Gallery: 7 Must-Know Household Hazards for Cats Share this Article: Print Tags: Care, Cats, First-Time Pet Parents, Health, Ingestion, Kittens 1. String Can KillIf ingested, string, thread, ribbon yarn, etc. can cause life-threatening intestinal issues in cats. Learn more about string and cats, then check out these safer ways to play with your cat. (Photo: Hemera/Thinkstock) 2. Look Before You LockIt may seem strange, but some cats like to hang out inside the washer or dryer. Some cats, like Natasha who survived a 35 minute wash cycle, get lucky, but others don’t. Be sure you keep your kitty safe by looking before starting your laundry. (Photo: Hemera/Thinkstock) 3. Pass on the MilkWhat’s a better treat for kitty than a nice warm bowl of milk? Almost anything. Most cats are lactose intolerant, so a big bowl of milk for kitty will likely equal a big litter box mess for you. Side effects can include vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomachs, Susan G. Wynn, DVM, CVA, CVCH, an animal nutritionist in Atlanta, tells WebMD. (Photo: Hemera/Thinkstock) 4. Watch Those WiresMy own cat Toby had a love of curly wires, especially phone chords. Toby got lucky — he avoided getting shocked — but many cats can shock themselves and/or burn their mouths from chewing on wires around your house. Check out these tips for cat-proofing wiring in your home. (Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock) 5. Screen Your ScreensCats love to look out the window, but make sure your kitty is safe by checking and re-checking your screens. Cats may fall out of unscreened or poorly-screened windows. In fact, it happens often enough to have a name: feline high-rise syndrome. (Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock) 6. Take a Peek at Your PlantsMany cats like to snack on household plants. In fact, a great way to enrich your cat’s environment is to keep cat grass in your windowsill. However, be sure to check the ASPCA’s database of toxic and non-toxic plants to be sure your kitty’s treat won’t come with a nasty trick. (Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock) 7. Ban Those Rubber BandsMuch like string, rubber bands can cause serious and possibly fatal intestinal problems if they’re ingested by cats. Lucky us, there’s a simple fix — putting away your rubber bands and hair ties not only keeps your cat safe, it also keeps the house looking great! (Photo: F1online/Hemera/Thinkstock)
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