Tips on Avoiding Chemical Hazards in Cats

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) announced that they managed more than 116,000 calls to its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) hotline in 2006, several of which pertained to common household items.

A newcomer to the top 10 category, this includes such harmful items as volatile petroleum-based products, alcohols, acids, and gases. In 2006, the APCC received more than 4,100 calls related to chemical hazards-an astronomical jump in call volume of more than 300 percent. "Substances in this group can cause a wide variety of problems," Dr. Hansen explains, "ranging from gastrointestinal upset and depression to respiratory difficulties and chemical burns."

Commonly-used chemicals you should keep your pets away from include ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals.