

 

  • Grapes  

  • Tylenol and aspirin  

  • Chocolate  

  • Garlic  

  • Onions  

  • Avocado  

  • And more  

 

You'll want to avoid giving your cat cow's milk along with this list. Although a cat drinking a saucer of milk is a common trope in media, it can actually cause gastrointestinal distress in most cats.  

 

Like indoor plants, if you want to give your cat a taste of an ingredient you're cooking with, check that it's not toxic to animals first.   

 

3. Be Aware of Breakables   

 

If you've never owned a cat before, you'll soon find that many of them have adventurous and curious spirits. This means they'll love jumping on tables, countertops, and anywhere where they can get up high and get a lay of the land.   

 

Make sure that tall furniture is secured to a wall. You'll also want to change the positions of vases, glassware, and any other breakables away from the edges of surfaces.   

 

As cats get older, they become more graceful. They'll also learn the layout of your home. But mistakes can still happen!   

 

4. Clean Litter Box  

 

Lastly, keeping a litter box can be one of the worst parts of cat ownership, but you can make it easier for yourself and your cat by cleaning it daily. If the litter box is too dirty, many cats will choose to do their business outside of it.   

 

Cleaning the litter box each day is also essential because it can harbor dangerous parasites left alone. For example, toxoplasmosis can be transferred to people and give flu-like symptoms. It can be hazardous for pregnant women, which is why it's recommended for a partner or friend to clean the litter box instead.   

 

Learn About More Cat Safety Tips from Your Veterinarian in Northshore, IL  

 

By taking the time to learn these simple safety tips for your new cat, you're ensuring that your cat won't experience any unnecessary pain or trips to the veterinarian in Northshore, IL. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from any hazards that may be dangerous to your cat.   

 

If you're ready to learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today to get started!