Kitten Hazards

Kittens are cute and loveable but they can get into all kinds of trouble. Their inquisitive nature frequently puts them in harm’s way unless they are carefully watched. Everything is new and exciting to a kitten, but not everything is safe, and as kittens explore their world, hazards abound. Here is a list of some common hazards with links to more in-depth information.

Kittens tend to explore their world with their mouths. Exposed electric cords can be quite tempting, and chewing through these cords can result in serious, even fatal, injury.

Not only do kittens enjoy playing with cords, they also love to play with string or yarn. Although a kitten playing with a ball of string is adorable, kittens commonly swallow some of the string. This can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction and a need for surgery. Always supervise your kitten when playing with string and don’t allow him to swallow any.

Anyone who has ever owned a kitten will agree that they always seem to be getting into things. Ingesting foreign objects or toxins can all result in illness. Other popular items include fishhooks, human medications and plants, particulary Easter lilies. Common toxins, such as ethylene glycol and rodenticide, are also a danger and can poison your pet.

Although you may think your kitten is adorable, other animals may not agree. Kittens don’t know how to tell a friend from a foe, and this can lead to animal attacks and bite wounds.

Children and kittens have many things in common, one of which is their interest in reptiles and bugs. Various species of snakes are venomous and even a couple of spider species can cause serious sickness. Click here to learn about pit vipers or coral snakes. Also, you can learn about black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders.

Insecticides are very dangerous and exposure can cause significant illness. If you use insecticides such as organophosphates or carbamates, be very careful to keep them safely locked away from your kitten. Flea products can also be dangerous, particularly if a product made for dogs is applied to a cat.

And lastly, at holiday time, special holiday hazards abound. Make sure the holidays stay joyous and keep your kitten away from all the potential dangers.