Orlando Sentinel publishes instructions on how to kill a cat
Do you want to learn how to cruelly slaughter a cat? Don’t be concerned about having to search in the strangest corner of the Internet. The wackos are now contributing to the Orlando Sentinel by submitting opinion pieces! This week, a Florida newspaper published an opinion piece written by Ted Williams, who was editor-at-large for Audubon Magazine at the time of the article’s publication but has since been downgraded to “independent journalist” according to reports (according to a newly revised byline).
In his opinion, TNR is a religion, that it is terrible to cats and hazardous to the public, and that we pro-TNR zealots should simply shut up and shut up about what we believe in.
There is nothing fresh, and there is nothing factual.
Here’s something completely different.
- Williams, it appears, has the ideal solution for dealing with this blight on society, and he isn’t afraid to express his thoughts.
- Shouldn’t we just put them to death?
- “There are two practical and compassionate alternatives to the cat-killing practice of trap-neuter-return.
- However, the TNR lobby has successfully prevented its registration for this purpose.
- In this video, Ted Williams, of the National Audubon Society, reveals a clever approach for eliminating cats.
- I only hope you’re as startled and upset as we are by what’s happened.
- Now, if you click on the op-ed link provided above, you’ll note that the passage we quoted has been removed.
But don’t worry, according to Peter J.
Evidently, someone at either the newspaper or the Audubon Society discovered just how radical Ted’s political beliefs are before they were published.
They could argue that he wasn’t encouraging you to murder cats in the traditional sense.
It’s what I’d term a “wink, wink” type of thing.
In order for this dialogue to be productive, there must be some common ground.
While we believe in the usefulness of TNR programs, if someone has a superior idea, we’d be interested in hearing it.
People like Ted Williams, who believe that mass killing of feral cats by a pain pill-wielding public is the best answer, should keep their manifestos to themselves; that kind of fiery raving has no place in polite conversation….
Williams, in our opinion, is also not entitled to any compensation from the National Audubon Society.
Williams be demoted even more, ideally to the position of part-time custodial arts engineer.
We’re also interested in knowing where you stand on the subject of feral cats, Audubon. The timing couldn’t be better for you to embrace the practice of TNR. By the way, we approached the Orlando Sentinel about publishing a reply opinion piece, but they turned us down.
Top 5 Cat Poisons
It has been determined by the Pet Poison Hotline that the following are the top five causes of cat poisoning:
No. 1: Medications for people
The sensitivity of pets to many popular over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals that may be found in your house is far higher than that of humans. Some of the drugs that are commonly used to poison cats are as follows:
- Naproxen and ibuprofen are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). These pain relievers, which are the most prevalent cause of pet poisoning, can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines, as well as renal damage. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is highly poisonous to cats, causing red blood cell destruction in these creatures. It is possible for felines to die after taking just two extra-strength pills. It is possible that antidepressants can induce vomiting and, in more extreme cases, serotonin syndrome – a hazardous disease that elevates the temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may result in seizures. Benzodiazepines, such as methylphenidate, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are stimulants for dogs that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
No. 2: House plants
Ibuprofen or naproxen are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These pain relievers, which are the most prevalent cause of pet poisoning, can induce stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as renal damage. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is extremely harmful to cats, causing red blood cell destruction in the process. It is possible for felines to die with just two extra-strength pills. It is possible that antidepressants could induce vomiting and, in more extreme cases, serotonin syndrome — a hazardous illness that elevates the temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may result in seizures; It is a stimulant for dogs, elevating heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
- Lilies. Ingesting even little amounts of Easter lilies and similar plants can result in serious renal failure in cats
- Azaleas and rhododendrons are also toxic to cats when consumed in large quantities. Tulips and daffodils, two beautiful floral plants, carry toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stupor, and even death in certain cases
- They are poisonous. The bulbs of these plants, if consumed, can result in major stomach issues, convulsions, and heart damage
- Sago palms are one example of such a plant. A few seeds may be enough to produce vomiting, convulsions, and liver failure
- However, many seeds may be necessary.
No. 3: Insecticides
Animals that swallow lawn and garden products, such as those who groom themselves after wandering through or resting in a newly treated area, may be poisoned as a result.
No. 4: Household cleaners
In the same way that household cleaners such as bleach may be poisonous to humans, they are also a leading source of pet poisoning, which can result in stomach and respiratory system issues. Aside from laundry detergent, other popular home items that are harmful to cats include kitchen and bath surface cleaners, carpet cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners.
No. 5: Glow sticks and jewelry
In the same way that household cleaners such as bleach may be poisonous to humans, they are also a leading source of pet poisoning, which can result in stomach and respiratory tract issues. Aside from laundry detergent, other typical home items that are harmful to cats include kitchen and bathroom surface cleaners, carpet cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners.
Other common sources of poison to cats include:
Cats and dogs are adversely affected by this sugar replacement.
Chocolate
Several plant meals have been shown to irritate the stomach and harm red blood cells.
Rat and mouse poison
These plant meals can irritate the stomach and cause red blood cells to break down and become damaged.
Pet medications
As with humans, medications designed to treat us can cause illness or death when administered incorrectly. Cases of pet poisoning caused by veterinary pharmaceuticals are relatively rare. Pain relievers and de-wormers are among the treatments that have been linked to adverse reactions in the past.
Chemical hazards
It should come as no surprise that chemicals found in antifreeze and paint thinner, as well as chemicals used in swimming pools, may be toxic to cats. Stomach trouble, sadness, and chemical burns are just a few of the symptoms they might cause.
Heavy metals
If your cat consumes lead, which may be found in paint, linoleum, and batteries, he or she will become toxic. Lead can induce gastrointestinal and neurological disorders if it is swallowed.
What to Do for Suspected Cat Poisoning
If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned, try to maintain your composure. It is critical to act fast yet logically in these situations.
First, collect any suspected poison that has remained on the premises; this will be useful to your veterinarian and any outside specialists who may be called in to aid with the investigation. If your cat has vomited, make sure to gather a sample in case your veterinarian requests to view it.
Poison Protection: Pet-Proofing Your House
The most effective strategy to lessen the likelihood that your beloved cat will become a victim of pet poisoning is to keep him or her away from potentially harmful chemicals.
- Ensure that any medications, even those in child-proof bottles, are stored in cupboards that are out of reach of your cat. It’s important to check for any pills that you may have dropped on the floor very away. Children and older individuals who may require assistance with medication administration should be closely monitored to ensure that they do not accidently drop a tablet. Always read and follow the label instructions on flea and tick products, and never use treatments intended for dogs on cats. Some “human foods” can be given to pets as a treat without causing harm, but others are poisonous to them. If you have any doubts regarding what is safe, you should consult with your vet. Alternatively, you might err on the side of caution and provide goodies designed expressly for animals. Make certain that any rodenticides you use are stored in metal cabinets or on high shelves so that your dogs cannot get them. Keep in mind that cats can be severely poisoned if they consume a mouse that has been exposed to these chemicals, so exercise extreme caution while using these products. If you put out rat bait, tell your neighbors about it so that they can protect their pets from exposure, and ask them to do the same for you. When choosing plants for your house, look for ones that will not cause difficulties if your cat decides to nibble on them while you’re away. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains an online list of poisonous and harmless plants organized by species. If you decide to keep hazardous plants in your home, make sure they are maintained in a location where your dogs will not be able to get them. All chemicals and cleansers should be kept in locations of your home where pets will not be able to reach them.
If you fear that your pet may be in danger, please call Aspen Grove Veterinary Care at (970) 416-0232
QDT gets commissions from qualifying purchases made through its Amazon Associates and Bookshop.org Affiliate programs.
Antifreeze
Among the ingredients in antifreeze and rust removers is a chemical known as Ethylene Glycol, which has a pleasant fragrance that cats find appealing at times. Keeping these materials out of reach of your cat, as well as ensuring that your car is not leaking antifreeze that may puddle up in your driveway or garage, can help to keep them safe from poisoning.
Ribbons and Yarn
We’ve never met a cat who didn’t like pounces on ribbons and bows. If ribbon is one of your cat’s favorite toys, be sure to keep an eye on him while he’s interacting with the toy. Keep it out of reach of your cat for the remainder of the time. A ingested piece of ribbon, yarn, thread, tinsel, or even dental floss can wrap itself around your cat’s intestines, causing an obstruction or possibly severing the intestines altogether. If you believe your cat has swallowed an object of this nature, take him to the veterinarian right away for an x-ray.
Rat Poison
if you or a neighbor are dealing with a rodent infestation and your cat comes into contact with a rat or mouse that has ingested poison, your cat may become poisoned as well. Loss of appetite, paralysis, and tremors are some of the signs and symptoms of rodenticide poisoning. It is best not to use poison to get rid of rodents, and you should take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as you suspect he has come into contact with poison.
House Plants
Despite the fact that we think of cats as carnivores, the majority of them like snacking on greens every now and then. Cat grass may be grown at home or purchased from a pet store, allowing your cat to enjoy his own personal salad bar in his own house. In the meanwhile, educate yourself with this thorough list of plants from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) that are hazardous and non-toxic to cats.
Flea Medication
Permethrin is a substance that is poisonous to cats that is occasionally found in flea and lice treatment solutions for dogs and people. In the event that you want to employ a flea treatment on your cat, be certain that it is labeled exclusively for cats. If you have to use a product that includes Permethrin on your dog or your child, be sure that your cat is not exposed to this substance.
Human Food
Cats are normally not as obnoxious as dogs when it comes to asking for food from humans, but they can occasionally surprise us with unexpected dietary desires. Grapes, chocolate, and onions are just a few of the foods that can be harmful or even lethal to a cat. It’s important to remember that onion powder is a component in certain snacks and infant food. Given the growing body of data indicating that cocoa mulch can be detrimental to dogs, you may want to consider using another mulch in your yard and garden.
Liquid Air Fresheners
In certain liquid potpourri, there is cationic detergent, which can cause severe burns to your cat’s mouth and digestive system if he consumes it.
It may also cause irritation to his skin. Opt for an air freshener that your cat will not be tempted to ingest or one that is non-toxic to cats. Check out our fantastic assortment of homemade air fresheners that you can produce in your own house.
Bones
While fowl and fish are delicious treats for cats, make sure they are boneless if you are allowing them to partake in these tasty morsels. Splintered bones might become lodged in your cat’s digestive track, causing it to become obstructed or punctured. When it comes to eating, canned goods are often the best option. Were any of the items on this list that you should keep away from your cat a surprise to you? Please spread the word about this post to your relatives and friends who own cats! And for for more pet advice, check out ourPet Tipsboard on Pinterest.
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments area below or on the Who Knew?
Anna Boudinot provided the image for this post.
Killing Stray Cats With Tylenol Is “Humane,” Audubon Writer Says
It seems like everyone has a neighbor (well, some of you are that neighbor) who has a heart for all of the stray animals in the neighborhood. Cat Lady or Cat Dude scatters paper bowls full of Meow Mix on the pavements, and the scraggly, fiercely independent kittens go to the streets to tomcat all over town. You could believe your neighborhood Cat Lady is quite nice, or perhaps weird, depending on your point of view. However, do you know who truly despises the Cat Lady? Bird watchers. A major battle between cat lovers and bird enthusiasts is currently raging across the country (who say wild cats are nonnatural predators threatening bird species and other critters).
- This month, the subject prompted controversy at two well-known newspapers after an Audubon writer published a disturbing op-ed in theOrlando Sentinel that sparked outrage.
- This is a challenge for local governments, who must determine how to deal with the animals.
- Cats should be seized, transported to a veterinarian, implanted with a microchip, neutered, and then released.
- However, the cat-loving community suffered a setback in January when a study based on the work of experts at the Smithsonian Institution and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service was issued.
- Cat lovers have criticized this research as fear-mongering and anti-cat public relations, but in Florida, the findings may have an impact on a piece of legislation now circulating in Tallahassee.
- It would establish that community cat programs that employ TNR are not liable for abandonment or unauthorized release of cats, as defined by the law.
- It was cleared by the Agriculture Committee of the House of Representatives by a vote of 14-0 last week.
Ted Williams, an Audubon writer and skilled environmental journalist, wrote a commentary for the Orlando Sentinel on March 14 in which he described TNR as a “dangerous, inhumane, and unlawful technique.” He stated that “in Florida, where rabid cats attack people,” the majority of wild cats are infected with a feline variant of AIDS, according to him.
Afterwards, he stated that there are “two viable, compassionate alternatives to the cat hell that is TNR.” One such poison is Tylenol (the human pain reliever), which is a highly selective feral cat poison.
Trap and euthanize is the alternative option.
After cat lovers, of course, called for Williams’ removal from office (and pointed out that Orlando Sentinel readers were stupid for allowing this tacit endorsement of cat murdering to stand), Audubon initially announced that it had “suspended its contract” with Williams, which was later revised to “terminated.” However, in a blog post published on Tuesday, the CEO of the National Audubon Society stated that Williams will continue to work for the publication.
- Despite the fact that Williams’ op-ed “raised severe problems of judgment” and that Audubon “totally rejectsthe concept of anyone poisoning cats or treating cats in any cruel manner,” David Yarnold claimed that the organization has forgiven the writer.
- According to the resolution, governments should manage feral cats and neuter them instead of putting them down.
- The online version of Williams’ piece on the Orlando Sentinelhas been toned down to remove the passage concerning Tylenol in the meanwhile.
- While the comment was not wrong, it was inappropriate since it may be interpreted as a recommendation to go out and start poisoning stray cats, which would be dangerous.
- I should have gone with a more generic, less well-known moniker.
- I strongly advise people against taking the law into their own hands.
Instead, they should delegate the task to specialists. In his final statement he stated that his job as “editor-at-large” of Audubon magazine, which he had described in his initial post, was “a freelance, not a paid, one.” “I am sorry for my slovenliness.” Follow us on Twitter at @NewTimesBroward.
The Pet Poisoner Next Door
As a result, the stories nagged at me, they plagued me, and the question followed me about. What is the reason behind this? Why? I realize that my personal collection of news articles reflects only a fragment of the overall dismal picture, but bear with me. It has taken me a long time to uncover a genuinely strong statistical analysis, but I have had mixed luck, generally coming across a patchwork of facts. The website Pet-Abuse.com maintains a “cruelty database,” which, as of today, has 351 criminal pet poisoning instances, the most recent of which were a dog poisoning case in November and a cat poisoning case in October, both of which occurred in the state of Florida.
