Potentially poisonous substances are a threat in every home, but becoming aware of these hazards could be enough to save your cat’s life. Every year the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) release a list of the previous year’s most prevalent pet toxins. Ingestion of the following common household items resulted in almost 200,000 calls for potentially poisoned pets in 2010.

Pet-proof your home today to help ensure that 2011 is a safer year for our feline friends!

• Medications: Many medications made for cats are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that companion animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medication. To put it into perspective, as little as one acetaminophen tablet can be fatal to a feline.
• Insecticide: While lawn and garden products do pose a threat to your cat’s health, the most serious cases of insecticide poisoning were the result of the improper use and application of flea and tick preventives. These topical treatments, specified for cat or dog, often list pyrethrins or pyrethroids as active ingredients. These two insecticides are highly toxic. Using medication intended for a canine on your feline friend can prove hazardous to their health since they are more likely to ingest the substance when grooming.
• Rodenticides: Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based, which means they may look like a tempting treat for your kitty. Unfortunately, this “treat” can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, or seizures. Please be mindful when placing traps.
• People Food: Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic may be tasty to us, but are harmful for our four legged friends. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, while onions and garlic can lead to anemia. Xylitol, a substance used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and even death.
• Plants: With flowers in bloom, it’s important to know that one of the most poisonous plants to your feline friend is the common lily. These delicious smelling flowers are common décor in homes, but they also toxic enough to cause fatal kidney failure!
• Household Cleaners: Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/what-to-do-if-your-pet-is-poisoned.aspx
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat