7 Common Household Items Toxic to Cats

Alliums, cleaning products, and low quality essential oils are just a few of the common household items that can make your kitty sick.

Cats are known for their curiosity. While this is an endearing trait, it can sometimes get them into trouble. Making sure your kitty stays safe includes keeping her from getting into things that could make her sick. This article highlights seven common household items that are toxic to cats. Check the list to see how many are in your own home, and take steps to prevent your feline friend from coming into contact with them.

1. CHEAP ESSENTIAL OILS

Essentials oils smell amazing to us, and also have healing properties, but they can be toxic to cats if the products are low in quality and/or used improperly. Cats can get seriously ill from breathing low-grade essential oils from a diffuser, or having them applied to their coats or skin. Teatree oil is of particular concern.

Solution: If you have essential oils in your home, it’s vital to ensure they’re high-grade therapeutic products, and that you know how to use them safely around cats. To learn more about essential oils and cats, see Cats and essential oils — unraveling the controversy.

2. ALLIUMS

Chives, garlic, leeks, and onions all are members of the allium family. While they’re delicious ingredients for your favorite dishes, they’re not good for your cat. Alliums contain disulfides and thiosulfates, compounds that are toxic to both cats and dogs. Eating dehydrated flakes, powders, or dry soup mixes containing alliums can cause problems for cats, leading to gastroenteritis or ruptured red blood cells.

Solution: Having a cat doesn’t mean you have to stop using garlic and onions in your cooking. Just ensure you keep any food products or ingredients containing alliums stored safely in the fridge or in a secure cupboard, out of your cat’s reach, and that any open packages of soup mix or garlic/onion powders are placed in closed containers or jars that your cat can’t open.

3. ALOE VERA

Many people have aloe vera plants growing in their homes. While aloe can be used topically on animals, it can cause issues if significant quantities are ingested, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and even kidney problems.

Solution: If you have an aloe vera plant in your home, move it someplace where your cat can’t get at it and chew on the leaves. If you break off a piece, watch that the gel doesn’t drip on the floor where your cat could lick it up, The same rules apply to any aloe-based ointments or shampoos, including pet shampoos.

4. CHOCOLATE

It’s well known that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but you may not be aware that it’s also not good for cats. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, compounds known as methylxanthines. The more cocoa the chocolate has, the more of these compounds the treat will contain. This makes baking and dark chocolates particularly risky to cats. Eating chocolate can cause seizures, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, and even death if your cat consumes enough of it.

Solution: If you can’t give up chocolate, just make sure to keep it well out of your cat’s reach, especially if it’s the dark, cocoa-rich variety. If you’re looking for an animal-safe alternative to chocolate, consider carob. It can be substituted for chocolate in your baking, and won’t hurt your kitty if she happens to snag some.

5. CUT FLOWERS

While fresh-cut flowers are a favorite indoor décor item for all seasons, keep in mind that some plants are toxic to cats and should be avoided, especially if you have a feline who has a habit of nibbling leaves and flowers. Some of the most toxic flowers include lilies, daffodils, azaleas, chrysanthemums, daisies, hyacinths, and tulips.

Solution: Before buying a bouquet to bring home, make sure the flowers it contains are feline-friendly. There are plenty of beautiful flowers to choose from that are safe for cats, such as roses, sunflowers, asters, and even orchids.

6. HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS

Everyone wants a clean house, but it’s important to know how the cleaners you’re using might affect your cat. Common household cleaning products such as bleach, laundry detergent, and bathroom cleaners can be toxic. If your cat walks on a freshly-cleaned surface, then licks her paws, she could consume some of the chemicals in these cleaners. This can result in respiratory issues, vomiting, drooling, or chemical burns, depending on the product and how much she ingests.

Solution: Replacing chemical cleaners with more natural non-toxic products is good for your own health as well as your cat’s. For some safe and simple household cleaners, check out Household cleaners that are safe for pets. Another alternative is to keep your cat in a separate room while you’re cleaning, and not let her back in until the cleaned surfaces dry.

7. HUMAN MEDICATIONS

Among the most dangerous household items for cats are human medications. While acetaminophen and ibuprofen help us get through a cold or headache, they aren’t meant for cats. Our feline companions don’t have the same enzymes as humans, which means their bodies can’t break down these drugs. Ingesting human medications can make cats seriously ill and even lead to death.

Solution: All medications should be kept in closed bottles, packages and vials and stored securely out of your cat’s reach. Avoid leaving pill bottles on your night table or the bathroom vanity — put them away in a drawer or the medicine cabinet. And if you happen to drop a pill on the floor, pick it up immediately — your cat might think it’s a new toy or treat.

If you have a cat that likes to “get into everything”, it’s important to ensure any toxic household items are either removed from her environment or replaced with something else. It’ll keep her safe, and give you peace of mind.