Lawn and Garden Hazards for Cats

Spring rolls around and we find ourselves wandering down the lawn & garden aisle of our local home improvement store. Maybe we even take a trip to the local nursery. But as you stroll through these areas, take a look at many of the products offered. Most of them will be toxic to cats and other animals, so you'll have to be careful when it comes to the products you use on your lawn and in your garden. Some of these products can kill your cat while others can bring on serious illness.

Almost all insecticides are highly toxic to felines in any concentration. These products, used to reduce or eliminate the number of annoying and damaging insects, should be used sparringly. Try some natural alternatives to insecticides first, such as soap and water.

Herbicides and fertilizers are also highly toxic, but usually only in their concentrated form. If you must use them, keep the bags and containers out of reach of your cats. Once applied to your lawn, keep your cats out of the area for at least an hour. After that, your pets should be able to safely walk on the lawn. However, you should read the manufacturer's directions first, as they may recommend a longer wait time before permitting pets on the lawn.

Many gardeners have a problem with pests of the larger variety. But beware. Poisons designed to kill mice, rats, gophers, moles, and other vermin will also kill your cat. Even the smallest amount of these products can kill or seriously injure your cat and there is usually nothing your local vet can do to safe your poor kitty. Keep them safely tucked away. When you must use them, place them only in areas your cat cannot access. This same rule applies for snail and slug baits.

Mulch is normally safe enough, but check the ingredient list. Mulches that contain cacoa bean can be toxic. Unfortunately, they also smell great, especially to cats. When you first lay it down, your cats may not be able to resist the delicious chocolately aroma. Keep your cats away from it until after a heavy rainfall, which usually reduces both the aroma and the toxicity of the mulch.

One product that many people think nothing of is citronella candles. They're great for keeping away the mosquitos but if a cat starts to eat a candle, there can be serious and lifethreatening problems. Sometimes even the gas emitted from a burning candle can cause a problem, so don't let kitty sit right next to a burning candle.

Setting up your garden in the spring shouldn't be fraught with dangers for your feline companions. Read all warning labels before you purchase any product and apply only according to the manufacturer's directions. When it doubt, keep it away from kitty, because even seemingly innocent products can cause illness or even death for your cat.

Cats and the Dangers of Lawn and Garden Chemicals

When caring for your lawn and garden, it's very easy to just reach for the chemical pesticides and herbicides. However, these products can be potentially fatal to your feline companions. Using these products reduces the risk to your cats and other animals that might enter your lawn or garden. If you think your cats will not ingest the chemical products, think again. Many of the products that you might apply to your lawn smell and taste sweet to cats, so poisonings are all too common.

Thankfully, there are many alternatives to the traditional chemicals available on the market to day. But even these alternatives can be toxic in high enough amounts. Apply all lawn and garden chemicals according to the manufacturer's directions. Don't apply more simply because you think your lawn needs it.

Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides

Insects can damage your plants and flowers. However, you don't necessarily have to purchase expensive and toxic chemicals to solve the problem of aphids, thrips, or spider mites. Try using a simple garden hose with a nozzle attached. Many of the most common insects that might infest your garden have relatively soft bodies and can be eliminated with just water. Spray down your garden twice a day for a week and you'll probably be problem free.

If the infestation is a little more stubborn, add a little dish soap to some water and spray down the garden again. You might want to check your local garden store for insecticidal soaps if have a large infestation. Even this is less toxic than chemical insecticides.

Alternatives to Chemical Fertilizers

There's a simple and easy way to fertilize your lawn and garden without resorting to commercial fertilizers. Compost. Start a compost pile and apply it twice a year to your lawn and garden. This adds essential nutrients to the soil without the addition of any chemical fertilizers, keeping your yard save for your cats.

The fewer chemicals you add to your yard the safer your cats, dogs, and other pets will be. If you must use chemicals, use as little as possible for the sake of your feline friends and your garden will be a safe and happy place all summer long.

Planting a Cat Safe Vegetable Garden

You might assume that a vegetable garden, since it contains edible plants, would be safe for your feline companions. In most cases, you would be correct. However, there are some vegetables that can pose a hazard for cats and other animals that might be in your garden. Some of these will cause your cat to become ill. Others may kill your cat in high enough quantities. Before planting any potentially toxic plants, consider how you will keep your cat safe from the dangerous side effects of many of these vegetables and herbs.

Onions, chives, and garlic contain a compound that, if ingested, can cause anemia in cats. Many cats are attracted to these plants, so consider planting them in hanging baskets or other planters that can be kept away from your cats. Any part of the potato plant that is green, including the leaves and the still-green skin of young potatoes, can be toxic to your cat if eaten in sufficient quantities. Again, containers are an option. Or consider building a chicken-coop style enclosure to protect your plants from pets and other wildlife.

Also beware of the fruits that might be planted in and around your yard. The seeds and pits of a variety of fruits contain toxic chemicals such as cyanide that could cause seizures or even death. Some of these fruits include apple, apricot, cherry, peach, and plum.

It would be highly difficult to creat a cage around a tree simply to protect them from animals. However, there are other options for keeping your cats safe from fruit and vegetable gardens. You might want to plant cat grass or cat mint (catnip) in certain areas of your yard to attract your cats. They'll probably be so interested in the cat mint or cat grass that they'll leave your garden alone. Also consider placing sprinklers around the edge of your garden. Most cats hate being wet, so they'll find somewhere else to explore.

There are many plants that can be planted that pose no risk to your feline friends. These include cucumbers, pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, and most herbs. If in doubt, simply keep your pets away from your garden and they'll stay safe and healthy all summer long.

Ten Plants That are Highly Toxic to Cats in a Flower Garden

There are many options for planting a cat-safe flower garden in the spring. However, there are some plants that are so toxic that they should be avoided altogether. These plants can and will kill a cat if they are ingested. In addition, they are attractive due to their heady scents. To keep your cat safe, avoid these top ten toxic plants.

• Castor Bean
• Foxglove
• Japanese Yew
• Jerusalem Cherry
• Lily of the Valley
• Morning Glory
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Precatory Beans
• Trumpet Vine

There are many other plants that are toxic to your feline companions. Check with your local nursery and veterinarian if you have any doubt as to the safety of any plant you'd like to include in your garden.