- The fact that animals can come into contact with harmful chemicals on their own – and, to be honest, poisoners rely on this fact – makes it difficult to establish a criminal case in some cases.
- My hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, is home to a forensic detective whom I know well.
- She responds as follows: “Has Myrtle Maly’s case from 2005, Spaight St., come up for your consideration?
- There are several ways to search for it, such by user name, date, location, or case number.
- Maly has been found guilty of two misdemeanor counts of intentionally poisoning an animal.
To answer your question, the active component in d-Con isbrodifacoum, which is a very dangerous anticoagulant that is frequently referred to as a “superwarfarin.” Maly, who was then 76, wound up as a case study in The Smoking Gun, primarily because she was so unrepentant: *’When I see these small feathers, I’ve had enough.
- He drove me there,’ she said to a detective.
- Because the birds are pleased right now, I get a wonderful vibe.
- The gray catbird was the subject of a research in Washington, D.C., which discovered that domestic cats were the leading cause of bird death in the region.
- Granted, some of these disputes include wild cats, like in the most recent high-profile episode, which occurred once again in the Washington, D.C.
- A National Zoo staffer was captured on surveillance footage poisoning food placed out for cats living near a public park.
- In this case, the accused, Nico Dauphine, worked as a zoo researcher with a degree in bird conservation.
- In exchange for her cooperation, she received a one-year suspended sentence as well as 120 hours of community service and a court order to avoid cats.
“We are thrilled that justice was done today,” said the Washington Humane Society, which researched the poisonings and took the uncompromising view that even stray cats deserve a poison-free existence.
Top Cat Poisons
Your cat is inquisitive, and they like to poke their nose into strange areas. While they are exploring, they may come face to face with some less-than-obvious risks in your house. It only takes a little effort and knowledge to “cat-proof” your home, ensuring that your cat is secure and healthy at all times.
Human Medicines
Some human over-the-counter and prescription medications pose major risks to cats, so keep them out of reach of your feline companions. These medications include:
- Diet pills
- Pain remedies (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Vitamins and other nutritional supplements
- Antidepressants
- Cancer medications
- Cold medications
You may have heard that several popular medications are effective for both humans and cats. If you don’t consult a veterinarian before administering medication to your pet, it’s simple to give them the wrong medication or too much, which might result in their death.
Human Foods
Even though your kitten may beg when you sit down to eat (or attempt to sneak a few bits while you aren’t looking), some human meals can be deadly to them, such as the following:
- Foods that include alcohol include: coffee, soda, tea, chives, chocolate, garlic, grapes, onions, raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free gums, candies, and toothpastes), yeast dough.
Indoor and Outdoor Plants
There are some common houseplants – along with a few others that you can bring into your home – that might be harmful to your cat’s health, including the following:
- Aloe, Azalea, Chrysanthemum, Hyacinths, Lily, Marijuana, Mistletoe, Rhododendron, Sago Palm, Tulip, and more flowers
Insecticides and Other Chemicals
Cats enjoy the taste of some substances in particular. Keep any chemicals, especially those that are hazardous to their health, locked away.
- Antifreeze, bleach, detergents, de-icing salts (which dogs may walk over and then lick off their pads)
- And other chemicals. Medications for treating fleas and ticks in dogs (include tablets, collars, spoot-on flea treatments, sprays, and shampoos)
- Fertilizers, herbicides, insect and rodent bait are all available.
More Household Hazards
Keep an eye out for common home objects that might suffocate or strangle your feline companion. If they are swallowed, they may possibly cause a blockage in their intestines.
- Chicken bones, dental floss, twine, or thread are all good options. Decorative elements for the holidays, such as lights and tinsel toys with tiny or moveable pieces
- Movable parts toys
If Your Cat’s Been Poisoned
If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to anything harmful, every second counts in this situation. Make an appointment with your veterinarian. The phone number for the clinic, as well as the number for the Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435, should be posted in an easily visible location. They can assist you in determining what to do next. Compile a collection of examples. Bring samples of your cat’s vomit, feces, and the poison he or she ate to the veterinarian with you. Keep an eye out for signs and symptoms.
Some symptoms, on the other hand, may appear more gradually.
- Breathing difficulties, confusion, coughing, depression, diarrhea, and dilated pupils are all possible symptoms. Increased hydration and increased urination Stomach aches and pains
- There was a lot of saliva
- Seizures, shivering, skin irritation, tremors, vomiting, and weakness are all possible symptoms.
Educate. After your cat has recovered, contact your local poison control center or humane society to inform them of what occurred. This will allow them to trace down the source of the poison and avoid injury to other animals.
Three Guys Explain How and Why They Kill Cats
Free-roaming cats have been branded “tsunamis of violence and death” by former environment minister Greg Hunt, who claims they are responsible for the extinction of 4 million native birds, reptiles, and insects every night. We could run out of fauna in a week based on that figure, but there’s little question that cats eat their way through a significant amount of animals every year. So much so that the government is reportedly planning to exterminate two million cats by 2020, according to official estimates.
