Mary Allen
Some cleaning products are not only dangerous for children, but also for cats. So always keep cleaning supplies out of reach of your curious cat. Also, be careful when cleaning your home that your cat doesn’t accidentally come into contact with the chemicals.
Dangers for cats in the home include cables, tilting windows, and unsecured balconies as well as cleaning agents. Sometimes it’s enough for your cat to sniff a bottle of cleaning product for it to be harmed.
Recognize Cleaning Products That are Dangerous for Cats
According to various advertising promises, modern cleaning agents remove dirt almost automatically, but they often contain substances that can be irritating or corrosive. You can recognize these dangerous household helpers by the conspicuous orange warning notices on the back. In most cases, the packaging also says “Keep locked up and out of the reach of children”.
Avoid Toxic Cleaning Agents If Possible
Ideally, you should avoid using these cleaning agents in a cat household – or use them in such a way that your velvet paw is not damaged. Because even small amounts can be poisonous for the animal. For example, when it gropes through spilled washing powder and then licks its paws.
How to Protect Your Cat From Poisoning
You should therefore keep aggressive cleaning agents in lockable cupboards: there are often residues of the agent on the packaging, which can get into the mucous membranes through curious sniffing or licking. Your house tiger should not be around when cleaning. Make sure he’s in a different room so he doesn’t inhale toxic fumes. Then you should wipe the treated surfaces thoroughly with water and let them dry. So your cat lives safely.
What To Do If Your Cat Has Ingested Cleaning Products?
If, despite all safety precautions, your cat poisons itself with a dangerous cleaning agent, take it to the vet immediately. Take the cleaner’s packaging with you so the veterinarian can take appropriate action and administer an appropriate antidote.
Poisoning usually manifests itself through the following symptoms :
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Increased salivation
● Trembling
● Cramps
● Drowsiness
● Symptoms of paralysis
● Restlessness
● Constricted or dilated pupils
Beware of Fragrances & Essential Oils
While essential oils and fragrances are not cleaning agents, they can also be dangerous for your cat. Occasionally, essential oils are recommended as home remedies to make your home smell nice, keep parasites away from your cat, or stop your cat from gnawing on furniture. Even if the supposed home remedies sound harmless because they do not harm people and sometimes also dogs, you should never use them without consulting your veterinarian. Fragrance lamps, incense sticks and the like should be kept out of the reach of cats or ideally not used at all.
These fragrance oils are particularly dangerous:
- Tea Tree Oil
- Thyme Oil
- Oregano Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
While citrus scents are not toxic to your cat, they are very unpleasant. For example, if you’ve cleaned her litter box with a citrus-scented cleaning product or wiped it next to her food bowl, she may avoid the litter box and no longer want to eat in the usual place.