Raisins or Grapes...
Essentially unheard of prior to 2001, raisin and grape toxicity seems to be recognized with increasing frequency. The ASPCA Poison Control Center has now documented over 50 cases of acute renal failure occurring due to ingestion of either grapes or raisins. Raisin toxicity also has been observed in a cat.
Affected animals generally begin to vomit within 6 hours after ingesting the raisins. Following this, the dogs might become anorexic, lethargic and may develop diarrhea. Renal failure became evident with 3 days. In the original report of 10 cases, half of the affected dogs died. With aggressive therapy for acute renal failure, the other 5 dogs survived.
Neither the toxic principal nor the minimum toxic dose is known at this time.
Pet owners should be advised to avoid giving raisins or grapes to their pets as treats and to seek veterinary care if large quantities are ingested or if the pet appears ill.
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There's the proof.. All cats get in the sink!
Tips for Keeping you Cat Happy
- Start young. Kittens who are kept indoors usually show no desire to venture outside when they grow up.
- Provide a screened porch or other safe way for your cat to experience the outdoors. Consider building or purchasing a "cat fence" or similar enclosure. Such an enclosure can allow your cat to experience all the pleasures of the great outdoors without the risks. However, a fence may not prevent animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside. And be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that the fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals, and other dangerous objects inaccessible.
- If you live in a peaceful neighborhood in which you can walk without encountering loose dogs, consider buying a harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. This training takes time and patience, for both you and the cat, and it's easiest when your cat is young. Some cats can even be trained to sit on your lap while you are on the deck or patio, or harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby (but be sure to never leave your cat alone while she is tied to a stationaryobject).
- Install a perch near a sunny window; padded perches can be purchased at many pet supply stores or through catalog retailers. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit)and provides a secure space in which your kitty can "hang out." Larger options are available that attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. It's best to allow your cat access to these when someone is home to supervise.
- Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a "kitty condo"), or make your own. A cat tree may stretch from floor-to-ceiling or be shorter. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space.
- Play with your cat each day. Try different types of toys that recreate "fishing," "chasing," and "flying" prey. And leave "toys" such as paper bags and cardboard boxes out when you are not home.
- Give your cat a feline friend they can provide one another with companionship and entertainment.
- Plant cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your feline can graze.
- Clean the litter box regularly.