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As kitten season hits Australia, many homes will soon be filled with the pitter-patter of tiny paws, mischievous meows, and occasional (or frequent) mishaps.
Pet Insurance Australia offers a timely reminder to cat owners about the dangers some unusual objects in our homes can pose, particularly to kittens.
When we think about the crazy objects our canine companions manage to ingest, our feline friends can sometimes be overlooked. However, with their natural curiosity, cats often find themselves in some strange situations — particularly regarding their snack choices.
When we think about the crazy objects our canine companions manage to ingest, our feline friends can sometimes be overlooked. However, with their natural curiosity, cats often find themselves in some strange situations — particularly regarding their snack choices.
From nibbles on questionable household objects to sneaky tastes of forbidden food, cat owners are all too familiar with the phrase, "Wait, what did the cat eat this time?"
"Kittens can be particularly prone to investigating objects with their mouths," Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. "This can lead to expensive emergency veterinary assistance and much stress on pets and their owners."
While it can be a source of humour (and some exasperation), these culinary adventures can quickly lead to emergency vet visits. Recent PetSure Health Monitor data shows that costs can add up, especially when it comes to toxic ingestions or foreign body mishaps.
"Like dogs, cats can get into a whole host of issues caused by foreign body ingestion," Crighton says. "So for those of us considering inviting tiny paws into our homes this kitten season, it's important to understand the risks and prevent ingestion problems."
#1. Chocolate
Cats may not have the sweet tooth of their canine counterparts, but they can still be lured in by chocolate's aroma. A nibble on this treat can result in vomiting, rapid heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures.
"The average cost for chocolate-related treatment? A whopping $598*, with some unlucky felines racking up bills as high as $1,565*!"
#2. Rat Bait
"Kittens can be particularly prone to investigating objects with their mouths," Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. "This can lead to expensive emergency veterinary assistance and much stress on pets and their owners."
While it can be a source of humour (and some exasperation), these culinary adventures can quickly lead to emergency vet visits. Recent PetSure Health Monitor data shows that costs can add up, especially when it comes to toxic ingestions or foreign body mishaps.
"Like dogs, cats can get into a whole host of issues caused by foreign body ingestion," Crighton says. "So for those of us considering inviting tiny paws into our homes this kitten season, it's important to understand the risks and prevent ingestion problems."
#1. Chocolate
Cats may not have the sweet tooth of their canine counterparts, but they can still be lured in by chocolate's aroma. A nibble on this treat can result in vomiting, rapid heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures.
"The average cost for chocolate-related treatment? A whopping $598*, with some unlucky felines racking up bills as high as $1,565*!"
#2. Rat Bait
While you hope to keep rodents out of your home, your cat might eye that rat bait as an afternoon snack. Rodenticides can cause internal bleeding and require immediate emergency care. The average vet bill for rat bait ingestion in 2023 was $1,253*, with some incidents costing upwards of $12,900*.
"Rodents tend to be most active during the night, especially in late summer and early autumn, meaning many of us popping out baits around this time of year."
#3. Human Medications
We all know cats love knocking things off countertops, but if they decide to taste-test your ibuprofen, it could spell trouble.
"Ingesting human medications can lead to severe health issues, with treatment averaging around $1,863* and reaching as high as $6,271*."
#4. Craft Objects
"Rodents tend to be most active during the night, especially in late summer and early autumn, meaning many of us popping out baits around this time of year."
#3. Human Medications
We all know cats love knocking things off countertops, but if they decide to taste-test your ibuprofen, it could spell trouble.
"Ingesting human medications can lead to severe health issues, with treatment averaging around $1,863* and reaching as high as $6,271*."
#4. Craft Objects
Cats can't resist a good game of string or ribbon play, but if they swallow those craft supplies, things can get messy fast. Ingested strings can cause dangerous blockages, requiring surgery. What is the average treatment cost for these crafty mishaps? A hefty $4,704*!
Kitten Season Awareness Month
With many families adopting new feline friends during kitten season, cat-proofing your home is more important than ever. Remember: kittens are the ultimate explorers, and they'll sniff out anything they shouldn't.
"The great news is it doesn't take much to kitten-proof your home before your wee bundle of fluff arrives home," Crighton says."
Top Tips for Keeping Your Kitten Safe
✔️ Out of Sight, Out of Reach: Keep toxic items like chocolate, medications, and pest control products out of paw's reach. Cats are nimble, so don't underestimate their climbing abilities!
✔️ Choose Pet-Safe Options: Use pet-friendly alternatives for pest control, such as enclosed bait stations or non-toxic repellents.
✔️ Supervised Outdoor Time: If your cat enjoys the outdoors, create a safe space with pet-friendly plants and keep a watchful eye to ensure they don't snack on dangerous items.
Kitten Season Awareness Month
With many families adopting new feline friends during kitten season, cat-proofing your home is more important than ever. Remember: kittens are the ultimate explorers, and they'll sniff out anything they shouldn't.
"The great news is it doesn't take much to kitten-proof your home before your wee bundle of fluff arrives home," Crighton says."
Top Tips for Keeping Your Kitten Safe
✔️ Out of Sight, Out of Reach: Keep toxic items like chocolate, medications, and pest control products out of paw's reach. Cats are nimble, so don't underestimate their climbing abilities!
✔️ Choose Pet-Safe Options: Use pet-friendly alternatives for pest control, such as enclosed bait stations or non-toxic repellents.
✔️ Supervised Outdoor Time: If your cat enjoys the outdoors, create a safe space with pet-friendly plants and keep a watchful eye to ensure they don't snack on dangerous items.
"Simple steps such as sealed containers for medicines, pest control, and even chocolate can prevent your kitten from becoming a victim of toxic ingestion," Crighton suggests. “Installing cat enclosures or supervised outdoor time early in life can ensure your kitten lives a long and healthy life."
With some preparation, you can avoid costly (and stressful) vet visits while letting your curious kitten explore the world safely.
* Based on PetSure claims data, 2023.
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