
April is Active Dog Month
The month of April is Active Dog Month. This month-long…
Spring is a time filled with renewed energy, Easter celebrations, more time spent outdoors, spring cleaning, and home improvement projects. However, before you spring into action, consider taking note of the potential dangers these seasonal activities can pose to your feline family members.
Open windows, while a sensational way to enjoy the spring air, can potentially put your cat at risk. Cats can quickly jump or fall through unscreened windows if they are not in place correctly. Make sure all windows are equipped with secure, sturdy screens before opening them up to enjoy the spring air6.
Easter baskets are fun to look at and more fun to make and receive. However, this holiday candy can often contain chocolate and other ingredients that can affect your kitty’s nervous system. It is best to keep these goodies far out of paw’s reach.
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum and candy, can be toxic to pets. Xylitol increases the release of insulin in dogs and cats, causing a decrease in blood sugar levels7. Consider checking all product labels to see if they contain Xylitol before bringing them home or around your pet.
Some common household products that contain Xylitol include:
Plastic eggs and colorful, shredded Easter grass are all part of the fun of the season. However, cats love anything they can explore, try out, and possibly play with or eat.
If any of these decorations are ingested, your kitty could wind up with a blockage in the digestive tract. It’s best to leave all baskets and Easter goodies in a hidden, hard-to-reach location during this holiday.
Spring is the perfect time for a new, clean start! However, the same chemicals that make your cleaning products effective can be toxic to pets. To keep your curious cat safe, read the labels of all cleaning products – even those that are labeled “natural.”
Additionally, beware of alcohol, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide around your cat. According to The Humane Society, cleaning products that have powerful odors should alert cat owners to danger8.
Here are some spring cleaning safety tips to consider to help keep your furry friends safe:
Chances are spring cleaning will include garage cleaning or garage reorganizing. Since a change of seasons involves yard work, many people will be packing up the winter items and taking out the outdoor lawn and garden gear. Many of the substances most toxic to cats are seasonal, outdoor products9.
Some examples of toxic products include items such as:
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to any poisonous substances, contact your veterinarian or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888) 426-443510.
If your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, chances are she is eager to get outdoors and soak up some sun. It won’t be long before fleas and ticks are out in force as well. So, if Kitty is not on year-round preventative medication, now is an excellent time to check in with your vet and start a parasite preventative.
You may be diligent about keeping your cat close to home. However, suppose she is catching some rays on the catio, and an uninvited animal wanders onto your property. In that case, your pet is at risk for certain diseases.
Ask your veterinarian if your cat is up-to-date on all vaccinations. If not, it’s a good time to update any of your feline friend’s expired vaccinations.
Here at PetFirst1, we know accidents and illnesses can happen to all pets. PetFirst Pet Insurance1 can help cover unexpected vet visits2 and can provide peace of mind. PetFirst Pet Insurance1 has cat and dog insurance policies2 to fit every budget.
Consider getting pet insurance for your furry friend today.
1PetFirst Healthcare, LLC (“PetFirst Pet Insurance” or “PetFirst”) is the program administrator authorized to offer and administer pet health insurance policies underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company, with its main office at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, or New Hampshire Insurance Company or The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, each with its main administrative office at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60661. For costs, complete details of coverage, and a listing of approved states, please contact PetFirst Healthcare, LLC.
2Like most insurance policies, insurance policies offered by PetFirst Healthcare, LLC contain certain exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force.
7Xylitol Kills Pets! What You Need to Know Right Now!
9Top Cat Poisons: Plants, Medications, Insecticides, and More
10ASPCA