A Guest Post for National Poison Prevention Week

Author Susan Daffron has written a new book called Happy Tabby, about caring for adopted cats. Some of you may have seen the review on Chris' blog yesterday. I hope to do a review soon too, but on first glance, it seems like a handy book to keep on your shelf, whether you are a new pet parent or an experienced one.

I'm happy to host Susan today at our seashore in honor of National Poison Prevention Week. Perfect timing, as some of us are celebrating a wonderful, yet dangerous for pets, holiday this weekend -- Easter. I hope we can all keep the chocolates away from the dogs, and the lilies away from the cats (my Tim will chew on anything green!), so we can enjoy the holiday with our family and friends and not the local vet emergency staff. :) Welcome Susan!

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Thank you for letting me write a guest post for your blog!

My name is Susan Daffron and I'm the founder of the National Association of Pet Rescue Professionals (http://www.naprp.com) and the author of books on caring for adopted dogs (Happy Hound - http://www.HappyHoundBook.com) and adopted cats (Happy Tabby - http://www.HappyTabbyBook.com).

This week is National Poison Prevention Week and I'd like to offer a few tips people can take to keep their cats (and other pets) safe from poisonous substances. As every cat owner knows, cats and particularly kittens love to get into things. That old saying "curiosity killed the cat" can be all too true when it comes to poisons.

Cats are hunters and unfortunately people often use poison to kill rodents or other "varmints" in their house or yard. In the world of toxic substances, you sometimes see references on labels about injury or death of "unintended target species." If a cat hunts, kills, and eats a poisoned rodent, she can become one of those "unintended targets." (So can kids, dogs and wildlife!)

Another unintentional way cats are poisoned is when humans attempt to give them over-the-counter medication. For example, acetaminophen, which is used in Tylenol and various cold medications is extremely toxic to cats. Never give your cat Tylenol; one tablet can kill a cat.

Cats are particularly sensitive to chemicals absorbed through their skin, so read labels carefully on the pet-care and household products you use. Topical flea products, soaps, cleaning chemicals, and insecticides you might use in your house or garden often contain chemicals that are toxic to cats, so read the label of any product you intend to use.

Also be sure to "pet proof" your household. Many common houseplants and outdoor plants are toxic to cats. The ASPCA site has a lists of toxic plants and other common poisons.
Toxic Plants - http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplants
A Poison Safe Home - http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_poisonsafe

Any time you suspect your cat may have been poisoned, get her to a veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment can save her life. You want your cat to stay healthy and live a long time, so take a few simple steps to keep her safe.

Comments

[Sara]

Thank you for this post...and for helping me keep my Killian safe!

[Chris]

Good things to be reminded of periodically.

[Sydney]

Thanks for the good reminder!

[Sue]

Thanks for these very helpful tips and guidance! My three kitties don't get into much trouble and I wouldn't dream of giving them medication that they didn't get from their vet, but I know there is probably numerous ways they can get into trouble, so it's good to be reminded about ways to keep them safe and happy.

[Sheepish Annie]

Timely and useful information! My vet gave me quite a bit of information when I got my first kitten and I was shocked by how many things in my home were toxic to the new baby. You gotta be aware!

[Susan Daffron]

Thanks Debby for giving me the opportunity to spread the word. I hope all your kitties stay safe. I'm happy to say my cats have never gotten into anything either; that's a vet trip I don't want!

- Susan Daffron