6 Hazards to Protect Your Cat From This Fall
Fall is just around the corner, and with the onset of pumpkin spice and sweater weather comes a new host of seasonal hazards for your cats. From insects to hazardous chemicals, there are plenty of ways for your fur babies to get themselves into trouble.
So as you get ready to turn back your clocks, take stock of those dangers with this list of autumn cat hazards and enjoy a happy and healthy fall season with your four-legged friend.
Fleas love cats
For both indoor cats and outdoor cats, vets across the country see an uptick in fleas this time of year as people start to turn on their heat. That’s because the extra heat triggers hatching in any eggs that have gone unnoticed in your carpets or other soft furnishings to hatch. You can protect your cat from fleas with preventative medications from your vet. But there are also some natural flea repellants you can use to help keep them off your cat and out of your home, including:
Cedar Chips
Lemons
Rosemary and Cumin
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dish Soap
Lavender & Chamomile
Coconut Oil
Cat-toxic indoor plants
While you might be tempted to bring the outside in as the weather takes a cold and dreary turn, keep in mind that not all plants are safe for cats. While some cause mild digestive upset, others can lead to kidney injury, organ failure or even death. See our post detailing 25 Safe Houseplants for Cats for ways to safely incorporate indoor plants into your cat-friendly home.
Kitty arthritis
With colder weather comes stiff and achy joints for older cats. Make sure to keep your home warm enough and provide access to soft blankets and bedding. If joint stiffness seems to be affecting your cat’s quality of life, you can also talk to your vet about ways to ease the symptoms and limit discomfort.
Glow Sticks are toxic to cats
Just like children and parents, cats are naturally drawn to the colorful glow of luminescent sticks and necklaces. Unfortunately, the same chemicals that make those glow sticks shine so brightly, can cause mouth and stomach irritation for your cat. Ingestion can cause symptoms like drooling, foaming from the mouth, vomiting and stomach pain. Keep your cat safe by making sure any glow sticks or necklaces stay well out of reach.
Tick-borne feline illness
Ticks are extremely common this time of year and can spread diseases that cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and anemia in cats. Protect your cat by keeping her inside or checking for fleas and ticks when she comes back in.
Antifreeze is a common cause of cat poisoning
While it’s common for car owners to top off their antifreeze this time of year, most don’t realize that cats are attracted to the sweet taste of its main ingredient, Ethylene Glycol. If not caught immediately, Ethylene Glycol poisoning can cause kidney failure in cats, so make sure to keep it well hidden from any curious feline friends.
