Health Tips For Your Outdoor Cat

     Adventurous, curious, fearless. The qualities you love about your cat can also get him into trouble. But you, being an informed pet owner, will know how to keep your cat out of harm's way.

Lawn Chemicals
     Read the precautions for pesticides and herbicides carefully and keep pets away from newly-treated yards. If pets come in contact with chemicals, wash their feet, abdomen and chest thoroughly and call your veterinarian. Keep toxic items like herbicides and insecticides securely locked up.

Poisonous Plants
     These include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry and plant bulbs.

Allergies
     Common pet allergies include pollen, grass and weeds. If your cat scratches excessively or chews at its paws, bring it to your veterinarian for an exam.

Parasites (External)
     Frequent brushing provides early warning of parasites and skin infections by lifting the coat and permitting a view of the skin below. Fleas, ticks and ear mites thrive in warm, humid environments. See your veterinarian to set up a preventive program.

Parasites (Internal)
     Most internal parasites found in cats are worms. One of the most common is the tapeworm, which cats contract by ingesting fleas, lice, or rats and mice that already have tapeworms. Ask your veterinarian about symptoms and treatment for internal parasites your cat may come in contact with.

Cars and Critters
     Don't let your cat roam. (Just in case, make sure your cat is licensed.) They're susceptible to fights, injuries, infections and bite wounds. And, of course, your pet is no match for a car. Also, in winter cats like to get under the hood of a warm car. Check before you start up!

Cats and Water
     Although cats can swim, they don't have the endurance of dogs. Trying to scramble out of a swimming pool or backyard pond can be too difficult for some cats. Kittens in particular are susceptible to falling into tubs, buckets, even kitchen sinks from which they can't escape. Don't leave your cat unsupervised around water. And if you take your cat boating, use a pet life jacket or harness to keep your cat safe.

 

 

 

             Health Tips For Your Indoor Cat

     You may think your cat leads a sheltered life, but it's a jungle in there. Common household items can spell trouble for your cat unless you take action first.

Electrical Cords

     Young, teething animals (and even some older ones) love to chew. Keep electrical wires out of reach or use a pet-repellent spray.

Chocolate
     It's no treat for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Also sweets, cakes and cookies can upset a young animal's gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.

Bones
     Never give turkey or chicken bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury. Instead, give your cat a treat intended specifically for cats. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or ask a salesperson at your pet supply store. As a precaution, keep your garbage can secure from cats' access.

Household Products
     Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline and especially rat poison. Keep them locked up.

Poisonous Plants
     These include lilies, philodendron, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry and plant bulbs. In addition, avoid these plants for holiday decorating unless they are kept out of your pet's reach: Christmas rose, mistletoe, poinsettia and star-of-Bethlehem.

Personal Care Items And Medications
     Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair "perm" solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, aspirin and especially acetaminophen can all be lethal to pets.

Plastic Bags
     Don't leave plastic bags out. Inquisitive animals can suffocate.

Hot Stuff
     Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots, stove elements and space heaters. Cats can jump to amazing heights. And always use a fireplace screen. Cats love warmth so much, they'll sit on stoves, radiators and furnaces! But excessive heat can dry out their skin, and some cats even get burned without realizing it. Keep hot areas covered or off limits to your cat if possible.

Small Stuff
     If any or all of something will fit in your cat's mouth, it's dangerous. Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons and even pantyhose. Because what goes in must come out, often via surgery.

Windows
     Cats love to look out windows. But if they get distracted by a bird or squirrel, they have been known to jump out, even from great heights. And contrary to popular belief, cats don't always land on their feet. Keep windows closed or securely screened to keep your cat safely inside.