These Harmful Feline Hazards Could Be in Your Home

Keep your feline friends safe from household hazards! Our experts at ASPCA Poison Control created this list of some of the most common feline hazards and toxins that could be in your home. Be sure to keep these three things out of paw’s reach to keep your curious cats safe, happy and healthy!

Lilies

This common household plant can cause life threatening kidney injury in cats. Any part of the plant including the leaves, stems, flower petals and even the pollen can cause harm, so it’s best to keep these away from pets or out of the home entirely as cats can be very resourceful.

Although not all plants called lilies are hazardous, the ones to be on the lookout for are of the lilium species and include Easter lilies, Oriental lilies and Japanese lilies as well as the Hemerocallis species which includes the Daylily.

Over the Counter Medication

Ibuprofen and naproxen can be quite toxic to cats. If eaten, signs and symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney injury. Another commonly used medication is acetaminophen which can cause damage to the red blood cells and can cause them not to be able to carry oxygen normally.

Even a small amount of these medications can cause big problems for our feline friends, so always keep medications in a cabinet.

Permethrin

Permethrin is typically found in flea and tick products for dogs and large animals, as well as household insecticide products. If the products are ingested or gets on their skin, it can cause drooling, coughing, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors and seizures.

If you need to treat your cats for fleas or ticks, always read labels carefully to ensure it is specifically formulated for cats.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to any hazardous substances, please contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.