Common Items That Are Toxic to Cats

September 28, 2026

Discussing Some Of The Most Common Household Items And Products That Are Poisonous To Cats In Honor Of Pet Poison Prevention Week


Any responsible cat owner does everything they can to keep their feline friends happy, healthy, and safe. This is especially true when it comes to creating a safe environment for them. However, there are many common household items that can be hazardous to cats when exposed to them. 


In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Week (3rd full week of March), this article will discuss some of these common household items that are hazardous to cats. Additionally, this article will also offer some advice on how to properly store these items to prevent accidental poisoning and ensure the well-being of your furry friend.


Human Medications


A common household item that most people don’t consider regarding pet safety is that of medications. While certain medications are essential for our health, they can be extremely harmful to cats. This includes things like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and certain antidepressants.


Therefore, it’s vitally important to keep such medications out of your cat’s reach. Always store medications in secure cabinets and don’t leave them on counters or tables. Additionally, you should never administer any medication to your cat without consulting your veterinarian first. Human medications are for humans, not cats.

Prescription medications

Household Cleaners


Another common household product that is very toxic to cats is that of household cleaners. This is because most household cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can be toxic to cats. Bleach, ammonia, and certain detergents can cause respiratory distress, vomiting, or even death.


Therefore, you should always keep cleaning supplies securely stored away in a locked cabinet or a place your cats don’t have access to (garage, shed, etc.). Additionally, you can purchase and use pet-safe cleaning products instead. For more information about pet-safe cleaning products, click here.

Household cleaners

Insecticides & Rodenticides 


Insects and rodents are a common problem for many homeowners. That’s why products like insecticides and rodenticides are often found in many homes. However, these products, which were designed to control pests, can be very toxic to cats. Many rodenticides contain anticoagulants that can lead to internal bleeding.


Additionally, most insecticides contain chemicals that are harmful to cats when ingested. If you use either of these products, do so with caution and apply them in places where your cat can’t access them. Also, be sure to store them in areas your cat can’t get to like a locked cabinet or a high shelf in the garage/basement.


Plants and Flowers


Many people love to keep plants and flowers both indoors and outdoors. It’s aesthetically pleasing and it is a fun hobby. However, many plants and flowers can be toxic to cats if ingested. For example, Poinsettias are extremely poisonous and can lead to severe kidney damage or even death. Other toxic plants include Azaleas, Lilies, and Philodendrons. Be sure to research the toxicity of any plant before bringing it into your home. For a more comprehensive list of plants that are toxic to cats, click here.

A cat curious about a house plant

A variety of essential oils

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Tabby cat with closed eyes being gently held by hands, close-up portrait

Happy Cat Month

September 29, 2026
Talking About How To Make Cats Happy And The Month-Long Holiday That Promotes Cat Happiness The month of September is celebrated by cat lovers everywhere as Happy Cat Month! Never heard of Happy Cat Month? Then you’re in luck because Cool Cats Professional Cat Sitting has you covered! This article will cover everything you need to know about Happy Cats Month, how to celebrate it, and some of the best ways to keep your cat happy. What Is Happy Cat Month? So what is Happy Cat Month? Happy Cat Month is a month-long holiday that aims to inform and educate cat owners about how to make their cats healthy and happy. It’s a common misconception that cats are self-sufficient pets. While most cats do have an independent nature, they are still very social creatures. Cats need lots of love & attention just like any other pet. Happy Cat Month is a friendly and celebratory way to educate people about the welfare, health, and importance of our feline friends.
A wildcat behind a wire fence, looking through the bars with one paw raised.

Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week/ Remember Me Thursday

September 29, 2026
Covering Two Very Important Pet-Themed Holidays That Focus On Shelter Animals And The Struggles They Face The month of September contains several pet-themed awareness based holidays. Two of the most significant of these holidays are Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week and Remember Me Thursday. Both of these holidays are centered around shelter animals and the struggles they face. This article will discuss both of these holidays and offer various ways you can observe them. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week The 3rd week of September is widely celebrated by pet lovers everywhere as Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week. This year (2023) Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week takes place from September 18th to September 24th. This week-long holiday was founded by PetFinder , an online searchable database of animals that need homes. Additionally, PetFinder also has a directory of nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations. These animal shelters and adoption organizations span across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week was founded to raise public awareness about shelter animals that are often overlooked. Most of these animals are overlooked based solely on appearance. However, just because an animal doesn’t look perfect, doesn’t mean they are not worthy of adoption. Additionally, this also applies to senior pets or pets with special needs. Many people believe it would require too much effort to care for a senior pet or special needs pet. Caring for these types of pets may not be easy, but it is still very rewarding and humbling to do so. Remember Me Thursday Remember Me Thursday occurs every year on the last Thursday of September. This year (2023) it will take place on September 28th. This pet themed awareness based holiday was founded in 2013 by Helen Woodward Animal Center of San Diego . The focus of Remember Me Thursday is to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and all of the shelter animals that are in need of a forever home. Remember Me Thursday has made a huge impact in the world since its founding in 2013. More than 190 countries have supported Remember Me Thursday along with over 700 different animal welfare organizations worldwide. Additionally, more than 330 million people have helped spread awareness about Remember Me Thursday across various social media platforms. What started as a pet-themed holiday has now become a worldwide movement to inspire change in shelter animals’ lives.