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Keeping yourcat safeESSENTIAL GUIDE 5

Cats are naturally inquisitive animals and while most will enjoyhappy lives free from danger, their curiosity can get them intoscrapes from time to time. As a responsible owner, you’ll wantto do all you can to protect against unfortunate incidents.You also have a legal duty of care to provide for your cat’sneeds and ensure he is protected from pain, suffering, injuryand disease.Above all, Cats Protection recommends that you:• have your cat neutered – this reduces the risk of your catfighting and sustaining injury, contracting diseases orbecome lost• provide a safe and secure home, with thoughtful placementof his food, water and litter tray. Your cat will need his ownspace and plenty of enrichment to keep him happy andhealthy and encourage him to stay close to home• provide a healthy diet and appropriate health care –including vaccination, flea and worming treatment andregular vet check-ups• ensure your cat is microchipped – so if he goes missing, yourdetails can be quickly traced allowing you to be reunited• are aware of potential hazards and protect against themwhere possible• know what to do in case of emergency, or if your catgoes missing• consider taking out pet insurance, to give you peace of mindand the financial means to treat your cat should anythingunexpected ariseThis guide highlights some of the dangers faced by cats,suggests ways to minimise risk and gives advice on what to dowhen faced with an emergency.

The dangers at homePoisonous substancesCats are very susceptible to poisoning and a number ofeveryday household items can pose a danger to them. Ifyou suspect your cat may have eaten a poisonous substance,seek veterinary advice immediately – even if he appears well,delaying for just a few minutes may endanger his life. It isadvisable to keep the following chemicals firmly out of yourcat’s reach, as anything that gets on your cat’s feet or fur islikely to be ingested when he is grooming:• Antifreeze – is lethal for cats, so always keep this out of yourcat’s way and avoid using it in water features. Clear up anyantifreeze spills immediately• Disinfectants – particularly those containing phenol, whichusually go cloudy when added to water – are very toxic to cats• Decorating chemicals, such as white spirit• Pest control agents, such as:• slug bait – is extremely poisonous, especially if it containsmetaldehyde or methiocarb• rodent bait – avoid these, especially anticoagulant types.Even if kept out of the cat’s reach they can still cause harmif the cat eats a poisoned rodent• weed killers – particularly those containing paraquat• insect killers can be extremely toxic to cats• Dog flea treatment medication• Human medications – even drugs like aspirin andparacetamol can be highly toxic for cats• Certain human foods – including onions, raisins and chocolate• Poisonous plants – see over

PlantsA number of plants – lilies in particular – can be lethal. Sadly,cats have been poisoned by simply brushing against certainplants and then licking the pollen from their fur. It is advisableto avoid them if at all possible, whether cut flowers or grownin the garden.Plants to avoid include – but are not restricted to:• all types of Lily – Lilium and Hemerocallis species• Lily of the Valley – Convallaria majalis• Foxglove – Digitalis

A comprehensive list of plants that are dangerous tocats can be found on International Cat Care’s websitewww.icatcare.org. Cats are more likely to chew on plants ifthey are bored or are looking for grass to nibble, so plant someCocksfoot grass in the garden or in pots in the home. This isparticularly important if your cat doesn’t have access outside.FallsCats can fall from upstairs windows or balconies, so if you wanta constant supply of fresh air – particularly if you have a catwhich is kept indoors – it is advisable to screen the windowswith wire mesh – window screens are commercially available.Avoid giving your cat access to the balcony and make sure itis fenced off. Sadly a number of cats are injured or killed eachyear after falling from a height.Household appliancesSmall spaces are attractive to cats and it is natural for themto hide when feeling anxious, or just because they want apeaceful rest. Block off any areas where your cat could becometrapped and keep the doors of household appliances suchas the washing machine or tumble dryer, firmly shut. Keepyour cat away from hot surfaces and liquids. Cats may also beattracted to the water in your toilet, so make sure you leavethe lid down to prevent the risk of drowning.

Other indoor hazardsScreen off open fireplaces and always supervise your cat if youhave lit a fire. Take care with electric cables, sewing pins andneedles. In particular cats may be attracted to play with thecotton attached to sewing needles which can lead to seriousinternal injuries.It’s a good idea to rotate the use of toys to keep gamesinteresting for your cat but don’t leave your cat unattendedwith toys which could be shredded and eaten. Likewise, takecare during festivities and avoid leaving your cat unattendedwith dangling Christmas decorations and tinsel. Don’t let yourcat eat party food and make sure he has a safe place to hideand easy access to his food, water and litter tray during parties.Noisy party bangers, Christmas crackers and the generalcommotion can also be disturbing for your cat, especially if heis used to a quiet household.