And then there are the cat-killing guys.
Their homes are located in various parts of the nation, but they volunteered to speak anonymously about their cat-killing behaviors in exchange for anonymity.
And while they are all driven by a desire to safeguard local species, their motivations and methods of killing differ from one another significantly. They explain themselves in their own words in this section.
LewisLabourer and bird watcher
A galah in the possession of a rogue cat. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons When I was approximately ten years old, I ventured beneath the house and discovered my father drowning a cat. I was previously aware that he was capturing cats in cages in the backyard, but it was the first time I witnessed him emptying the cage into a wheelie bin full of water. I was shocked. When I inquired as to what he was doing, he just stated what he was doing with the cats and his rationale for doing so without any embellishment.
- In my previous life, my beloved bird, an adorable peach-faced parrot, had been murdered by the neighbor’s cat, so I could understand what she was going through.
- When I was younger, my father was hired by the National Park Service to undertake conservation studies on migrating birds, and I used to accompany him on these expeditions.
- Now that I’m 29, I’m still a big fan of bird watching.
- They are captured and placed in a cage inside the bin, which is then sealed shut after ten minutes.
- As long as you don’t have to watch the cat drown or something (since you’re not a sicko), you can just drop it into the darkness and wait a little while longer (or longer).
- Doing it in a wheelie bin is undoubtedly the cleanest method, and it also attracts the least amount of attention.
- You don’t want to be bothered with cleaning up after yourself; you simply want to get the job done and get rid of the body.
- It’s not a pleasant thing to do in any way.
- The sort of reputation you want to have is not the one you get.
- Most people believe you’re some kind of barbarian, similar to serial killers who begin by killing animals before moving on to people, but it’s not exactly the case.
In their ignorance, the cat may be struck by a car, and if it is struck by a car, the consequences are the same as in their ignorance. That’s how I see it, at least. You’re only carrying out the pound’s wishes and desires.
SteveWildlife carer and bird watcher
Another stray cat with a bird of prey. Image courtesy of a Flickr user Brisbane City Council is a local government organization in Brisbane, Australia. When I was approximately 14 years old, I accidentally murdered my first cat. It all started with a fascination for birds when I was very young, and it has been a lifetime obsession ever since. Then, as I grew older, I became more interested in the effort to safeguard bird populations. I’m 66 years old today, but I could see the negative impact cats were having on local animals even when I was in my teens.
- In all of my years of working with animals, I have never seen a single bird or reptile survive a cat bite or scratch.
- Unfortunately, a large portion of wildlife care is devoted to putting animals out of their misery, whether the cause of death is a cat assault, a dog attack, or a motor vehicle accident.
- It’s not something I particularly love doing, but for every one of them that I murdered, I just considered the number of native creatures that I may potentially save as a result of my actions.
- I don’t keep track of how many cats I’ve killed throughout the years.
- The highest concentrations of feral cats were found in desert locations, which was surprising.
- I’ve always had a gun in my possession.
- Furthermore, baiting is extremely unpredictable since there are a large number of local creatures, some of which are endangered, that will consume baits as well.
- Some people drown cats, while others gass cats with the exhaust of a car, which I have heard of.
- It is a personal choice, and there are many different ways to go about it.
- I support culling, and I believe that harsher rules against irresponsible pet ownership should be enacted.
I no longer own a firearm, and I am not currently engaged in cat-killing activities. I’m not interested in getting into a fight with the cat lobby. I mean, you’re going to get it regardless, but I don’t want to rile them up.
TerryTradesman and duck owner
Another stray cat has been discovered. Again, courtesy of Flickr user NottsExMiner. I’ve only ever gone through with murdering a cat on one occasion. It all started when I purchased two little Indian runner ducklings, who were quite awkward but otherwise uninjured. It took them two months to grow big enough to survive on their own, so they spent the first two months with us in the home. I treated them as if they were my own children, and as I watched them grow and stumble around the back yard, I became increasingly aware of how many cats were living on my street and how frequently they were slipping into my garden to get food.
- However, one night as I was putting them into the cage, I observed a cat sitting in the cage, eager to greet them.
- Basically, I had no prior experience with cat killing, but I was able to locate a possum trap for $60 on eBay, order it, and place it up along the side of the house within a few days.
- As the night descended, I could hear the trap spring, followed by the hissing and meowing of this cat.
- It was decorated with a purple collar and a bell.
- It worked well.
- It was a little unnerving.
- In the end, I just sat there and waited for all of the bubbles to burst.
I began digging a hole and burying the object.
It was absolutely strange.
I suppose there was an adrenaline surge, but it was more due to the dread of being caught than anything else.
The finality of really murdering something, on the other hand, is a whole other sensation.
