New Kitten/Cat Owner :

So, you have a new addition! .....Now what?
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR VET:

Newly adopted kittens and cats should always receive an initial examination with your vet. Your vet will thoroughly examine your kitty and determine her overall health condition as well as provide you the options of having additional tests performed, such as a fecal exam to test for parasites or diseases such as Coccidiosis, Giardia, and other gastrointestinal problems. At this time, he will offer to de-worm your kitty. It is always a good idea to have this done to prevent parasitic infestation and malnourishment.

An FELV/FIV test should be performed prior to vaccinations to determine if any feline infectious disease are present. If negative results are acheived, your vet will advise you to vaccinate your kitty to build immunity and prevent fatal feline infectious disease. Depending on your vet's protocol, this will be done in a series, usually with FVRCP, FELV/FIV, and Rabies. Each is given at 3-4 weeks apart, save for the Rabies vaccination, which is usually given at 12-18 weeks of age. Although there is some controversy concerning the FELV vaccine and Feline Vaccine-Induced Sarcomas, you must be responsible for discussing these issues in greater detail with your vet about the risks as well as the benefits. We strongly urge you to express your questions and concerns to your vet prior to vaccinations, and with a good working relationship, you and your vet can make a reasonable decision based on your kitty's individual needs, her lifestyle, and the protocol your vet recommends.

Now you need to think about spaying or neutering your newly adopted.....
AFTER THE INITIAL EXAM - SPAYING AND NEUTERING:

Now that kitty's examination is performed and completed, your vet will recommend that you spay or neuter your kitty. For female kittens and cats, spaying can greatly reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, prevent heat cycles (which can drive you insane!), and keep her healthier in the long-term. For male kittens and cats, neutering greatly reduces the roaming tendencies, spraying, and agressive or "tomcat" behavior, as well as provides a better state of health for his future. Both spaying and neutering greatly control the overpopulation of thousands of homeless and unwanted kittens and cats anxiously waiting good, loving homes that simply do not exist. Please do your part, and have your kitten or cat spayed or neutered as soon as your vet deems it can safely be done.

NOTE:  If you cannot afford to spay or neuter your kitty right away, please immediately seek assistance from your local shelter, humane society, or spay/neuter task forces in your area. Frequently, annual or bi-annual events are held to help the community, and often will provide discounted services as a service to the community. Remember that these funds go back into similar organizations geared to help overpopulation and educational resources. Please support your community in these hard efforts !

Source: http://www.cat-world.com.

ANIMAL / Cat Toxins Search:

http://www.google.com/search?q=list+of+cat+toxins&btnG=Search&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=RM1&sa=2

http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants.html

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_catbehavior

http://www.sniksnak.com/plants-toxic.html

http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-worldtoxic.htm

http://www.feednfarm.com/petsandpoison.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1399&articleid=1029

http://www.vetinfo4cats.com/ctoxin.html

http://www.catchannel.com/News/animal-poison-control-center-updates-pet-toxin-list.aspx?cm_sp=InternalClicks-_-RelatedArticles-_-news/animal-poison-control-center-updates-pet-toxin-list

FLEA CONTROL PRODUCTS:

http://www.cfainc.org/articles/flea-products.html

LISTS OF TOXIC PLANTS

Listed here are plants poisonous to cats that must be avoided if there are cats in your home. Note that lilies(*), in particular, are dangerous to cats. While in some cases, just parts of a plant (bark, leaves, seeds, berries, roots, tubers, spouts, green shells) might be poisonous, this list rules out the whole plant. If you must have any of them, keep them safely out of reach.

Should your feline friend eat part of a poisonous plant, rush the cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you can, take the plant with you for ease of identification.

Plants Poisonous to Cats

Source: http://www.cathelp-online.com/emergency/poisonplants.php

Below is a list of some of the common plants which may produce a toxic reaction in animals. This list is intended only as a guide to plants which are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.

Updated Feb. 21, 2008

Source: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/common_poisonous_plants.html

Source: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-worldtoxic.htm

Human Foods for Cats?

A Guide to Safe VS Toxic "Table Scraps" for Cats

Let's face it: some cats are inveterate "bums" and will beg and plead most appealingly while you try to eat. While I will (rarely) give a cat a tidbit of chicken or turkey from my plate, it's a practice I don't encourage as a regular habit for a few reasons. First, because cats need the nutrients specifically provided for them in good, premium cat foods, and any "extras" that they consume will take away their appetites for their regular meals. A sliver of turkey or chicken from your dinner plate certainly won't kill a cat, but you're helping him develop bad habits. What happens when Aunt Phoebe comes for dinner and Simon jumps on her lap to scarf up her meal?