Fireworks and partiesWhile firework displays and parties are entertaining for us,they can be distressing for pets. To ensure that your cat willbe safe and sound, keep him in after dark and provide himwith a litter tray, food and water bowls and a place to hide.During firework season, make sure that all doors and windowsare securely closed to prevent your cat from escaping. Try toreduce outside noise by keeping curtains drawn, which willalso reduce awareness of any flashes. Playing soothing musicor having the TV on may also help. Try not to reinforce fearfulbehaviour by overly comforting a cat that is looking anxious.A pheromone plug-in diffuser can be used to decrease anxietyand can have a calming effect – start using it a couple of weeksbefore the fireworks season starts and site it in the roomwhere your cat spends most of his time.

The great outdoorsMost cats enjoy spending time outside and benefit from doingso. However, if a cat is unfamiliar with his surroundings there isa chance that he could become lost. For more information, seeCats Protection’s Essential Guide: Indoor and outdoor cats.Keeping track of your catBefore you allow your cat outside, it is important that youensure that he is identifiable should he become lost or injured.MicrochipsCats Protection strongly recommends microchipping as thebest method of permanently identifying your cat. This is aquick and safe procedure and he won’t even be aware of thechip once it has been implanted. To find out more, see CatsProtection’s Essential Guide: Microchipping.

RoadsCats are natural hunters and will tend to be more alert at nighttime when rodents and other prey are active. Their eyes donot adjust as quickly as ours to changes in light intensity, sosudden bright headlights can be dazzling and disorientating.There is an increased chance of road accidents after nightfallso it is best to keep your cat indoors overnight. Timing mealsto coincide with rush hour may also help to keep your cat awayfrom busy roads.HarnessesSome people are worried about letting their cat roam freelyoutside, so they use a harness with a lead to enable their cat toexplore the outdoors safely. While some cats will cope with this– especially if they are used to it from a very early age – othersmay find it very stressful. Cats are free-roaming creatures andthey like to explore their environment at their own pace andchoose areas where they feel safe. This ensures they can easilyaccess suitable hiding places if they feel threatened.Many cats do not react well to being restrained so theexperience may be more negative than not having any outdooraccess. If a cat bolts while wearing a harness, it may also beat risk of entrapment. If you choose to use a harness, ensureyour cat is introduced to it gradually, and encourage positiveassociations by using food treats from his daily food rationto reward him. Ensure he is comfortable wearing it inside thehouse, before you attempt to take him outside. Monitor forsigns of stress and let your cat explore at his own pace. Allowhim to stay close to the sanctuary of shelter and bushes –rather than forcing him into open spaces. Unlike dogs, cats willnot learn to go to the toilet while on a lead and will be unlikelyto enjoy being taken for ‘walks’ outside in a place they don’tfeel safe.

Instead of a harness, consider securing the garden withsuitable fencing. Alternatively you could make the indoorenvironment more enriching by varying the scents andobjects – such as toys – to enable your cat to exhibit his naturalbehaviour. Use puzzle feeders and replicate the huntingexperience using fishing rod toys.Diseases and parasitesTo reduce the risk of infectious diseases, ensure that your catis fully vaccinated before allowing him outside. Cats adoptedfrom Cats Protection will have already been vaccinatedagainst cat flu which includes feline herpes virus (FHV), felinecalicivirus (FCV) and feline parvovirus (FPV) – also knownas entertitis. These vaccinations are included as part of ourMinimum Veterinary Standards (MVS), but regular boosterinjections are still needed. Consult your vet to discuss the bestprotection for your cat.Cats can also pick up parasites such as fleas, ticks and a varietyof internal worms. Speak to your vet to find out how toprevent and treat these parasites and bear in mind that indoorcats can also suffer.

SunburnCats with white fur – including those with white ears or noses– can be susceptible to sunburn during the summer monthsand sun exposure can be a trigger for a type of cancer. It iscertainly a good idea to try to offer some protection – we allknow how much cats love to lie in the sun!You may consider using a sunscreen to protect your cat’s earsand nose if you can’t restrict your cat’s access to the sun, butwe recommend that you discuss this with your vet first. It isvery important that product you use is suitable for cats, asthey can be sensitive to the chemicals. Cats groom themselvesregularly, so the effectiveness of using sunscreens to protectagainst sunburn or feline skin cancer is unknown. The best wayto protect your cat is to try to keep him indoors during thehottest part of the day and to provide shade in your garden –from plants, trees or other objects.PondsIf you have a pond, cats may be tempted to drink from it.To reduce the risk of them falling in, place some wire meshsecurely over the pond, or make sure that there is a low edgeso it is easy for a cat to get out. Ensure that any water buttsalso have a lid on them.

Sheds, garages and dustbinsMissing cats often turn out to have been accidentally lockedin garden sheds, garages or even bins. Check that a cat hasn’tcrept into outbuildings and wheelie bins before closing them.Cold weatherProvide shelter for cats that have access outside. Keep thedoors of sheds and outbuildings wedged slightly open – orinstall a cat flap. If you provide an outdoor water source, checkit hasn’t frozen over. Ensure your cat can reach his chosentoileting site and if your cat is seeing snow for the first time,consider giving him access to a safe and enclosed area such asa garden and accompany him when he goes out. Keep de-icingproducts safely out of reach and groom any rock salt residuefrom your cat’s fur.How do I encourage my cat to stay close to home?See Cats Protection’s Essential Guide: Indoor and outdoorcatsfor ideas for creating a cat-friendly garden and somefencing tips.

How do I keep my cat away from hazards in the garden?There are a number of humane ways to keeping your cataway from things that cause sickness or injury. Cats dislikethe smell of citrus fruit peel and can also be deterred usingchicken manure, or pellets of lion dung – this is available frompet shops.You can deter cats from certain areas of the garden byusing materials that feel uncomfortable under their paws.Suggestions include broken egg shells, stone chippings andprickly plants – ensure that the plants used are not poisonousto cats. If all this fails, clap your hands loudly or try aiming alow-intensity water pistol near your cat when he ventures intothe forbidden area.Indoor only catsCertain cats need indoor-only lifestyles. Blind and deaf catsshould be kept indoors as they are less aware of oncomingtraffic. Cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) shouldalso not be allowed outside – they can spread the virusto other cats and are also at higher risk of catching otherdiseases. If you adopt from an animal welfare charity like CatsProtection, we will advise you of any known health conditionsthat cat has and whether they should remain indoors. Youmay be able to provide some safe outdoor access if you have asecure, escape-proof garden. Cats kept solely indoors will needextra attention paid to ensure their environment is enrichingand they can exhibit their natural behaviour.

What do I do if my cat gets lost?At Cats Protection we understand how traumatic it can bewhen a much-loved pet suddenly goes missing. Follow thisadvice to aid your chances of finding him safe and well.LookCats are well known for their curiosity and ability to findunlikely sleeping places, so check the following places at homewhile calling your cat and ask your neighbours to do the same:• all rooms• cupboards• boxes and underneath beds• household appliances like washing machines• sheds and garages• vehicles• gardens• hedgerows – watch out for snares• lost and found sections in local newspapersAdvertiseCreate some flyers with a clear description of your cat –a photo is a big help:• put posters on trees – available from your local CatsProtection branch• distribute flyers to local shops, garages and Post Offices• contact local schools, newspapers and even radio• the internet and social media sites can be a great tool tohelp track down a lost animal

InformYou can also let individuals and organisations know – don’tunderestimate the power of word-of-mouth communication.Contact:• neighbours• local veterinary surgeons• your cat’s microchip database provider – ensure all yourcontact details are up to date• local schools – children are particularly observant when itcomes to animals• local Cats Protection branch – 03000 12 12 12• other local animal charities• the environmental health department of your local council• delivery people – post, newspaper, milk etc• some companies offer commercial help and support intracking lost petsAbove all, don’t give up hope – we hear so many tales ofcats being found and reunited with their owners, sometimesyears after they have gone missing. If you succeed in findingyour cat:• inform any people or authorities who have been askedto look for him• ensure he is microchipped in case he strays again andalways keep your contact details up to date with themicrochip database

