KITTEN CARE

There is often talk of all kinds of dangers facing a cat in the wild, but even the home environment can make a dangerous place for a curious kitten. With some foresight, these dangers can be controlled in a good way, reduced or sometimes even eliminated.

• Electrical cords and wires: Kittens may chew on electrical cords and wires, which can cause electrocution or injury. Make sure to keep cords and wires out of reach or cover them with protective tubing.
• Toxic plants: Some of the plants found in our homes could be poisonous. Whether the cats get sick or not, depends on how much they ingest. The entire list of poisonous plants is too long to enumerate here, but here is a link that should give you a good idea about the most commonly found plants that are toxics for our cats and kittens. 
• Household cleaners: Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are toxic to cats. These cause severe burns and tissue damage to the skin and to the central nervous system. Keep cleaning supplies and other chemicals in a secure location out of reach of your kitten.
• Insecticides: Insecticides could cause anything from breathing problems, internal bleeding and diarrhea to coma and death. Quick treatment is of utmost importance if the cat is to survive.
• Human food: Some human foods can be toxic or dangerous to cats, including chocolate, onions, garlic, and alcohol. Keep human food out of reach and avoid feeding your kitten table scraps.
• Small objects: Kittens may swallow small objects such as buttons, rubber bands, or coins, which can cause choking or internal damage. Keep small objects out of reach of your kitten.
• Medications: Keep all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, out of reach of your kitten, as many medications can be toxic or deadly to cats. One should never give a cat medicine meant for humans, as cats are very sensitive to several medicines. Numerous cats have died because their owners gave them human medication.An example of how wrong it can go is when you give your cat a "nice" painkiller like aspirin. This pill contains acetylsalicylic acid which is poisonous to cats! Paracetamol is also very poisonous for cats, as well as medication with ibuprofen as its working substance.
• Open windows and balconies: Kittens may fall from open windows or balconies. Make sure all windows and balconies are secured to prevent your kitten from falling.
• Tobacco : Tobacco from a regular cigarette is not as bad for a cat as snuff is; however, if your cat has ingested either, you should take it to a veterinarian who can pump out the cat’s stomach and keep it overnight for observation.

If your cat has been poisoned, it is vital that you get it to the veterinarian ASAP. If you have any idea about what the cat could have eaten, bring the box or a sample of it. This could make it easier to get a correct diagnosis and treat the cat quickly.

By being aware of these potential dangers in the house and taking steps to mitigate them, you can help ensure that your kitten stays safe and healthy.