Make a safe environment for your cat by cat proofing your home.

Things we may never think about that are always around our home can create dangerous situations for our cats. After reading 25 Ways to Cat-Proofing Your Home in CatFancy magazine July Issue, I thought I would share the top 10 which in my opinion of a surprise and never thought of.  Please keep in mind these are only a few of the 25 ways to keep your cat safe in your home which one can obtain by purchasing either a subscription to CatFancy magazine or purchasing the PDF version of the complete article.

1. Large appliances: Washers, dryers, and dishwashers can be a fun and adventurous place for cats to go. They love climbing into places that we may not think of. So remember to always keep lids shut.
2. Hot Surfaces: Our cats are notorious for climbing on kitchen appliances and stove tops. Unlike dogs they are more agile and can climb on to the stove without making a sound. So make sure everything has cooled off before letting your furry felines into the kitchen, or near space heaters.
3. Kitchen Counters:  Onions and chocolate are harmful to cats, leaving unattended food could get your cat sick. Always dispose of bones and trash properly and not leave them lying around for your curious cat to find. Even leaving baby bottles on the kitchen counter can become hazardous for cats that love milk. They may try to break the bottle open.
4. Detergents and cleaners: like baby proofing, keeping detergents and cleaners in child proof level doors is always a great idea.
5. Rodent and insect repellents: Sometimes when we see unwanted rodents and insects we instantly get the bug killing spray and rat traps out. Please remember that our cats can get trapped by the rat traps and can get sick from bug spray.
6. Furniture: Folding furniture can trap cats. Always check for cats before returning furniture to their normal positions.
7. Cords and wires: Phone, TV, and Internet cords are examples for wires that entice cats to come play. Keep cords bond to prevent our furry friends from getting tangled or shocked.
8. Flames: Candles create a soothing environment and warms a room, but candles can also burn paws and singe whiskers. Never leave your candles unattended.
9. Blinds, Drapes, and Curtains: Try to keep drapes and curtains out of reach of young cats, otherwise they will be trying to climb up them. Also try and shorten your blind cords to prevent accidental strangulation.
10. Plants and Flowers: Some plants are deadly to cats; always check to make sure that the plants being brought into the house are feline friendly.

It is our intention to provide you with helpful articles on everything related to your pet as we find and deemed them worthwhile.

Pet Safety Tips During Springtime!

For many the Spring season is a that time of year where one attempts to complete those much needed home improvements and all effort is made to clean out all excessive clutter.

The Spring season should not only be directed to the cleaning or home improvement but rather should also in some way be an opportunity to take care of your pet safety needs during and after this season. The weather one encounters during this time can prove to be not-so fun for your furry curious pet friends. So, before you embark on your seasonal chores or outdoor cleaning frenzy take inventory for potential springtime hazards your delicate pet friend my encounter in and around your home.  The following seasonal tips are available to you whom ASPCA experts have come up with to help you prevent mishaps or misfortunes.

Screen Yourself
Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk—especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows. If you have adjustable screens, make sure they are tightly wedged into window frames.

Buckle Up!
While every pet parent knows dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the bed of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.

Spring Cleaning  
Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.

Home Improvement 101
Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards, including nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.

Let Your Garden Grow—With Care
Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren’t meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Always store these poisonous products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Check out our full list of garden care tips.

Ah-Ah-Achoo!
Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause minor sniffling and sneezing as well as life-threatening anaphylactic shock. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Pesky Little Critters
April showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet.

Out and About
Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

Peace for your pets
Consider your pets when planning Easter gatherings. Loud noises, sudden movements by excited children and large groups of people can be highly stressful to pets. Your pet may not want to participate in the neighborhood Easter egg hunt or family dinner and may prefer to hang out in a quiet area of the house during the celebration. But don’t leave your pets out of the fun – prepare a special pet-friendly Easter basket for them with special treats and toys.

The above tips are provided by webstervet.com and are additionally referenced by ASPCA