Three Common Household Staples That Are Poisonous To Cats
You've undoubtedly heard it said many times that curiosity killed the cat and have rightly chalked it up to an old wive's tale. However, like most old wive's tales, this saying is built around a kernel of truth. Cats are innately curious, which often leads them to get into things they shouldn't — and this is particularly true of anything resembling food, which is why it's important for those who share their homes with feline friends to be vigilant about leaving anything within reach that may adversely affect the cat's health if ingested. The following are just three things found in most households that may cause serious harm or even death to your cat if it's eaten.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste designed for human use contains an ingredient known as xylitol — it's what gives your toothpaste that sweet taste that keeps you from spitting it out. Xylitol is so toxic to cats that they may face imminent death if it is ingested because it causes their blood sugar to very quickly rise to over seven times its normal level, which can lead to seizures, coma, and death. Never leave your toothpaste in a place where curious fuzzy friends can get to it.
Raw Meat
Cats are notorious for jumping up onto counters, especially when you're engaged in meal preparation tasks. Be careful about turning your back if you've got raw meat on the counter -- your cat may whisk it away when you aren't looking, and cats are very susceptible to both salmonella and e.coli bacteria. If your cat somehow gets ahold of some raw meat, monitor your pet for symptoms for at least two days and visit your nearest 24-hour animal hospital if your cat begins to exhibit signs of digestive distress such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Chocolate
Although it's common knowledge that chocolate is toxic for dogs, many people don't realize that it has the same effect on cats. Chocolate contains a substance called methylxanthine that can be deadly to cats even in small amounts. Be careful never to leave chocolate treats lying around within reach of your cat, and make sure the children in your household know not to share their candy with your pets.
Keep in mind that these are just three of the many common household staples that are poisonous to cats. Ask your veterinarian for a more comprehensive list of items that pose a danger to your cat, and make sure to keep those items in safe places. If you find that your cat has somehow eaten any of these items, you may need to take them to an emergency vet.
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