The females with whom I was staying quickly realized that I’d slaughtered a cat that had been someone’s pet, and they intervened to put an end to the situation.
I’m a rather ordinary individual.
But it was something I felt I had to do to protect the ducks, so I went ahead and did it.
So I think I’m the type of person who is capable of murdering a murderer when it comes to something that I am deeply concerned about.
After a while, the ducks began to wander freely along the canal at the back of our property. Occasionally, they would return for food, but eventually they were able to provide for themselves entirely. I let them go free, and I believe they began reproducing. Nat may be followed on Twitter.
ORIGINAL REPORTING ON EVERYTHING THAT MATTERS IN YOUR INBOX.
To receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, ads, and sponsored content, you must agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy prior to signing up.
6 Common Items That Can Kill Your Cat
If you’ve recently used chemicals to sanitize an area, don’t let your cat inside it since it might put their health at risk. Photo:StockSnap Do you have a cat of your own? Is it possible for you to identify which products in your home are hazardous to them? Everyone has a variety of goods in their homes that assist them in maintaining a smooth household operation. However, if you have a cat, you should take some precautions to ensure that you are not neglecting their well-being. This is because some of these common household things might be hazardous to their health.
6 Common Items That Can Kill Your Cat
Human pharmaceuticals are among the most prevalent objects that might cause your cat’s death, according to the ASPCA.
1. Human Medications
Toxins from human prescription pharmaceuticals were the most common cause of pet death in 2017, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “Prescription medications were responsible for 17.5 percent (34,888) of all APCC cases…. In addition to pain relievers and antidepressants, cardiac drugs are among the most often requested prescriptions by the APC.” Cats may mistake a pill on the ground for a reward and ingest it, resulting in hazardous and frequently fatal repercussions for the feline population.
The same is true for ibuprofen (Advil) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you have pets, please use caution while administering medication to them.
In addition to rat poison, there are several more common items that can kill your cat.
2. Rodenticides and Insecticides
Infestations of rodents and insects are prevalent in rural locations, especially in the summer. Although it is necessary to safeguard your property and keep pests at bay, you must exercise caution when using pesticides and poisons. Cats are at risk of ingesting or stepping in these toxins since they are so near to the ground. Please inform the pest control firm that you have pets if you are hiring them to handle your issue. Learn about the many alternatives available for preventing your pets from becoming poisoned.
- Additionally, several flea and tick treatments for dogs are not safe to use near cats.
- Is it possible for a cat to become poisoned by eating a poisoned mouse?
- To put it another way, imagine that your cat catches and consumes a mouse that has already been poisoned with rat poison.
- Doctor Ed Jorden, DVM believes that while theoretically conceivable, it is not likely to occur in the near future.
- Jorden writes in the Billings Gazette that he is frequently asked if cats may become sick if they consume mice that have ingested D-Con.
- It may be time to consider moving if you have so many mice that your cat can devour 32 of them in a single day!
Aside from onions, there are a number of other common items that can kill your cat. Photo:stevepb
3. People Food
It is common practice for people to give their pets the same food that they consume themselves; nevertheless, some human foods are harmful to cats. In fact, according to the American Society of Poison Control, food poisoning was the third most commonly reported method of poisoning in 2017. It accounted for 10.9 percent of all reported cases in 2017. Cats may be poisoned by a variety of foods, including:
- Alcohol, chocolate, tea, and other caffeinated beverages, grapes and raisins, raw garlic and onion, and raw eggs are all considered to constitute food poisoning. Fish or meat that has been let out to dry
Cats may catch salmonella or E. coli from raw foods, much like humans, and they can also contract toxoplasmosis by eating raw meat. Chocolate includes theobromine, which is poisonous to cats and dogs because of its stimulant properties. Cats can suffer convulsions and even die by ingesting little amounts of some medications. Although dark chocolate is more hazardous to cats than milk chocolate, both types of chocolate are nevertheless harmful if consumed by them. The use of other hazardous foods can result in a variety of ailments ranging from renal failure to heart disease.
Photo:trishhamme
4. Household Cleaners
Take a time to study the labels on any home cleaners before you use them. We all know that inhaling too many bleach or ammonia fumes, or exposing our skin to cleaning products, is not a good idea. However, few of us remember to take our pets into consideration. Remember to fully rinse out your tub after using a bleach-based cleaning, especially if your cat enjoys getting into the tub before you leave the house. Alternatively, your cat may be able to absorb the bleach through their feet. You may want to keep your dogs in another room while you’re cleaning, at least until you’ve thoroughly washed and aired the area.
Also, keep those laundry detergent pods hidden since they are potentially harmful things that might be mistaken for food or toys by your cat.
