Spring has sprung! Well, technically, it’s about to spring. Like every other season, this time of year presents some specific dangers for people owned by cats to be aware of. An Eau Claire, WI vet lists some of the key ones below.
Plants
Many popular plants are toxic to our feline friends. That list includes anything with a bulb, such as tulips and daffodils. Lilies, for instance, are extremely toxic to Fluffy. Some other poisonous plants include azaleas, hyacinths, and foxgloves. That’s just the tip of the iceberg! You can find a full directory of safe and unsafe plants online at the ASPCA website here.
Chemicals
Cats are very susceptible to poisoning. There are a few reasons for this. For one thing, they have very sensitive skin. And, because they clean themselves by using their tongues, they can very quickly swallow anything that gets spilled on their fur. That means Fluffy can ingest these substances just by grooming herself after walking through a spot that was recently treated, or even stepping into a puddle of cleaning solution as you’re mopping the floor. Keep your furball away from potential toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
Parasites
As the warmer weather returns, so will fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and all other critters. Keep up with your feline buddy’s parasite control!
Decorations
If you put out decorations, take care to avoid anything that could be dangerous to your playful pet. That includes small or sharp items, and anything with strings, ropes, or cords, such as that plastic grass from Easter baskets.
Heat
It’s still chilly out, but it won’t be long before that sweltering summer heat is upon us. Make sure your furry little friend always has plenty of fresh water. (Tip: many cats enjoy using kitty fountains.)
Shedding
Shedding may not sound like much of a threat. To be honest, it usually isn’t. However, cats that shed heavily are at risk of hairballs, which may be more dangerous than you might think. Sometimes kitties can’t expel their hairballs, and they end up getting lodged and causing intestinal blockages. This is very painful and dangerous, and can even be fatal. Brushing Fluffy regularly will help, as you’ll be grabbing that fur with a brush before she swallows it.
Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Eau Claire, WI animal clinic, today!
