What common household items should I keep my cat away from

If you’re like me, when your cat wants something,  I want them to have it. Like food.  My cat Toby has no interest in human food, whereas Bear will investigate our dinner plates (never when guests are over) and we have to resist indulging her – so here are some tips to keep common household items that are poisonous to your cat
(courtesy of  Dorian Wagnerfrom The Daily Cat )

In the Kitchen
Many people don’t see any harm in slipping their cat a bit of their dinner (he’s begging!), but many spices and foods we cook with are poisonous to cats, to different degrees. Never allow your cat to have onions or onion powder; chives; garlic; grapes; mustard seeds; grapefruit, lemon, limes and other citrus fruits; chocolate; coffee; or chicken bones.

In the Bathroom
Most human medicines and vitamins are not good for cats. Always be particularly careful if leaving any out, and be sure to conscientiously find and pick up any dropped pills. Ibuprofen, aspirin, laxatives, diet pills, multivitamins and supplements could all be fatal if ingested by your kitty.

Bear also like to nibble on our houseplants, that’s why I grow cat grass for her, which is quite easy to do.
If you want to learn how to do it, Love Your Cat video, chapter 2 Kitty Care shows you how (plus tons of other helpful information).

Flowers and Home Decor
Plants make your home pretty, and flowers can smell great. But many houseplants are extremely lethal to cats. Among the most common: lilies, azaleas, begonias, birds of paradise, caladiums, carnations, chrysanthemums, daisies, gardenias, mums, peace lilies, poinsettias and tulips. Always research flowers before you bring them into your home.

Similarly, aromatherapy oils and candles can be hazardous to cats. Many of these contain pure extracts from other foods or flowers that are harmful, making them that much more toxic. Even just a small amount could prove fatal.

If you ever have any doubt about an item, a quick Google search can usually answer your questions. There are great resources, like the ASPCA, which provide extensive lists on their websites. The bottom line is to always double-check what you bring into your home.

By Dorian Wagner
From The Daily Cat