What is Your Cat Trying to Tell You?

We cat owners know that our cats are intelligent animals, but sometimes we might not be quite so sure what they are trying to tell us.

Does your cat blink when she’s looking at you? That means she trusts you enough to close her eyes because she knows she won’t be attacked. She probably won’t do this if her pupils are very small or very large, though. That would mean that she’s scared or upset about something.

You’ll also know she’s anxious or scared if her tail is tucked down or puffed up—especially if her ears are flat too. If she’s like this, you may want to leave her alone for a little while and let her calm down. Once she’s calm, you may see some signs that she’s in a playful or affectionate mood. Her tail may be straight up, her ears attentive, or she may even let you rub her belly. If she’s being extra affectionate, she’ll knead her paws on you and rub her head on you—marking you as her territory.

And, of course, there’s the “meow.” Cats meow in many different ways, and have learned to do this in order to communicate with us; they don’t naturally meow with each other as a form of communication. They also purr, hiss, growl, chirp, or chatter.

And what cat owner doesn’t meow back at their cat, regardless of whether or not we understand what they are saying?

Sweet Dreams

We all hope our pets will be in good hands when we have to leave them --- especially overnight. How can we be sure? Asking the right important questions will assure our pet is receiving the best care!

1) Does your veterinarian recommend this pet care provider? 

2) Do they require vaccines to protect all the pets in their care?

3) Is there a veterinarian on call at all times?

4) How many years have they been in the pet care business? 

5) Are the people you are leaving your pets with knowledgeable, experienced and trained animal professionals?

6) Are cat accommodations separate from the dogs?

7) Each pet has different needs. Do you have the option to customize your pet's stay? 

8) Are you able to select private or group play depending on your dog's preference?

9) Is the location specifically designed for your pet's safety? Clean, safe and free of odor?

10) Did you check for well-maintained fencing and security? 

We would ask similar questions for our children. Pet professionals expect and are prepared to answer these questions as well as provide facility tours. Look for a home away from home to leave your lovable furry family member. At Morris Animal Inn we have over 50 years experience. We invite you to tour our facility. We take special pride in our quality staff. Give us a call and ask us these questions at 973-539-0377 and anything else that is on your mind. We welcome your thoughts and look forward to putting you and your pet's mind at ease so everyone has sweet dreams. We understand every pet is unique and has different needs.

My Cat Sleeps on Me... Why?

Do you wonder why your cat prefers to sleep on you when most of the time they are independent? Let's try to figure this out. 

According to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, 62% of cats sleep with their adult owners, and another 13% of cats sleep with children. 

Felines have a fantastic sense of smell, so they know their owner's scent. Perhaps your cat snuggles with you because the familiar scent of you provides them with a sense of contentment.  

Could it be warmth? Cats prefer to sleep in warm places. Maybe your body heat is an attraction. This might explain why cats sleep on their owner's heads. Most of the heat escapes from our heads.

Maybe it's a sense of security. Typically cats sleep up to 16 hours a day. They are most vulnerable during sleep so the place your cat opts to take a nap must be a secure and trusted location. It's a compliment when a cat has several choices of places to sleep and they choose you as their favorite sleep spot.

Comfort is a possible reason. Cats seem to understand when someone is ill or in pain. Therefore, they want to be close to their owner if they sense they are sick or in pain.

In the end, cats can and do bond with their favorite human. Perhaps it is love and companionship that brings your kitty to sleep on you.  

Source: Vetstreet.com, Pets.webmd.com, Cats.about.com 

Would you like Tap or Filtered Water?

Did you know that water is essential for almost every function an animal's body performs?

Water carries nutrients in and out of the body, aids in digestion, maintains body temperature and even cushions joints to make movement easier.

The recommended daily amounts of water required will vary based on the size of the animal and health on environmental factors, but a good rule of thumb is to provide water for your pet at all times. If your pet needs encouragement, some pet suppliers offer special dispensers and fountains to entice drinking.

Morris Animal Inn has recently added a water filtration system to provide an even higher quality of water for our pet guests. 

Morris Animal Inn also utilizes pet-friendly shampoos, conditioners, laundry detergents and cleaning products. Providing the water filtration system was an easy decision to always have the best available for our guests!

Source: http://www.peteducation.com, http://www.allaboutwater.org,  http://www.nrdc.org, WaterFilters.net, https://www.usdaa.com, http://animalhealings.com

Why Your Cat Needs to Knead

Kneading is a very common behavior for cats. It may just be soft pawing or even a repetitive clawing. Regardless of when or where, if a cat feels the need to knead, they will. Why do cats love this activity so much? 