EmergenciesWhat is an emergency?Cats hide pain very well and sometimes only show subtle signsof disease. However, it is generally more straightforward torecognise when a cat requires urgent emergency treatment.You may suspect or have witnessed a traumatic incident, orthe cat may be showing obvious signs. In an emergency, yourfirst point of contact should be your veterinary practice – makesure you keep their details in a handy place. Signs that a catrequires emergency advice and/or treatment include:• trauma eg road traffic accidents, dog attacks and falls• collapse• frequent vomiting and/or profuse or bloody diarrhoea• difficulty breathing, such as open-mouth breathing ormarked effort to breathe• continual/repeated straining to pass urine• dehydration – assess by pinching a fold of skin. If it does notrecoil immediately, the cat may require fluid therapy• any form of fit or convulsion• severe discharge from eyes, particularly if in combinationwith a thick nasal discharge• severe lameness• severe salivation/dribbling• a high temperature – signs include the cat being unwillingto move or feeling hot to touch, especially on the ears. Thethird eyelid may also be showing• signs of shock – pale lips, gums and eyes, a rapid heart rateand quick shallow breathing, cold extremities, lethargy,weakness and collapse

• difficulties when a female cat is giving birth – for moreinformation, see Cats Protection’s Essential Guide:Pregnancy, birth and caring for young kittensThis list is by no means exhaustive so if you are in doubt, seekveterinary advice. It is also advisable to contact your vet if yourcat’s routine habits or behaviour changes, as well as whenmore obvious signs of disease are apparent, such as coughingand sneezing, vomiting and diarrhoea or lameness. Even subtlesigns such as reduced activity, changes in vocalisation or anincreased appetite or thirst can indicate underlying disease.Your vet will be able to advise on whether urgent treatmentis needed.

First aidThe initial steps taken following an accident, illness or injuryare known as first aid – it aims to:• preserve life• prevent suffering• prevent a condition from getting worseFirst aid does not mean making a diagnosis or giving anymedication, but it can help to promote a good recovery.Where possible, expert help should be called immediately asattempting first aid can delay necessary veterinary treatment,compromising welfare. Cats may require oxygen therapy andspecialist care and delays can cost lives.All veterinary practices are required to make provision for 24hour emergency care – either via their own surgery or with analternative practice in the area. Ring the vets to find out whatto do. They can give you advice, let you know where to goshould emergency treatment be required and prepare for thecat’s arrival.Try to remain calm, as stress will affect your ability to help –you are more likely to do something wrong if you panic andit may worsen any stress of the cat. Take a deep breath andassess the situation – remember to consider the dangers to youas well as the cat. If the cat needs to be moved from where itis, find a suitable place to administer first aid nearby.

Remember that the most serious and most life threateninginjury will need attention first. This may not be the injury thatlooks the most dramatic – for example a bleeding wound orbroken leg may not be the worst injury, there may be othermore serious internal injuries.Wear protective clothing if available – distressed cats oftenscratch and bite. Avoid direct eye contact with the cat as itwill find this threatening and use slow, deliberate movementsand a calm soothing voice. Don’t ‘shush’ as you might with aperson, this can sound much like another cat hissing and canmake the cat more distressed.The cat may be frightened and in pain, so take extra care whenmoving him. Putting a towel over the cat before lifting himcan help to calm him. Use one hand in front of his front legs orunder the lower side shoulder if the cat is on its side. Place theother hand behind or under the back legs and move the catquickly and quietly onto a board or tray, blanket or into a box.Be very careful, not to disturb his position and avoid touchingany obvious injuries. Try to ensure he is contained in a carrier iftaking him to the vets, in case he suddenly tries to escapeShockA cat suffering with shock requires immediate veterinaryattention. Shock can occur as a consequence of any disease,injury or emergency and can be fatal in its own right. It maynot occur until several hours after a trauma and can makewhat was a minor emergency into a life-threatening one.Signs include pale lips, gums and eyes, a rapid heart rate andquick shallow breathing, cold extremities, lethargy, weaknessand collapse. Seek veterinary advice immediately. Use a towel

