What to Keep Away from Your Cat

Cats are curious by nature, and that curiosity can get them into serious trouble. Many everyday household items are far more dangerous to cats than most realize. Perhaps the scariest part is how some of these items are quite common and look harmless.

Toxic Plants for Cats

Lilies are the ones every cat parent needs to know about. Even a small amount, including the pollen, the water in the vase, or a single leaf, can cause acute kidney failure in cats. Although one of the worst offenders, lilies are among a host of other toxic plants for cats.

Pothos, aloe vera, snake plants, and philodendrons are all common houseplants that can make a cat sick. Before you bring any new plant home, do a quick search by typing in the name of the plant followed by “toxic to cats” or “dangerous to felines,” or any combination thereof.

Foods That Are Dangerous to Cats

When it comes to human food, the rule is simple: when in doubt, don't share your plate. Onions and garlic can give certain dishes a lot of robust flavor for us humans, but they can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats. Grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in cats.

Although a savory-sweet treat for us humans, chocolate contains theobromine, something cats cannot metabolize safely. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and baked goods, is also dangerous for cats, even in small amounts. If your cat is naturally gravitating towards foods like this, store them in an out-of-reach location.

Likewise, if you notice your cat eyeing your bowl of ice cream, resist the urge to share. Most cats are lactose intolerant, so even a small amount of dairy can upset their stomach. Depending on the flavor of the ice cream, say something that is chocolate-intensive, the other ingredients could be just as problematic.  

Cats are less likely than dogs to beg for table scraps, but that doesn't mean they won't investigate (or try to steal!) what we've left on the kitchen counter.

As for the length of time it will take for the transition, it's anybody's guess. A confident cat may be ready to explore further beyond the single room in a day or two, while a shy or anxious cat may need a week or two. Watch their behavior rather than the calendar. When they are eating well, using their litter box consistently, and moving around the room comfortably, they are ready.

Medications and Household Chemicals

Cats and their livers process certain compounds differently, which means medications that are safe for humans or even dogs can be fatal to a cat. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is highly toxic to cats. So is ibuprofen. Many common vitamins and supplements also pose risks.

Ideally, it’s best to store these items in a medicine cabinet or drawer where you know your cat won’t look. If you have a pill organizer, make sure each container is snapped shut, just in case your cat knocks it off the table.

When it comes to cleaning the table or any other surface in our home, the products we use may pose a risk to our feline friends. Ammonia, bleach, and other popular cleaning products can linger on floors, shelves, and countertops, even after we’ve wiped them down. If cats walk over those surfaces and then groom themselves, they can ingest residue without coming into contact with the bottle.

Wherever possible, opt for pet-safe cleaning products, and keep your cat out of any room you've just cleaned until all surfaces are completely dry.

Small Objects and String

Hair ties, rubber bands, twist ties, tinsel, ribbon, and loose string are all serious choking and intestinal blockage risks for cats.

What makes this category especially tricky is that cats are already drawn to these items as potential toys. Anything small, lightweight, and easy to bat across the floor will attract the attention of a cat (maybe this is why Hawk, the feline for whom Super Catuday is named, will try to rummage through the “junk drawer” in the kitchen).

Intestinal blockages from swallowed string or hair ties are a common (and serious) reason cats end up at the emergency vet. A good habit is to do a quick floor scan before bed, the same way you might check that the stove is off, the door is locked, or the thermostat is set.

A Little Awareness Goes a Long Way

Cat safety at home doesn't require a complete overhaul of your house or apartment. It simply comes down to knowing which everyday items to keep away from our cats and their curious nature. Most accidents and mishaps are preventable once we know what to look for and can plan accordingly.