This is a visual reminder that the warm, secure home that domestic cats so often enjoy can be a hazardous place. As dangerous as outside the home in some instances. It depends on the quality of caregiving. Things like the human medication in the form of a pill on the bathroom floor can be fatal. And don’t go near lilies if you live with a cat. The alarm bells ring. DEFCON 5 alert! Advocates of full-time indoor cat living are probably more aware of these dangerous things than most. They are often benignly common and innocent looking. They don’t look dangerous to cats either. And some are completely invisible and odourless such as fire retardants in furniture which can disrupt a cat’s endocrine system leading to an idiopathic illness.
And what about carpet chemicals added to the carpet to improve its durability? Cats lie around on carpets. What kind of hidden, insidious damage are they causing? We have no idea. But we do know that there are a number of illnesses and conditions for which there are unknown causes. Maybe it’s the carpet?
It is a little ironic that a lot is spoken about the dangers to cats outside the home, notably in the USA there are coyotes and other predators. And road traffic, the biggest cat killer I suspect. But I wonder if the number of domestic cats harmed inside the home equals the number harmed outside the home? We don’t have the statistics. They’d be interesting though.
If someone can do me a favour and find a comparison, I’d be eternally grateful.
P.S. ChatGPT an AI computer answered the following question “What are the top ten most dangerous things for cats in the home?” as follows:
- Poisonous plants: Many common household plants can be toxic to cats, such as lilies, poinsettias, and mistletoe.
- Medications: Cats can be sensitive to certain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which can be toxic if ingested.
- Household cleaners: Many cleaning products can be harmful if ingested or inhaled by cats.
- Electrical cords: Cats are naturally curious and may chew on electrical cords, which can result in burns or electric shock.
- String and yarn: Cats may swallow string or yarn, which can cause intestinal blockages.
- Open windows: Cats can fall from open windows or balconies, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Cars: Cats can be injured or killed by cars if they are allowed to roam outside.
- Other pets: Dogs and other animals can cause injury or harm to cats if they are not properly supervised.
- Insecticides and pesticides: These can be harmful if ingested or inhaled by cats.
- Small objects: Cats may swallow small objects such as buttons, beads, and marbles, which can cause intestinal blockages.
It is important to keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are safe, and also to keep these items out of their reach.
Below are some articles on hazards.