or blanket to preserve body heat if this does not distress thecat and keep him comfortable. Do not attempt to feed orgive water.BleedingBoth internal and external bleeding can be dangerous so seekveterinary help immediately. Pressure should be applied to anopen wound using a clean towel. If the blood soaks throughthe dressing, apply another on top. Do not attempt to removeany foreign bodies such as debris or nails as severe bleedingmay occur. Avoid attempting to apply tourniquets as these canresult in permanent damage and possible amputation.Fits, seizures and convulsionsFits or seizures can result from epilepsy, poisoning, organfailure or a lesion in the brain. Fits will vary in duration andfrequency. Signs of fitting include changes in behaviour,drooling, rigidity or paddling and muscle tremors and/orloss of bladder control. The cat may lose consciousness orcollapse. If you see this happening, remain calm and keep theroom dark and quiet. Avoid holding the cat and remove anypotentially harmful objects from the area. Observe closely,noting the duration and frequency of seizures and call thevet immediately.PoisoningRoutes of poisoning include ingestion, absorption throughthe skin and by licking substances off the coat. As there areso many different types of poison, there are also a numberof different signs that a cat may show after exposure to atoxic substance. These can include salivation, vomiting anddiarrhoea, twitching and fitting. Your cat may have breathingdifficulties, show signs of shock or collapse and go into a

coma. These signs tend to appearsuddenly so if you suspect thatyour cat may have ingested apoisonous substance, you must actquickly. If you can see the poison,then take your cat away from itimmediately and phone your vetfor advice in the first instance.You may need to take your catstraight down to the surgery.Inducing vomiting in your cat maynot be the best course of action.Look for evidence of what yourcat may have eaten and make sureyou take it with you to the vet.Even a sample of vomit may helpdiagnosis, particularly if it is anunusual colour or contains plantmatter. If you are suspicious yourcat may have been deliberatelypoisoned, speak with your vet and contact the RSPCA 24 houraction line 0300 1234 199. For more information, see CatsProtection’s Essential Guide: Cats and the law.MedicinesDo not use human medicines or creams without seekingveterinary advice – many are not safe for cats.For further advice on veterinary care, see our Essential Guides:Caring for your catand Pregnant cats, birth and care of youngkittensand the Veterinary Guide: You and your vet.

Cat GuardiansCat Guardians is the free service provided by Cats Protection,aimed at giving peace of mind to cat owners concerned aboutwhat might happen if they were to pass away before their cat.If you have cats, we know how much they mean to you. Shouldsomething happen to you, you will naturally want to makesure that someone is there to care for the cat or cats you love.Through our Cat Guardians service, individuals can makearrangements with us so that in the event of their death, wewill take care of their cats and try to find them a loving newhome. Furthermore, Cats Protection promises never to put ahealthy cat to sleep, so you can feel assured that we will giveyour feline friend all the love and care they need until we canfind them the new home they deserve. For more information,contact Cats Protection’s National Helpline on 03000 12 12 12or email helpline@cats.org.ukCats are free roaming and inquisitive animals, but they areusually careful to keep themselves out of danger. However, itcan be helpful to know the hazards to avoid and action to takein the face of an emergency, to keep your cat happy and safe.Learn more about your cat online!Take a look at our free interactive tool to help youunderstand cats’ origins and their behaviour within ourhomes. http://learnonline.cats.org.uk/content/ufo

essential Guides1 Caring for your cat 840012 Welcome home 840023 Moving house 840034 Feeding and obesity 840045 Keeping your cat safe 840056 Neutering – family planningfor felines 840067 When to let go 840078 Microchipping 840089 Understanding your cat’sbehaviour 8400910 Managing your cat’sbehaviour 8401011 Cats living together 8401112 Indoor and outdoor cats 8401213 Cats and the law 8401314 Cats and people 8401415 Caring for your kitten 8401516 Elderly cats 8401617 Feral cats 8401718 Pregnant cats, birth and careof young kittens 84018Veterinary Guides1 Arthritis 832012 Feline Lower Urinary TractDisease (FLUTD) 832023 Diabetes 832034 Itchy cats and skin disorders832045 Feline Parvovirus (FPV) 832056 Kidney or renal disease 832067 Cats with disabilities 832078 Hypertension 832089 Feline Immunodeficiency Virus(FIV) and Feline LeukaemiaVirus (FeLV) 8320910 Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) andFeline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)8321011 Heart murmurs and heartdisease 8321112 Hyperthyroidism 8321213 Feline asthma 8321314 Teeth and oral health 8321415 Fleas and other parasites8321516 Cat flu 8321617 Infectious disease andvaccination 8321718 Digestive disorders – vomitingand diarrhoea 8321819 You and your vet 8321920 Cats and pregnant women –Toxoplasmosis 83220For more information about Cats Protection or tomake a donation, please visit www.cats.org.uk orphone our Helpline on 03000 12 12 12.Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)JUL-13 CODE: 84005