However, the main reason I'd discourage feeding cats "people food" is that there are a number of foods that are toxic to cats. You may have forgotten that the gravy slathered over your Thanksgiving turkey used broth that was flavored with onion, among other things. While it is tasty and harmless to humans, onions are very toxic to cats. The following is a list of foods that cats should never eat:

Onions, Garlic, & Related Root Vegetables

Onions contain a substance (N-propyl disulphide) which destroys red blood cells in the cat, causing a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Garlic contains a similar substance in a lesser amount.

Tomatoes, Green (raw Potatoes)

These foods are members of the Solanaceae family of plants, which includes the Deadly Nightshade, and contain a bitter, poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid Solanine, which can cause violent lower gastrointestinal symptoms. The Feline Future web site offers a rare description of a cat which was close to death from ingesting just one cherry tomato (See the link on the sidebar).

Chocolate

It's becoming more widely known that chocolate is very toxic to both cats and dogs. Theobromine is the offending substance here. Janet Tobiassen Crosby, D.V.M. has an excellent article on the symptoms, effects, and treatment of chocolate toxicity.

Grapes and Raisins

These foods' toxicity has mainly been found in dogs, in quantities of varying amounts. The ASPCA advises: "As there are still many unknowns with the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount." That's good enough for me.

Milk

Although milk is not toxic to cats, it may have adverse effects. Simply put, adult cats fed a nutritious diet don't need milk, and many cats are lactose-intolerant, which means that the lactose in milk and milk products produces stomach upset, cramps, and gassiness. If your cat loves milk, and begs for it, a small amount of cream may be okay, two or three times a week. (The more fat in the milk, the less lactose.) Another compromise is CatSip, a product made from skim milk with an enzyme added that helps the digestion of lactose. Catsip is available in supermarkets such as Safeway, Albertson's and A&P, as well as pet products chains, such as PetSmart and Petco.

These are the most commonly seen "people foods" that are potentially harmful to cats. The bottom link is to feed your cat nutritious food developed with his needs in mind and choose treats designed for cats instead of table scraps.

Source: http://cats.about.com/cs/catfood/a/humanfood.htm

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Cat

Some foods which are edible for humans, and even dogs, can pose hazards for cats because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. The following common food items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to cats. This list is, of course, incomplete because we can not possibly list everything your cat should not eat.

Source: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1935&articleid=1029

Toxic Foods and Plants for Cats

Source: http://www.entirelypets.com/toxicfoods2.html

Foods Potentially Poisonous to Pets

Source: http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?id=133

Foods Dangerous to Dogs, Foods Dangerous to Cats

Foods That Dogs & Cats Should Not Eat

There are a lot of happy pets these days since the arrival of the poisoned pet food scare. All that delicious pizza, cheeseburgers and nachos given to pets as a substitute for canned or dry pet food may have your pet smiling - but only temporarily. And some foods can be down-right dangerous to your dog or cat. Our 'do not feed' list is below - and we have also placed the commercial pet foods that are involved in the recall in the column on the left.

If you have been feeding (or have fed) your pet a suspicious canned or dry food and they experience the following symptoms, please get them to your vet asap: lethargic (lazy, little or no energy), drinking excessive amounts of water, digestive upset including vomiting and diarrhea.

If you are whipping up recipes for your pet in your humble kitchen, the foods listed below should be avoided. Also, we recommend purchasing a doggie or kitty cookbook. Your vet may also be happy to provide some healthy recipes for your pet. Tom and I mix up the following recipe for our little Pom named Mercedes: cooked rice, small cubes of chicken, cooked finely chopped carrots.

Foods That Dogs Should Not Eat - Dangers, Potential Health Risks

Alcoholic Beverages, Including Beer - Alcohol can prove fatal to your pet when consumed in any amount.

Chocolate (including cocoa) - Adverse symptoms include vomiting, rapid or irregular heart beat, increased urination, muscle tremors, seizures and death which can occur within 24 hours after consumption. Dark chocolate is more potent than milk chocolate.

Coffee, Tea, Cola - Caffeine may trigger the following symptoms: rapid heart beat, hyperactivity, muscle tremors and seizures.

Macadamia Nuts - Adverse symptoms include muscle weakness generally in the hind quarters, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. May also contribute to bladder stones.

Onions (cooked or uncooked) - Commercial dog food recipes contain minute amounts of onion powder targeted below the dog's toxic level. Giving onions to your dog, even in tiny amounts above their toxic level can cause anemia via destruction of red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include blood in urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat, depression, pale mucous membranes.

Leeks - Commercial dog food recipes contain minute amounts of onion powder targeted below the dog's toxic level. Giving leeks to your dog, even in tiny amounts above their toxic level can cause anemia via destruction of red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include blood in urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat, depression, pale mucous membranes.

