Onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, and scallions are in the Allium species and cats are notoriously sensitive to some of their chemical compounds. Ingestion of these plants can cause destruction of their red blood cells resulting in anemia, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Even a fraction of a teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be a fatal dose for a cat due to its harmful effects on the kidneys. Other examples of highly toxic items (even at small doses) include Lilies for cats, Tulips for dogs, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and other NSAIDS, and rodenticides (rat bait).
Cats typically don't like being petted on their tummy, legs/feet, or tail. Of course, there are always outliers—some cats will love every bit of affection, no matter where they're touched or who's doing it. But generally, you shouldn't pet a cat you don't know on their stomach or extremities.
Insecticides: Insecticides containing organophosphates and carbamates are highly toxic to cats. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, muscle tremors and seizures. Insecticides that contain Pyrethrins and pyrethyoids can be toxic to cats too.
The second part of the outdoor cat predator problem is that cats are themselves prey. They will be killed by coyotes, eagles, owls, raccoons, dogs and otters. Two cats were killed by an otter when the cats got to close to their nest. Cars and humans also kill cats.
Depending on the toxin and the length of time that has passed since ingestion, the cat may be able to go home the same day with treatment or may be hospitalized for several days to a couple of weeks.
If you've ever wondered why your cat doesn't like their paws being touched, it's actually because they're one of the most sensitive parts of their body. They're packed full of nerve receptors which enables them to feel vibrations and helps with balance.
The most important sensory receptor for a cat is their nose. A cat is believed to have around 200 million scent receptors in their nose. These millions of receptors act as an indicator that helps sense the world around them, such as food, friends, prey, and even navigating their way around the neighborhood.
Feline Danger Spots
Cats like pets on the face, head, and base of the tail because that's where many of their scent glands are located and they like the idea of leaving their scent on you. As for the legs, paws, and tail…these areas are particularly sensitive to cats.
Dogs and cats instinctively know not to eat certain things that can make them sick or kill them. Many animals, especially those in the wild, do have a combination of instinct, experience and training that keeps them from consuming things that are harmful to them.
If you know or suspect that your cat has eaten grapes or raisins, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. You don't need to wait until you see clinical signs to seek help. Grape toxicosis is a progressive illness, so the sooner you treat it, the better.
So cats can judge humans based on their body language, physical actions, and facial expressions, and many scientific studies favor this statement. So we can conclude that cats can label a person as “evil” only if that person shows his evil intent by his body language or actions.
Lighting scented candles is an autumn treat for most, however, some of these products can be poisonous for our pets. Candles that are made from paraffin wax, use a lead wick or release synthetic oil and fragrances, can be toxic.
Smell Transfer
Cats recognize each other (and us) by scent. Raising the butt is your cat's way of getting their anal glands closer to your nose so you can get a whiff of their pheromones.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Forehead: Very anxious cats are often extremely tight in this area, which is often linked to the appearance of wide, staring eyes and tension around the base of the ears.
You've probably already noticed that when you pet your cat's paws, they try to avoid your touch, flee, or bite you. But why? A cat's paws are covered with sensory receptors which make them very sensitive. These sensory receptors are essential for cats as they allow them to know which type of ground they're walking on.
Why do some cats dislike belly rubs? Hair follicles on the belly and tail area are hypersensitive to touch, so petting there can be overstimulating, Provoost says. “Cats prefer to be pet and scratched on the head, specifically under their chin and cheeks,” where they have scent glands, Provoost says.
Tail: Most cats don't particularly like to be petted on the tail. And for what it's worth, a cat's tail is a good measuring stick for how stimulated (read: agitated) she's becoming as a result of your petting. The more it starts to move, the sooner you should keep your hands to yourself.
When your cat kills a mouse but does not eat it, you must first get it away from your cat. Mice carry many diseases, and you do not want to risk your cat getting sick. You also want to clean the area with a feline-friendly concentrated bleach and water solution.
The image of a cat hunting mice is as classic as their love of milk and yarn or their dislike of water and dogs. While we may be familiar with this archetype, in practice, the hunting of rodents can expose our feline friends to harmful diseases and parasites that can even pose risks to their human owners.
Once a cat ingests or comes in contact with a toxin, symptoms may not show up right away. Some toxins may take 3 to 4 days to show any effects. The types of symptoms a cat will exhibit will depend on the toxin she has been exposed to.