Pet parents know there are some things that cats shouldn’t eat. What they might not realize is that many more toxins than they know about are present in their cats’ environment. Food, medication, house plants and cleaning products can be dangerous to cats, but our feline friends could access them at any moment. To prevent poisoning in cats, pet parents should learn about toxic substances and the symptoms associated with them. When you’re more aware of your cat’s surroundings, you’re better equipped to seek medical help if poisoning does occur. Here are the most common household toxins to watch out for in your home. Ingredients in human food Cats are very curious creatures. If they find food, they might want to taste it. A cat may steal bits of food from plates and open containers while their owner is in another room. Some cats have also been known to rummage through trash bins and fish out discarded table scraps. In other cases, a pet parent or guest may inadvertently offer food that’s actually poisonous to cats. Cats can develop any number of symptoms from eating toxic food. The symptoms range from mild to life-threatening, and they depend on which toxin the cat ingested. For example, cats that eat chocolate may experience vomiting, diarrhea, panting or a rapid heart rate. Garlic often causes anemia in cats, which is characterized by lethargy, fast breathing and yellow gums. Any toxic food can trigger a range of respiratory, neurological and gastrointestinal problems, as well. The following foods are highly toxic to cats: Chocolate Garlic Onions Leeks Chives Grapes Unripe tomatoes Raw potatoes Alcohol Indoor and Outdoor House Plants House plants (both indoor and outdoor) also pose a risk to your cat’s health. Plants are a common cause of poisoning because cats can come into contact with them while the owners aren’t watching. Cats may nibble the flowers, stems or leaves of potted plants sitting on low tables or shelves. Indoor outdoor cats may roam the gardens and come across plant species that are highly poisonous. Much like with human food, the symptoms of plant poisoning depend on the species that was ingested. For instance, lilies can cause drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, digestive upset and kidney failure. Generally speaking, many plant species cause inflammation in the skin, throat and mouth. The cat may also experience coughing, sneezing or a red, itchy rash. Here are some common plants to avoid: Lily Amaryllis Aloe vera Daffodil Tulip Hyacinth Pothos Poinsettia Pet and Human Medications Many cases of poisoning stem from pet and human medications. Owners might accidentally leave open pill bottles on the counter. Some owners will administer human pain killers and probiotic supplements in the hopes that they’ll work on their cats. Humans and cats metabolize substances differently, which means the ingredient levels in human medications are way too high for cats. Even medication designed for cats can lead to poisoning if they’re given in the wrong dose. Drug poisoning usually causes gastrointestinal symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea and general discomfort in the abdominal area. Some cats may also develop a fever, lethargy or a rapid heartbeat. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea often lead to dehydration, a serious side effect of drug poisoning that can quickly turn fatal. Keep these medications in a safe location away from your cat: Aspirin Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Antidepressants Melatonin Supplements Flea and tick treatments Household cleaners and yard products Household products contain dangerous chemicals that are highly poisonous to cats. They could inhale airborne particles from air fresheners, cleaning sprays or essential oil diffusers. Cats that venture outside could come into contact with fertilizer, pesticides or antifreeze, which they ingest by grooming their fur. These products can lead to many common signs of poisoning—vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, dehydration and rapid heartbeat, among others. Some essential oils may cause additional symptoms depending on which plant species they’re derived from. For instance, eucalyptus oil may cause drooling, seizures and confusion, while peppermint oil is linked to liver failure and damage to the nervous system. Make sure your cat doesn’t come into contact with any of the following products: Essential oils Fertilizers Antifreeze Cleaning sprays Laundry detergent Pesticides Rodenticides Many toxins exist in your cat’s environment. You can keep your cat safe by recognizing which substances are poisonous and placing them in hard-to-reach locations. Even still, there’s always a chance poisoning could occur, so it’s important to know the symptoms and report them to your vet right away. Acting fast can save your cat’s life! Source: https://petwellbeing.com/

INDOZONE.ID – A cat's fur is a crucial part of its body. Without fur, a cat would feel cold, look thin, and appear unkempt. Fur on cats serves several purposes: protecting the body, regulating temperature, providing distinctive color, repelling water, shielding against sunlight and rain, protecting the skin, functioning as a sensory tool, providing warmth, preventing infections, and acting as a reservoir for keratin and protein. Here are some ways we can prevent fur loss in cats. Let’s dive in! 1. Bathing Cats Regularly To maintain a cat's cleanliness, it’s important to bathe them regularly. According to the National Cat Groomers of America, cats need to be bathed at least once every 4–6 weeks.To prevent them from getting cold, make sure to bathe cats when the environment is warm, ideally between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.   2. Regularly Brushing a Cat's Fur Brushing a cat’s fur not only prevents hair loss but also helps remove dirt, dead fur, skin flakes, fleas, and oil.Additionally, brushing stimulates blood circulation and improves overall skin health.This activity should be done at least once or twice a week to maintain the cat's health and prevent hair loss.Older cats, in particular, may not be able to groom themselves properly, so brushing their fur can be a great help.   3. Ensuring the Cat Stays Hydrated Water is essential for all living beings, including cats. Just like humans, if a cat doesn’t drink enough water, it can experience dehydration.When dehydrated, certain bodily functions may be disrupted.One area affected is the skin, which can become dry and lead to fur loss.To prevent hair loss, ensure your cat drinks enough water daily.   4. Adjusting Their Diet Diet plays a significant role in the health of any living creature, including cats.Through food, cats receive the nutrients their bodies need. A cat’s fur condition is also influenced by the food it consumes. A diet rich in protein is essential for cats.Protein is the primary nutrient for hair formation. Thus, protein-rich foods are vital for maintaining a cat’s healthy fur. Jerry Xu, the owner of Bridge PetCare, explained that his company’s cat food is made using “freeze-dried” technology, where real meat is frozen at a temperature of -38°C for 26 hours. “With the introduction of NatureBridge Daily Care, we hope pet owners and their beloved pets can live healthier, happier lives, and grow old together,” said Jerry Xu during an event in Jakarta on Thursday (July 25, 2024).   (Source: https://life.indozone.id/news/434907981/bulu-kucing-peliharaan-rontok-dan-alami-sulit-buang-air-kecil-ini-solusinya)