Garlic - Commercial dog food recipes contain minute amounts of garlic powder targeted below the dog's toxic level. Giving garlic to your dog, even in tiny amounts above their toxic level can cause anemia via destruction of red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include blood in urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat, depression, pale mucous membranes.

Raisins - Adverse symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure.

Grapes - Adverse symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure.

Xylitol - such as found in sugarless gums and candies may lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar.

Yeast Dough - Keep in mind that yeast dough swells. Adverse symptoms include gas, bloating and other digestive upsets potentially leading to stomach rupture, or rupture of the intestines.

Cat Food - May create a metabolic imbalance.

Supplements, such as iron - Always acquire vet's approval before giving your dog any over-the-counter supplement or medication - including medications and/or vitamins intended for humans.

Fats, excessive - May lead to pancreatic issues.

Bones, cooked - Presents a choking hazard as well as internal organ damage as cooked bones splinter easily. Signs of choking include gasping, blue gums, face pawing, drooling, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.

Tomatoes - May cause heart disturbances.

Avocado - May cause fluid retention and respiratory difficulties.

Nutmeg - May cause muscle tremors,seizures and death. As a note, nutmeg can also be fatal to humans.

Fruit Seeds - May lodge in throat or digestive tract.

Raw Egg - Potential for salmonella poisoning.

Salt, in excess - May contribute to kidney issues, fluid retention as well as impact heart health.

Tuna - Consult vet due to mercury content dangers.

Cold Cuts - May cause kidney and digestive issues due to high sodium and nitrate content. Other high nitrate and/or high sodium foods that may present risks include bacon, Vienna sausages and franks.

Dairy Products - May produce bloating, gas and diarrhea.

Common Foods Considered Safe for  Dogs

- Boneless (preferably skinless) meats including beef, poultry, lamb and boned fish (see tuna warning above).

- Rice

- Oatmeal

- Cottage Cheese in small amounts.

Foods That Cats Should Not Eat - Dangers, Potential Health Risks

Chocolate - Adverse symptoms include irregular heart beat, dieresis, diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, muscle tremors, potential death.

Onions (cooked or uncooked) - Giving onions to your cat, even in tiny amounts above their toxic level can cause anemia via destruction of red blood cells. Adverse symptoms include blood in urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat, depression, pale mucous membranes.

Garlic (cooked or uncooked) - Giving garlic to your cat, even in tiny amounts above their toxic level can cause anemia via destruction of red blood cells. Adverse symptoms include blood in urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat, depression, pale mucous membranes.

Leeks - May cause anemia. Adverse symptoms include blood in urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat, depression, pale mucous membranes.

Squid - Adverse symptoms include

Raw Pork - Due to toxoplasmosis risks which can be transferred to humans when cleaning kitty's liter box.

Dairy Products - Adverse symptoms include loose bowels, diarrhea. As a note, there are specially formulated varieties of milk for cats and kittens that can be found at most pet stores and shops.

Salt, in excess - Adverse symptoms include

Supplements & Over the Counter Medications - Always acquire vet's approval before giving your cat any over-the-counter supplement or medication - including medications and/or vitamins intended for humans.

Tuna, canned - Consult vet due to mercury content dangers. Is your kitty a Tuna Addict? Cats can become easily addicted to tuna which is unable to meet their daily nutritional needs. Too much tuna also sets the stage for steatis, commonly called Yellow Fat Disease. Adverse symptoms include anorexia, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, chest pain, hard lumps which are painful.

Dog Food - May create a metabolic imbalance.

Bones - Presents a choking hazard as well as internal organ damage as bones splinter easily, particularly cooked bones. Signs of choking include gasping, blue gums, face pawing, drooling, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.

Egg, raw - Potential risk for biotin depletion. Symptoms include hair loss, dermatitis and growth retardation.

Fish, raw - Potential risk for thiamin deficiency. Symptoms include weight loss, weakness, uncoordinated rapport.

Liver, in excess - Large supply of Vitamin A contained in liver may lead to Vitamin A toxicity. Symptoms include osteoporosis, deformed bones, bone growth/development issues.

In Summary

Should you have questions involving your pet's diet, do not hesitate to contact your vet who knows best for your pet.  

Amid the tragedy of dog and cat food 'scare', at least one positive thing has emerged. Because most pet owners are concerned about the health and well-being of their pets, they have increased awareness of pet nutrition and health.

Source: http://dietbites.com/diet-123/dog-cat-foods-to-avoid.html

Below Is A List Of Common Household Items Toxic To Cats.