Things You Shouldn’t Own If You Have a Cat

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By Nick Gerhardt, The Family Handyman

Yarn

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Cats like to play with string toys and yarn might be a good, cheap toy, but it's not. It can present a choking hazard and damage their intestines if swallowed.

Wires

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Kittens will be tempted to play with electrical wires and have a tendency to gnaw on them. But there's one thing you can do to prevent that. Try placing split flexible plastic conduit over wires.

Himalayan Salt Lamps

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Himalayan salt lamps caught on because of their reported health benefits but they're not real beneficial for cats who have been known to lick them. But cats are especially susceptible to salt poisoning and the salt lamps can cause diarrhea, seizures, lethargy and even death.

Bones

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Bones can be tough for cats to digest and become a choking hazard due to unusual sizes. Keep your cat off the counter and minimize the chances it'll eat something it shouldn't.

Mini Blinds

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Kittens can get caught in mini blinds and hurt themselves if you don't discourage them from walking near them.

Treated Toilet Water

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Cats will try to drink water from the toilet so it's important that your tank doesn't have cleaner cake inside because it can be deadly if they consume water from a toilet with a cleaning cake.

Aloe Vera

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An aloe vera plant at home might be nice for you personally but it's a potential disaster to a cat. It'll induce vomiting and diarrhea if a cat consumes it.

Flowers and Plants

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Easter Lilies

While they may be pretty, lilies are one of the most poisonous plants for cats. Petside suggests keeping them out of the house (or better yet, purchase artificial flowers). Be aware of symptoms of lily poisoning which include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Call your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested lily. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that without immediate care, cats who eat lily may develop life-threatening kidney failure within 36 to 72 hours of ingestion. 

Bread Dough

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Chances are you don't often have unbaked bread dough around the house but if you bake from time to time, it's best to keep the bread dough out of reach. Even a little raw bread dough will expand once consumed and can kill a pet.

Liquid Potpourri

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Liquid potpourri is hazardous to cats when ingested because it can damage their esophagus. Liquid potpourris can burn the skin and mouths of cats and they lack some of the liver enzymes to metabolize liquid potpourri.