Spring is just about here! Trees are budding & bulbs are bulbs are reaching out of the their slumber & most everyone wants to be outside. Before you let fluffy out, be aware of these seasonal hazards
Some of the most dangerous spring flowers include daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths & lilies. ALL Lilies contain chemicals that can cause irreparable damage to a cat’s kidneys. Eating just a tiny amount of lily plant material or even lapping at the water in the vase is a veterinary emergency. Many families trade plants at Easter or Passover - please keep these away from your furry friends.
You're most likely to encounter ticks during spring, summer, and fall, though they can actually be active any time of the year. Ticks can transmit infectous microbes (Lyme disease and babesiosis). Most ticks are so small, they can go unnoticed for days, giving them plenty of time to get plump, feeding off your pet & crawling into bed with you. This is a good time to restart your preventatives if you've not been using them through the winter. Revolution, Frontline & Advantage all manufacture preventatives that include Flea & Tick protection.
Many homeowners apply fertilizers and mulch in spring - most fertilizers contain toxic chemicals as do pesticides & fungicides. Even a small ingestion of fertilizer result in minor gastrointestinal upset; larger ingestions can cause severe poisoning from the iron, nitrogen, and other chemical components.
Many animals have litters in spring. This can make them more aggressive, protective and dangerous. (we've caught bobcats, coyotes & fox on our outdoor ring cams). We live on RT81 - I can only imagine how many furry critters are in less trafficed areas. We know that making the decision to allow your cat to be outdoors is a personal one, however, keep in mind that there are dangers you may be at risk for without knowing.
Enjoy spring & keep your furry friends safe ♥️🤍♥️🤍♥️