According to the calendar, National Poison Awareness Week has just ended. It reminded me that not only should one be aware of common household hazards to humans, but those that pose a threat to our pets as well. In short, when pet-proofing your home think of your cat as being a perpetual human toddler, always curious and forever tasting things.

Many houseplants are poisonous to cats and one of the deadliest of those is the lily, especially the Easter variety. Stunning in their beauty, they are often brought into the house as potted plants or in floral arrangements. Because felines often nibble on greens, these plants are sometimes irresistible which can have dire consequences. Other hazardous plants associated with holidays include mistletoe, poinsettias, chrysanthemums, and tulips. If your kitty is a nibbler, keep some cat grass growing in a sunny window for him and rid the house of all dangerous greenery.

Most of us are aware that chicken bones should never be given to our cats because, being brittle, they can easily splinter and perforate soft tissues if ingested. This you might think odd, considering bird is a favorite delicacy, but keep in mind that those hunted by outdoor Fluffy are not as big as what we roast for our own tables. Never leave an unattended poultry carcass out for those counter surfers to find.

Other human foodstuffs that can make you cat ill include alcohol, caffeine, avocados, chives, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate and yeast dough. Think twice before offering some of that chicken soup stock to your kitty if it was made with onions and garlic. The same goes for your dog.

Never toss used dental floss into an open wastebasket. Never put tinsel on your Christmas tree. These stringy items can kill a cat if a long piece becomes tangled in the intestines. It can also be a very expensive veterinary visit requiring X-rays, ultrasounds and possibly surgery.

For the crafters among us, be aware that yarn, thread, string and tiny decorations such as beads, sequins and buttons must always be put away after use. If you are in the middle of a project and it is impossible to do this, close the door to that room making it off limits to your pet until you can tidy up.

Then there are the meds, over-the-counter and prescription. These include vitamins, minerals and homeopathic. You know how cats love to bat small things around the floor, sometimes picking them up in their mouths to fling. Dogs often snatch in midair anything its human drops, so fast you don’t even have a chance to get it away before it’s swallowed. Many medications and vitamins can be deadly to pets if they are accidentally ingested, so always keep containers securely closed and don’t stop until you’ve found the pill that slipped through your fingers.

Cleaning products and other chemicals, including the flea and tick meds you treat your pets with hold their own horrors. You’d be surprised what an animal will lap up, so keep your detergents and the like in secured cupboards. Don’t forget the fertilizers, antifreeze and insect/rodent baits; there’s a reason it’s called “bait.” Use flea/tick control items (pills, topicals, collars, sprays, shampoos) strictly according to labeling guidelines because they do indeed contain poison.

Some signs of poisoning include labored breathing, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, shivering and/or seizures, dilated pupils, and confusion. If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, take it to your veterinarian immediately. Bring a sample of the suspected poison along with samples of any vomit and stool with you as they will help the doctor decide how best to treat the animal.

For more complete listings of household hazards, search the web. There are many organizations which post lists, and you will want to compare several as they don’t all match. Print them out and tape them inside your medicine cabinet for handy future reference. If there are several pages, slip them together into a plastic sheet protector before taping.

It’s nearly spring cleaning time, so keep your pets in mind as you go through house, garage and yard cleaning out the corners. Dispose of any and all toxic waste according to your local guidelines.

Here’s wishing you and your pets long and healthy lives.