| Congratulations on adopting your new cat! As you | | | | eye pencil sharpeners small and dangerous but some |
| are preparing to bring your cat home, here are a few | | | | ingredients in your makeup may be toxic for your cat |
| items to remember to create a safe and fun | | | | and very expensive for you to replace at the make |
| environment. | | | | up counter! |
| Cat proofing your home is similar to child proofing | | | | Gentlemen, keep the seat down. It is now a safety |
| your home with a few additions. Did you know that | | | | hazard, not only to the woman in your life, but also |
| almost all house plants are poisonous to cats? Tulips | | | | to your new kitten. If they fall into the bowl, they |
| and tomato plants (green fruit, stems and leaves) | | | | will not be able to get out. |
| can be hazardous to their health. Make sure you are | | | | Don't forget the garage! This is a veritable playground |
| aware of the boundaries and pay attention to your | | | | for a cat with plenty to explore. Especially that bottle |
| cat as they are meandering across the mantle. Not | | | | of very sweet tasting fluid that humans call |
| only do you not want them to tip the vase, you | | | | antifreeze. Oil, gasoline, pesticides, painting supplies |
| don't want them to eat the contents! | | | | are all hazards to your cat. |
| Cats are notorious for jumping on kitchen | | | | As you are coming in from the garage, remember to |
| countertops. Make sure all of your left-overs are | | | | make sure the cat is in the house. Felines are |
| properly disposed of or put away in sealed | | | | wanderers and will want to go about exploring what |
| containers. Chicken bones are brittle and can easily | | | | you are doing and where you are going. They are |
| lodge in your cat's tiny throat. As you are cleaning up | | | | stealth-like in their expeditions so make sure you are |
| the kitchen, make sure your trash can is secured in a | | | | aware of where they are! When you are closing |
| sealed closet or with a lid. The trash holds enormous | | | | closets and doors to rooms, double check that fluffy |
| interest for cats and dogs alike so take steps to | | | | is out in the open and not hiding behind the clothes |
| secure it. Also, make sure all cleaning supplies are put | | | | hamper. Be mindful of appliances like dryers, washers, |
| away in a closet. Bleach, detergent, cleaning solutions | | | | microwaves and ovens. Cats can explore these |
| are very toxic to cats. | | | | appliances if the doors are left open so double check |
| Move room to room to evaluate any previously | | | | when you use them. |
| unnoticed choking hazards. Everyone has extra | | | | Did you remember the candy dish? Chocolate |
| buttons that are cut from that new suit and tossed | | | | contains a substance called theobromine that is toxic |
| aside on the dresser, closet floor or beside stand. | | | | to animals. Less than one ounce per pound of |
| Pick up any small objects, for example, dental floss, | | | | bodyweight can have catastrophic affects on cats. |
| yarn, thread, beads, needles, rubber bands, buttons, | | | | Cover the candy dish. |
| nails, and ribbons. | | | | Most of the potential hazards can be avoided with |
| Did you know that Pepto and Tylenol are toxic for | | | | appropriate precautions. Make space for your new |
| cats and are two of the most notorious culprits that | | | | house mate with toys of their own. Giving them their |
| send fluffy to the vet? Keep all medicines, over the | | | | own toys will divert them from yours. A little |
| counter and prescription, tucked away in the | | | | investment in their health, safety and entertainment |
| medicine cabinet. | | | | can reduce any danger and provide a fun |
| Ladies, keep your make up put away. Not only are | | | | environment. |