Pet proof your house
ROODEPOORT – Roodepoort SPCA gives tips about how pet owners can pet proof their homes.
A parent would usually child proof their home to protect their child against different forms of danger. Roodepoort SPCA manager Mandi Cattanach said the same should apply for your animals.
She provided some helpful suggestions to pet proof ones home before adopting a pet or even if you have one already.
House plants like spider plants, elephant ears and a very poisonous plant called dieffenbachia can be harmful and even fatal. “Every one of these plants look harmless but if they are consumed then it can easily lead to death,” said Cattanach.
She added that many puppies and kittens love to chew when they are teething so she encouraged people to unplug or to cover any electrical wires and plugs.
“Winter is approaching and we will all use electrical heaters or light fires and I urge people to be aware of where their animals are and to not leave them unattended. People should never leave a oven open as your cats can easily climb into it.”
Cattanach also mentioned that plastic bags and small objects may seems harmless but they can be fatal if they are swallowed and the animal can suffocate on plastic bags.
“Cats enjoy crawling into warm engines during winter, so blast your horn and open the bonnet and look underneath the vehicle to ensure that your pets aren’t close to the vehicle prior to driving off,” cautioned Cattanach.
She also warned animal owners should close toilet lids and cover pools/ponds to stop pets from drowning.
“Any object can be used as a cat toy, please be aware of items that contain wool, rubber bands, string and aluminium foil as they can be extremely harmful if swallowed. Cats also love to sleep in the dark, so look in your cupboards before closing them as cats can be asleep inside them. A cat may seem cute with a ribbon on but it could choke your pet,” concluded Cattanach.
