Maintaining a Safe Environment for Cats

The news is slowly going around that antibacterial soaps and "waterless" hand cleaners containing triclosan may be harmful to cats if ingested. A friend had received a newsletter from an animal shelter in Ohio, which said in part: "Warning: Cats Sensitive to Antibacterial Soaps!" Read my research and conclusion about the potential harm to cats from triclosan.

View photos of outdoor plants known to be toxic to cat in varying degrees.

This is by no means a list of everything on the planet that's toxic to cats. But it's a few of the things that should be avoided by themselves or as an ingredient in something else. Use caution with cats by avoiding these known toxins

A reader asks if the belief that cats always land on their feet is a myth, and if true, how do they do it? Read my reply to this behavioral FAQ.

According to this release by the ASPCA, in the summer, high-rise apartments, windows, terraces and fire escapes pose increased risks for suburban cats, due to the danger of injuries from falls.

We sometimes take life with our cats for granted until some disaster befalls our cat, or the cat of someone we know. Here are 10 habits you should develop, which if practiced religiously, can prevent many of those accidents involving day-to-day activities.

Make it easy on both family and your new companion by doing a little judicious house-proofing.

Disaster: We don't want it, we don't expect it, but when it arrives, we need to be prepared, particularly for our cats, who look to us for protection.

In recent years, compelling evidence has accumulated that essential oils can be toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled. Learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy, and where and how they can be used safely.

Topical flea control products can be a godsend for cat guardians, but it is extremely important to know exactly what ingredients are in flea products you put on your cats.

There will be times when you can't get your cat to the veterinarian right away, or her condition might warrant emergency first aid treatment before the trip. Be prepared, with your Feline First Aid Kit.

The following is a partial list of plants that are poisonous or hazardous to your cats, including some popular holiday plants. This list is by no means exhaustive, but will be updated from time-to-time, so

Next to declawing, the indoor-outdoor question is probably one of the hottest topics for debate, with both sides polarized to their own views. Having been on both sides of the fence, I can fully understand the feelings of those on each side. Indeed, this debate seems to be more prevalent in the United States, as in many other countries, cats are allowed free access to the outdoors.

The EPA is cracking down on illegal packaging for flea control products being sold on the internet under the Advantage and Frontline labels. Learn how to recognize counterfeit labels and how to protect your cats from misuse of these products.