It's comforting

Kneading represents a period of comfort and safety. During the nursing process, kittens will knead their mom's belly to increase milk flow. Kneading then becomes an instinctive behavior that they carry with them past kittenhood. Its a moment of happiness and contentment. Much like certain food or activities remind you of childhood, kneading brings your cat back to a comforting time.

Your cat is marking their territory. 

Kneading is also a way for a cat to create a safe space. Cats have scent glands on the pads of their feet, and these produce a unique scent. A cat releases this scent to claim territory and define what is theirs. They may also claw to leave signature scratches on something they want to mark as theirs. So, next time your cat is kneading on your lap, consider it a compliment! 

If you don't like your cat's kneading behavior...

Consider redirecting your cat to an area besides your lap. You can simply reward your cat for kneading in a certain area - maybe a blanket or pillow. It is important to remember that kneading is a normal and comforting activity for your cat, so you shouldn't discourage the behavior. 

Now you know why your cat needs to knead. Next time you witness this behavior, you can understand a little better why your cat enjoys it so much! 

Source: aaha.org, cats.lovetoknow.com, catster.com

Communicating with your Cat

Cats are thought to be very complex and independent creatures, so understanding their method of communication can be tricky. Each cat actually develops their own unique and fascinating way of speaking to their owners. Here are some ways that your kitty may be speaking to you. 

Body Language
One way a cat communicates their mood is with their tail. When the tail is held straight up, it expresses confidence. When your cat wraps it's tail around your legs, it communicates friendliness. If it is tucked between their legs, it signals anxiety. 

So, when you come home from a long day at work and your cat rubs up against you and wraps their tail around your legs, that's their way of saying "I missed you!"

Facial Expressions
When felines interact, responding with a slow blink is an official sign of trust. Like a wink between friends, your cat may close their eyes in your presence to show that they are friendly and comfortable with you. It is a signal of acceptance that a cat may only communicate with their owner. 

Vocalizations

Cats develop a vocal language that is unique to them and their owner. Your cat may meow as a way of greeting you, requesting food, or asking for approval. Purring is also a way for your cat to communicate with you. Purring is a sign that your cat wants to be comforted and/or cared for. Pay attention to the different sounds your cat makes, so you can better understand their specific way of speaking to you. 

Cats can easily sense their owner's mood. If you are sad or anxious, your cat most likely knows. Understanding and responding to your cat's language can help deepen the bond you have with each other. 

Source: DailyMail, nymag, webmd, huffingtonpost

Pet Wellness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month - a  campaign sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association that aims to bring awareness to regular pet wellness checks. Here are a few ways you can give your dog or cat a happier and healthier life.

Twice-A-Year Exams

Wellness Exams enhance the quality of life for your pet and minimize the possibility of illness or disease. Pets age at a faster rate, so they need check-ups more often. Certain breeds are at a higher risk of  medical conditions, so take the time to learn about your pet's specific needs. Speak to your veterinarian about what you can do to keep your pet as healthy as possible. 

Dental Hygiene

Your pet's dental hygiene is very important to his or her overall health, Dental problems can cause more serious health issues, such as heart, kidney or joint problems. Avoid dental diseases by promoting oral health, and talk to your vet about ways to keep your pet's teeth healthy and clean. 

Spay/Neuter

If you haven't done so already, spay/neuter your pet. This has many health benefits, including making your pet less susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Female pets have a higher chance of getting uterine infections and breast cancer if they are not spayed, according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA also suggests neutering male pets before they are 6 months old, in order to protect against testicular cancer. 

Your Pet's food 

The quality of your pet's food is essential to their overall health. Take a look at your pet's food label. Avoid cheap fillers like protein "meal", which provide no nutrition. Incorporate foods like chicken and eggs, which are highly digestible protein that help build muscle. Check with your veterinarian to determine the healthiest food for your pet. Aim to create a high standard of nutrition for your pet, because as we all know, "You are what you eat".

Exercise

 The foundation of your pet's health is diet and exercise. Exercise will keep your pet's muscles and bones strong and keep them happy and healthy. As we approach the cold winter season, there are also ways to get your dog or cat some exercise indoors. Your dog can burn some calories by running up and down stairs or going for a jog on a canine treadmill, like the one used in Morris Animal Inn's canine cardio sessions. Cat's sleep approximately 22 hours a day, but they can enjoy a workout routine as well. Here at Morris Animal Inn we like to use laser lights and teaser toys in our teaser play sessions to help your kitty burn some calories and stay healthy. Your pet should get exercise on a daily basis. Remember: A tired dog is a happy dog! 

