It has happened! Spring has sprung! If you are like me, you are excited about the longer days and warmer weather on the horizon. However, if you have a cat, this time of year could spell trouble for her health. If she has been inside all winter, cooped up and cozy, she is far more susceptible to irritants in the environment, including exposure to toxic chemicals; parasitic diseases; injury from over-exertion; and maybe even a spontaneous encounter with a creature of the great outdoors that might not necessarily want to befriend your cat.
Then there is the issue of Easter, a celebrated holiday for us, but a potential disaster for your cat. Even though your kids – or even you! – may enjoy an Easter basket filled with a variety of chocolate treats and goodies, these are toxic to pets. Plus, all of that neon green fake grass in the baskets can create a toxic wasteland in your cat’s belly. Adding to the list of potential hazards are the small toys, which present a choking hazard for all pets.
Then we have the allergies. When it’s Spring, we cannot avoid this seasonal culprit. Just like us, cats can experience seasonal allergies and may sneeze, cough, scratch excessively, lick and chew if dust, mold and pollen get into their system. If you think your cat is having an allergic reaction, please consult your veterinarian for the best course of action/treatment.
Love those bountiful Spring bouquets? We all do! I love the smell of freshly cut flowers. Sadly, these can prove to be fatal to your cat, especially lilies, which happen to be my personal favorite. Every single part of the plant – including the pollen, flower and leaves – are poisonous. So please keep these well out of reach or just out of the house period.
And with Spring comes the temptation to open your windows to allow the fresh air to dance right into your home. Before you turn up the volume on that freshness, be sure to inspect your screens and window sashes to make sure your cat cannot fall out or escape. Also, be sure to check your screen door for any holes and make sure all of your windows that do not have screens are opened just enough to let the stale winter air escape….but not your cat!
We hope this information doesn’t put a damper on your Spring fun! We just wanted to share with you (via petmed.com!) some of the potential hazards that tend to accompany this time of year! The more you know, the better prepared you will be to ward off any potential dangers and the more fun you can have instead!
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
