Curious cats will play with anything. If you drop it on the floor, they’ll probably find it and think it’s the best toy ever. Usually, as long as they don’t eat it, that’s fun.

Fortunately, cats are more picky about what they swallow than dogs. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t chew on some dangerous things. From wires to rubber bands to plants, there are dangers lurking all over your house. As a general rule, keep all potentially dangerous items out of your cat’s reach and keep lotions, soaps, cleaners and chemicals in a safe place. If you think your cat has swallowed a non-food item, call your veterinarian immediately.

Here are 10 common household hazards to cats and the steps you can take to keep them safe.Various foods on the table

Everyone knows the dangers of chocolate for pets, but there are other common foods that are dangerous for cats as well. Grapes, raisins, onions and garlic can all make your cat sick. Fortunately, cats rarely find these foods palatable. However, if a grape falls on the floor, it’s best to pick it up rather than let your cat play with it.moral character

For cats, meaty bones may seem like a delicacy, but they can get stuck in a cat’s mouth, throat, or intestines. Cooked bones will bend, while raw or half-cooked bones will break. Broken bones can get into the esophagus or intestines, and large bones can get stuck. In both cases, your cat will be very sick and may need to be hospitalized or even operated on.Rubber bands and wraps

Rubber bands and wraps may look like toys to cats, but if swallowed, they can cause serious damage to the intestines.Poisonous plants

Flowers beautify a room. Unfortunately, many common flowers and houseplants are toxic to cats. Curious cats like to chew on leaves so they can ingest toxins. Cats can die of kidney failure if they eat any part of a lily, and the leaves of the sago palm tree can cause serious liver damage. Petunia seeds can cause hallucinations when ingested, and stray Jews can cause rashes. Yesterday’s, Today’s, and Tomorrow’s plants all produce beautiful flowers, but contain a neurotoxin that can be fatal to cats. This is by no means an exhaustive list of plants that can be harmful to cats; these are just some of the more popular ones. Before you bring a plant into the house, do your own research to make sure your cat is safe.Liquid mixtures

Liquid floral scent can be used to replace the flavor of flowers, but it can also be harmful to cats. When consumed, liquid fleur de sel can damage the esophagus.cords

Electrical wires are dangerous to every room in the house. Cats, especially young ones, find them difficult to chew. Cats can be electrocuted if they chew through the outer protective coating when plugging in an electronic device. Cover power cords with protective cords or put all loose power cords away so your cat won’t like you as much.Floss and hair ties

There are many hazards to cats in the bathroom. Just like rubber bands and hair ties, dental floss and hair ties can cause fatal intestinal obstructions.Family medicine

Many common medications are harmful to cats. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are highly toxic to cats. Weight loss supplements often contain high levels of caffeine and related compounds that can cause cramping, heart problems and breathing difficulties.

Generally, all home supplements and medications should be stored in a cat-proof cabinet or drawer. Dosages of medications that can help you function at your best could lead to serious injury to your cat. If you think your cat has eaten anything from the medicine cabinet, take her and the suspicious bottle to your veterinarian immediately.

*Important note:Vets don’t care whose name is on the prescription bottle. They won’t judge you or turn you in. They only care about saving your cat.Detergents and sprays

Sunscreens containing zinc oxide can be toxic to cats if ingested. Keep the bottle sealed and out of the cat’s reach. Insecticides, especially those containing permethrin, are also harmful to cats. (Some flea protection on dogs should not be used on cats!) Please read the instructions carefully.

Lotions and sprays containing essential oils can also be dangerous. Even those we apply directly to ourselves are not safe for cats. This includes tea tree oil and citronella.Cleaning products

Concentrated cleaners are harmful to cats. Be sure to keep cleaning supplies in a cat-proof cabinet to clean up spills. If possible, keep your cat away from any surfaces you’ve cleaned until they’re dry. If your cat runs across the floor or counter while you’re cleaning, wipe its paws clean.