Hopefully, after the most recent cold spell, spring will finally arrive and stay until summer. We can only hope. We’re not ready to give up on spring and we’re sure that all the kitties out there are longing for warmer days as much as we are.
Most of us will conduct our deep spring clean and not really think about how it will affect the cat (or any other pets in the home). Surprisingly, many of the chemicals used in the home are toxic and can leave kitties needing medical attention. Others may not cause immediate harm but can cause illness over longer periods. To be safe, we recommend reading the labels carefully and opting for some kinder products for both you and your pets. It’s also a good excuse to switch to cruelty free brands at the same time!
Accidents Can Easily Happen
Putting bleach down the toilet and leaving the seat up can result in a cat or dog drinking from the bowl. Pets can walk across a recently cleaned floor and lick their paws after. Animals like to chew boxes, bags and containers that store cleaning products, washing detergents or dish washer tablets.
Symptoms of Toxic Chemical Poisoning
There are a few symptoms to look out for that can indicate poisoning in cats, they include:
- 1.Vomiting
- 2.Coughing
- 3.Ulcers in the mouth
- 4.Irritated skin
- 5.Pawing at the mouth
- 6.Excessive salivation
- 7.Foaming at the mouth
- 8.Difficulty eating food or drinking
A simple household cleaning chore such as bleaching the toilet can result in the death of a beloved pet. Many pets can be saved if they are taken directly to the vets as soon as symptoms occur or if they are seen coming into contact with chemicals or recently cleaned surfaces.
How to Prevent Poisoning
There are several steps you can follow to remove the risk of cat poisoning caused by household cleaning products.
- Store all products in a closed or lockable cupboard that cannot be opened by the pets
- Keep cats and other pets out of the room you are cleaning until all surfaces or rinsed and/or dried
- Use pet safe products
- Ensure you follow the directions correctly, especially for products that require diluting
Please remember that even more natural cleaning solutions can also cause illness in pets. Essential oils are popular in the home and used for cleaning or in diffusers. There are essential oils that can cause cats to have seizures and make cats very ill if they are ingested. Some of the ones to avoid include:
- Peppermint oil
- Lavender oil
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon oil