Morris Animal Inn is excited to support Pet Wellness Month, and we make the wellness of your pets a priority. You can take steps towards giving your pet a long and healthy life by incorporating more activity into your pet's life, creating a pet wellness plan, and bringing your pet to Morris Animal Inn for daily activities and healthy treats. Call us at 973-539-0377 or visit www.MorrisAnimalInn.com. 

Source: PetMD.com Wondercide.com, SynergyLabs.com, Petcentric.com

An Active Cat is a Healthy Cat

Many people do not realize the benefit of exercise for cats.  Although they do have the evolutionary advantage of a high metabolism, cats still require consistent exercise to help maintain a healthy body condition and overall health. Felines have a long history of hunting and prowling, and keeping those natural instincts alive in your cat is important. Encourage your feline family member to be more active, and you will have a happier and healthier pet.

Cats are natural hunters

Originally, cats lived mostly outdoors. Keeping a cat as a household pet has become common only in recent years. In the past, cats survived by doing what they knew best – catching things (like mice and rodents). They kept entertained and fit by spending hours searching, stalking, and catching their meals. Now, most cats live indoors, and “the chase” is no longer a part of their lives. However, it is important to your cat’s health to allow them to use those hunting and prowling instincts they are so used to.

Keep your cat’s activity creative

Your cat probably enjoys lounging around (Adult cats sleep more than 16 hours a day!), but every cat needs to engage in some physical activity each day.

Activities that cats enjoy include: 

Cat trees and scratching posts: Cat trees are ideal because they entice cats to climb, which keeps their muscles working, and scratching provides both exercise and fun for your cat.

Mice and feather toys: These toys allow cats to mimic the act stalking their prey, an activity they are naturally inclined to do. 

Laser pointers: A beam of light acts as a bug that your cat can chase. Be sure to avoid pointing the beam of light directly into their eyes.

Exercise wheels: This is a great exercise for cats who need to lose weight. 

Indoor aquarium: An aquarium acts as constant entertainment for your cat.

Walks: If your cat enjoys the outdoors, going on walks in a stroller can be very stimulating. 

Why it’s important for cats to exercise

It’s important that your cat doesn’t become lazy. Lying around all day without any exercise can lead to obesity in cats, which causes issues like diabetes, joint pain, and liver problems. Cats should not eat more calories than they are expending. So, short activities (at least 10-15 minutes) throughout the day are essential to your cat's overall health.

Play time also allows cats to build trust with people. Creating that strong bond makes your feline friends happier and healthier.

Physical activity keeps your cat from getting bored. A bored cat becomes very curious, and may resort to scratching and chewing on furniture. Cats are less likely to become destructive if they get their energy out through daily exercise.

There are both physical and mental benefits to helping your cat stay active. Keeping your cat connected to its natural instincts is important to their overall well-being. Here at Morris Animal Inn, we understand that healthier cats are happier cats. 

Source: www.Petmd.com, www.lovethatpet.com, www.catchfred.com

Learn to Read Your Cat's Ears

Last week we discussed dog's body language, so we think it's the cat's turn! Just like canines, felines use parts of their body to communicate. Pet 360 provides a guide to understand what your cat's ears are trying to tell you.

First, you must know that cat's ears have more than 24 muscles -- used for more than just hearing. Kitty ears also help display how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking. Each direction – turning 180 degrees either backward, forward, down, or up – carries a different message.

Relaxed. When a cat is feeling relaxed, their ears will bow slightly out to the sides and tilt slightly forward. This means all is well. Your cat is content and has a sense of well-being. Your cat is not afraid nor feeling aggressive. If your feline is generally happy, their ears will be in this position most of the time.

Curiosity. If a kitty's interest has been captured by something – an insect, bird, sound, toy – they will be on alert with their ears pointing straight up in the air and tilting forward. This position can tell you that your cat wants to play or that they may be on a hunt. If you've been separated for a few hours, your cat may greet you with this ear position.

Unsure. When both ears are in different positions (which your furry feline has amazing ability to do), your cat is feeling hesitant and is not really sure how to respond to the situation. The ears will hold in place as your cat considers the situation and what to do, and then will move them into entirely new positions during and after making the decision. It’s almost like watching your cat think with his or her ears!

Feeling nervous. When your cat is nervous or agitated, their ears will twitch. If you’re a parent to kitty siblings, one’s twitching ears might indicate they feel an attack, playful or otherwise, coming on. By moving their ears this way, your cat is telling you they need reassurance and may appreciate a comforting cuddle. However, if your cat's twitching is persistent and unwarranted, they might have a medical issue and should be checked by their veterinarian.