Photo:katetsib
5. String-Like Items
Cats are fond of string and ribbons, but household things like as floss, rubber bands, thread, and tinsel can be hazardous to their health and safety. Taking in string might develop clogs in your cat’s intestines or stomach, which may need surgical intervention to clear. In addition to causing strangulation, swallowed thread may become wound around the cat’s intestines, according to pet product giant Canidae. Intestinal obstruction, pulling, or torning can occur as a result of the string…if the string cuts the intestines, it can allow fecal waste to infiltrate the abdominal cavity, resulting in a life-threatening infection known as peritoneitis.” Veterinary technician Jennifer Costello tells us, “I once observed a cat that was vomiting and not eating, and I knew something had to be done.” The customer was adamant that her cat had not put himself into any strange situations.
An oral inspection by the veterinarian revealed a piece of thread wrapped around the cat’s tongue, which was then passed down the throat and into the stomach.” Cats should not be allowed to enter via miniblinds.
Cats and kittens like playing with the thread that dangles so temptingly in front of them, but the cats can strangle or even hang themselves if they are not careful. Learn which plants are hazardous to cats, and don’t grow or bring them into the house if you don’t know what they are. Photo:StockSnap
6. Plants
There are a number of plants that are harmful to cats, and plant poisoning was responsible for 5.4 percent of all cases reported to the ASPCA’s poison center in 2017. Lilies, sago palms, oleander, rhododendrons, tulips, and other flowers and plants are harmful to cats, so keep this in mind while building a garden or bringing plants inside the home for your cat. Spring is a particularly bad time for lily poisoning in cats, with the peak occurring around Easter. These flowers begin to appear as beautiful centerpieces on people’s tables as the season progresses.
“I’ve seen it happen,” says Costello, a former vet tech who has witnessed it.
They had no notion that the lilies in the vase on the kitchen table were deadly to cats,” she explains.
Find out more from this physician about common products that might harm your cat, including the following: Cats are lovely, affectionate pets, and it is our responsibility to ensure their safety.
7 Common Household Items That Can Kill Your Curious Cat
You’ve probably heard the adage “curiosity finally killed the cat.” The same may be said about unintentional poisoning induced by common home goods such as laundry detergent or bouquets of flowers, which can be fatal. Your best line of defense is to cat-proof your home, which means eliminating toxins that are harmful to cats (or at the very least, keeping them out of reach of your cat) and installing cat-proofing measures. Here, we’ll introduce you to seven common products that are hazardous to cats and explain what to do if your cat accidentally consumes one of these items.
The 7 Most Common Feline Poisons
Cats are particularly fond of eating fresh grass and flower bouquets. A number of commonly found garden plants, such as tulips, daffodils, lilies, philodrendon, Dieffenbachia, foxglove, and Japanese yew, are extremely hazardous to cats. A cat can be killed by a single bite of the petals or leaves! Even the smallest act, such as licking pollen or sipping water from a vase, can result in serious, perhaps irreparable acute renal failure and death. Lilies, particularly the following types, are extremely hazardous, including:
- Tiger lilies, Day lilies, Asiatic hybrid lilies, Japanese show lilies, Easter lilies, Rubrum lilies, Stargazer lilies, Red lilies, Western lilies, and Wood lilies are some of the most popular flowers in the world.
2. Laundry detergent, drain cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and other household cleaners
Make sure your cat isn’t in the room when you’re cleaning the toilet or washing the laundry. Several home cleaning chemicals, when consumed by a cat, can result in excessive salivation, chemical burns, vomiting, and trouble breathing, among other symptoms.
3. Human antidepressants
Antidepressants for humans are similar to catnip for cats. They are attracted to the fragrance of popular antidepressants such as Effexor, Prozac, Cymbalta, and Zoloft, and they are unable to resist swallowing the tablet when it is available.
Human antidepressants, on the other hand, have been shown to produce lethargy, tremors, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and overheating in cats, rather than enhancing their mood and energy level.
4. Flea and tick topical medications for dogs
Cats should never be treated with an insecticide that is designed for canines (even little canines). Cats are extremely sensitive to a chemical produced from the Chrysanthemum flower, which is found in high amounts in these drugs. This chemical is extremely harmful to cats. Allowing your cat to lick the medicine off your dog is also not a good idea.
5. Over-the-counter aspirin, baby asprin, naproxen, and ibuprofen
If your cat is suffering from joint discomfort, feeding him even a half-pill might be lethal, resulting in stomach ulcers and renal failure, among other complications. Consult your veterinarian before administering any over-the-counter drugs to your cat for pain management.
6. Onions, Garlic, Chives
The gastrointestinal discomfort that people experience after consuming large quantities of onions, garlic, or chives is exacerbated in cats, and this can result in red blood cell destruction.
7. Raisins and Grapes
Despite the fact that the harmful ingredient contained within grapes and raisins is unclear, these foods have been linked to renal failure.
What to do if you think your cat was poisoned
It is uncertain what the poisonous element in grapes and raisins is that causes renal failure, but both foods have the potential to do so.
