The things mentioned in the title are potential sources of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and a study in Taiwan found that high concentrations of these particles ‘was significantly associated with respiratory disease in cats, suggesting potentially harmful effects of indoor air pollutants on feline patients’.
The classic image of a cat enjoying the warmth of a fireplace would appear to be ignoring the hazards.
Nowadays people are less likely to burn wood and coal in fireplaces. But it still happens, more so perhaps in developing countries. Cooking fumes are normally encountered anywhere.
Also outdoor PM 2.5 particles can come into the house from outside when the home is near a busy road as vehicles produce high levels of fine air particles.
Indoor air pollution of this kind affects the lung development of children. The study was based on the hypothesis that pets with respiratory disease were more commonly exposed to air pollutants in their homes. The study confirmed this. The results for the dogs was inclusive incidentally.
The study involved 230 dogs and 118 cats.