Riled up. Aggression may occur when you cat's ears change from being forward to pointing backward. When the ears go from upright to completely horizontal, sticking out at right angles to the head, take note and act accordingly. Your cat is telling you that their present emotion – whether it be submissiveness, annoyance, or fear – is on the rise, and they want to be left alone. If your cat’s ears return to this horizontal position on a regular basis with no indication of any feelings behind it, they may have ear mites or an ear infection -- it may a good idea to see your veterinarian.

Ready to fight. When your feline is thinking about starting a scuffle, her ears will be pointed diagonally backward – not quite forward or completely back. When a kitty is ready to strike with claws and teeth, their ears will flatten against their head. Doing so protects the ears from an opponent’s bites and scratches. When the ears move into this scuffle position, do not try to pick them up or touch your cat. If provoked during this phase, you risk being injured.

So the next time you’re wondering what your kitty is trying to tell you or how they are feeling, just identify their ear positions and the accompanying emotion. If you act appropriately according to your cat's emotional state, your cat will feel more closely bonded to you and will appreciate your understanding of feline language!

Source: Pet 360

Getting Your Cat to the Vet with Less Stress

Regular vet visits for your cat are essential for a longer, healthier, and happier life! Many cats, however, do not travel as well as their canine companions! If you have a hard time getting your cat to the vet without a struggle, here are a few tips to make the trip to your veterinarian less stressful—for both you and your furry feline friend!

Happy carrier, happy cat. In order for you cat to be happy while in their carrier, they must associate the carrier with positive experiences! So, trips to the veterinarian should not be the only time your furry friend encounters the carrier. Leave it with the door or hatch open in a room where your cat spends lots of time. This will allow your cat to become familiar with it and enter and go as they please, making them more comfortable! Try adding some soft bedding inside for extra security.

Lure your kitty into the carrier. Placing treats, toys, or catnip inside the carrier will help to encourage your cat to enter. Be patient! It could take days, or maybe even weeks, for your cat to begin to trust the carrier. If your cat sits near or explores the carrier, give them a treat to continue to connect the carrier with happy things!

Pick the right carrier for your cat. There are a few factors you must consider to determine the right carrier: Your cat’s size, how well he or she tolerates handling, and which is easiest for your to transport. The carrier should be safe, secure, sturdy, and not too heavy for you to carry. Some of the best carriers are hard-sided and open from both the front and the top. An easily removable top allows a cat who is fearful, anxious, or in pain to stay in the bottom half for exams by your veterinarian.

Traveling to the vet. Your furry friend will be safest in the car if you secure the carrier using a seat belt. If your cat seems anxious, it sometimes helps to cover, either partially or completely, the carrier with a blanket or towel. There are many sprays and oils such as lavender that may help soothe your kitty on the way to the vet.

If you're still having a hard time traveling with your furry feline, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian for more ideas on how to make your cat’s travel away from home, whether it’s to see the veterinarian or not, more calm and pleasant, especially if your cat is very stressed!

Source: American Animal Hospital Association

Speaking “Cat”

As passionate pet parents, many of us can honestly admit that we talk to our pets, but have you tried conversing with your pet in their own language? 

In the 1940s, cat lover Mildred Moelk discovered that cats meow differently to people than to cats. She categorized 16 sounds used in cat-munication. These 16 sounds are formed by your cat into 3 different patterns and when expressed, can be loosely translated to meanings like "hello,” "pay attention to me,” "give me,” "please give me,” and "I like” or "I don’t like.”

The 3 patterns:
1. Greeting or satisfaction: Soft murmurs or consonants made with the mouth closed

2. Request or complaints: Vowel sounds from an open-to-closing mouth as in meowing

3. Arousal or stress: Loud sounds called strained intensity patterns, emitted from a wide open mouth

Cats meow in different ways to convey:

•    Friendliness

•    Confidence

•    Dissatisfaction

•    Anger

•    Fear

•    Pain

So, here is your guide to speaking with your furry feline. To pronounce these sounds in “Cat,” use the partial phonetics based on Moelk’s system; An apostrophe (’) means an emphasis, and a colon (:) means the sound is drawn out. Good luck!