Learn more about cat hazards and toxins
Podcast from the Animal Poison Control Center Download a free mobile app from the Animal Poison Control Center that will help you with the following tasks:
- We’ll assist you in identifying more than 300 possible risks and poisons present in and around the home
- Providing vital information regarding the severity of the situation and making critical recommendations for future measures
- Identify over 300 possible risks and poisons that can be discovered in and around the house
- Essential information on the severity of the problem
- Key next measures that must be taken
What Can Kill Your Cats? Be Careful — You Probably Have These 8 Things at Home
I’ve always given my cats canned tuna as a special treat, and I’ve given them elastic bands and bits of string to keep them entertained while I’m at work without a second thought. I believed I was providing them with a healthy meal and entertainment. But I’m going to have to rethink my ideas since these items might be dangerous to my kittens if they’re not handled properly. So, what is it that might cause your cats to die? Everyone who has a cat should be aware of the following eight popular foods and household objects that might be fatal to your cats.
You may also reach out to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 888-426-4435.
1. Tuna can kill your cat
Cats can benefit from a small amount of tuna, but too much tuna might cause mercury poisoning in your feline companion. photography courtesy of willcao911 | thinkstock Giving your cat a little amount of tuna is perfectly OK — and including it into new diets can even assist your cat in making the transition to a healthier or raw diet. However, there is such a thing as having too much of a good thing. A consistent diet of canned tuna will not provide your cat with the nutrition she requires — and it may even result in mercury poisoning in some cases.
2.Grapesand raisins can kill your cat
Cats might suffer renal failure if they consume even little amounts of grapes or raisins. Explicit vomiting and hyperactivity are both warning signals that your cat may have gone a little too far while enjoying the gods’ favorite fruit while lazing in her opulent surroundings.
3. Chocolate can kill your cat
Chocolate may be extremely hazardous to cats if consumed in large quantities. Cunfek’s photography may be found on iStock / Getty Images Plus. It’s possible that chocolate is your favorite sweet treat – BenJerry’s Half Baked, anyone? However, no matter how much your cat tries to woo you with beautiful purring, never offer her a morsel of chocolate since chocolate is deadly to cats! Cats are particularly vulnerable to thebromine, a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant that is contained in chocolate.
And it may be found in all types of chocolate, even white chocolate. Most harmful are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate, which can induce irregular heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death if consumed in large quantities.
4.Liliescan kill your cat
When creating your bouquets, keep the following in mind: Lilies are harmful to cats, according to the ASPCA. Check out Dr. Eric Barchas’ piece regarding lily toxicity in cats, written by a resident Catster vet. For more information, go here. Even a few leaves can trigger renal failure in a cat, which might result in its death within a few days. Some of the early symptoms included excessive urine, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. After one to two days, the symptoms subsided and there was no more urination.
5. Booze can kill your cat
Keep in mind that beer and other alcoholic beverages can be fatal to your cats. Anatoly Timofeev / Shutterstock provided the photography. When it comes to your cat, alcohol has precisely the same impact as it does on you — with the exception that it takes significantly less to get your cat drunk. When your cat drinks alcohol, she begins to slur her meows and engage in sexual activity with strangers, and as little as two tablespoons of wine can throw her into a state of unconsciousness. If you want to have a wonderful time with your cat, you should stick to catnip as a reward.
6. Acetaminophen can kill your cat
Acetaminophen can be present in a wide variety of over-the-counter pain medicines and other pharmaceuticals, and cats are particularly vulnerable to the drug’s side effects. That is to say, if you accidentally spill an Advil on your white tile floor, don’t quit up until you discover it! Brownish-gray colored gums, laborious breathing, enlarged face, neck, or limbs, hypothermia, vomiting, jaundice, and coma are some of the symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning that can occur in certain people.
7.Yarncan kill your cat
Yarn may be associated with cats, yet it has the potential to be lethal to them. Dan Kosmayer’s photography is available on Shutterstock. The lovely posters showing wide-eyed, fluffy kittens batting a ball of yarn have been plastered all over the place. A cat may be killed by yarn — and by thread, dental floss, and rubber bands — which is why the dang adorable factory has to quit spreading falsehoods about its products. Once a cat begins to swallow a piece of yarn, she will continue to swallow, and swallow, and swallow until the yarn is completely gone.
Consider sticking to the feather toy and the catnip banana for now — or simply putting your cat’s string away as playing is ended.
8. Aloe can kill your cat
Despite the fact that its juicy contents may feel lovely on your sunburn (and did you know about these additional (human-only!) benefits for aloe vera?) the aloe plant is extremely dangerous to cats and should not be handled.
Vomiting, sadness, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, and a change in the color of the urine are all possible symptoms. Thumbnail: Gladkova Svetlana’s photography courtesy of Shutterstock. More information about home threats that might possibly kill or damage your cats can be found here:
- Ten common household hazards for cats
- Four ingestible hazards for cats
- And ten indigestible hazards for cats Listed below are 5 non-food household items that are toxic to cats.