More Substances that are Hazardous to Cats

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Hazardous to cats? You may be surprised how many substances and objects around your home that can harm your feline friend. These items are around your home specially during holidays, special occasions, and major gatherings.

Foods Hazardous to Cats

• Raw meat (including poultry) - may contain parasites, E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria
• Meat-soaked string - can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems, or get tangled in the intestines; string is more enticing to pets when covered with meat or grease
• Poultry bones - fragile and can splinter in the throat and intestinal tract
• Raw egg - may cause biotin depletion; often harbors salmonella and other bacteria
• Gravy - high fat content can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis; often contains high levels of onion and garlic
• Macadamia nuts - contain an unknown toxin that can damage the cat's digestive system
• Uncooked yeast - can expand in the stomach, causing gastric problems and possible rupture
• Coffee/caffeine - contains xanthenes which can cause problems in the nervous, urinary, and cardiovascular systems

Decorations and Wrapping Hazardous to Cats

• Ribbon/Yarn/String - can be ingested and cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine
• Potpourri - dangerous essential oils
• Candles - burning/fire hazard
• Fireplace - shooting sparks and intense heat can harm your pet. Consumption of ashes can lead to burns (if still smoldering) as well as digestive problems and possible intestinal impaction
• Tinsel and Glitter - it can make your cat choke and possible cause intestinal obstruction
• Low-hanging ornaments - fragile and small ornaments, if ingested, can tear the esophagus and intestine if ingested
• Christmas lights cords - can cause pet strangulation and electrocution hazard
• Food on the tree (popcorn, candy canes, gingerbread people) - varying degrees of indigestion, diarrhea, and other digestive problems
• Batteries - filled with harmful acids
• Perfume/Aftershave/Cologne/Essential Oils - toxic to animals
• Ribbons and bows - can cause choking and bunching or obstruction of the intestines

Christmas Tree and Decorations

• Unstable tree - in addition to ingesting small and broken ornaments, fallen tinsel and needles, and exposure to wires and other hazards on the tree
• Artificial snow - mildly toxic, however larger amounts can cause intestinal blockage
• Ornaments - deep lacerations can occur from playing with ornaments; ornaments may be made of toxic materials
• Tree Water - sap, insecticides, flame retardants, and fertilizers can seep into the water - bacteria can form over time; to prevent your cat from drinking it, be sure to use skirt to cover basin

If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, be sure to contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

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