Murmur Pattern

1. Purr (’hrn-rhn-’hrn-rhn)

2. Request or Greeting (’mhrn’hr’hrn)

3. Call (’mhrn)

4. Acknowledgment or Confirmation (’mhng)

Vowel Patterns

1. Demand (’mhrn-a’:ou)

2. Begging Demand (’mhrn-a:ou:)

3. Bewilderment (’maou?)

4. Complaint (’mhng-a:ou)

5. Mating Cry - mild form (’mhrn-a:ou)

6. Anger Wail (wa:ou:)

Strained Intensity Patterns

1. Growl and Anger Wail

2. Snarl

3. Mating Cry (intense form)

4. Pain Scream

5. Refusal Rasp

6. Spitting

While many experts agree that a cat’s vocalizations are meant to communicate specific messages, they are still not sure exactly what cats are saying!  It is also believed that a cat’s meow is meant to manipulate their human into doing whatever they think the meow might mean. So, try speaking to your cat in their own language tonight and see what happens. We are interested to find out! For now, we will ask if any of our kitty guests have any ’mhng-a:ou (complaints) so we can quickly see to them, so we hear nothing but ’hrn-rhn-’hrn-rhn (purrs) from the catteries!

Source: Cat Channel

DIY Pet First Aid Kit

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and as a pet parent, you can never be too prepared! A pet injury can be a scary event, and it is important to have the proper first aid supplies for emergencies or just the minor cuts and scrapes. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides great information for pet first-aid, basic procedures and how to handle an injured pet. Here are the necessities for a resourceful first aid kit for your dog or cat:


TOOLS & SUPPLIES

• Tweezers - For removing ticks, splinters, or other foreign material.
• Medical Scissors – For cutting bandages; to prevent cutting your pet a blunt tip pair is recommended.
• Syringe or Eye Dropper – To give oral medication or to help flush out wounds.
• Digital Thermometer and lubricant (Petroleum Jelly) – Ask your veterinarian to teach you how to take your dog’s temperature.
• Latex Gloves – To protect your hands and keep your tools sterile. 

BANDAGES, ETC.

• Guaze Roll & Pads – To wrap the wound and muzzle your pet before treating the wound. Always wrap loosely to avoid danger to you pet.
• Cotton Balls – To help apply ointments and clean up any blood.
• Q-Tips – To help clean wounds, administer ointments, clean ears, paws, etc.
• First Aid Tape – For adhering gauze.

SOLUTIONS AND OINTMENTS 

• Sterile Saline Eye Solution – For flushing debris from eyes.  Do not use contact solution!
• Iodine – For applying to and washing fresh cuts and wounds. Try Betadine solution.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – To induce vomiting if your pet is poisoned. Call your vet for correct dosage, and never induce vomiting unless directed!
• Antibiotic ointment  – To apply to healing wounds.
• Antibacterial Cleanser – To clean your hands and any tools you are using.
• Hand Sanitizer  – Quick and on-the-go cleanser for your hands.
• Milk of magnesia or activated charcoal - To absorb poison.
• Alcohol Swabs – For on-the-go in case of scratches and scrapes.

OTHER NECESSITIES

• Soft Blanket – For keeping your pet warm/cool and transporting. It also helps relieve shock.
• Instant Cold Pack – Apply to affected area to keep swelling and pain to a minimum.
• Muzzle – Dogs in pain may bite. A muzzle helps calm your dog and prevent further injuries.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until they receive veterinary treatment! 

10 Things You Didn't know About Your Cat's Nose

In the pet world, dogs have received more attention for their sense of smell…but what about cats? A cat uses their nose for a wide variety of things.  With the help of Catster.com, here are 8 things you might not have known about your cat’s nose!

1. The nose is the most important sense organ. Cats have 200 million scent receptors! Most dog breeds don’t have even close to that number. Your cat’s sense of smell can:

• Guide them to prey
• Determine if food is edible or toxic
• Discover where you've been
• Help your cat find home if they get lost!

2.  A cat is born with a great sense of smell. From the moment they are born, a kitten already has a highly developed sense of smell. This provides them the ability to distinguish their mother's smell and to locate where to nurse even when their eyes are shut!

3. The color of a cat’s nose is directly related to the color of their fur. Black cats have black noses, white cats have pink noses, orange cats have orange noses, gray cats have gray noses, and so on. And if your cat is multicolored, they might just have a multicolored nose, too. Some kitties also have freckles on their noses.

4. Cats wear leather in every season.  The naked skin around a cat's nostrils is called "nose leather."

5. Cats have “nose prints.” Just like humans' fingerprints, every cat’s nose has a unique pattern of bumps and ridges. There has apparently been some talk about using nose prints as a form of identification, but good luck with getting your cat to tolerate having their nose inked and pressed against a piece of paper!

6. The nose tells your cat about other cats and animals in the area. Outdoor cats mark their territory with their eliminations, so if your cat goes outdoors, they can tell if anyone’s been intruding in their space!

7. The nose stimulates your cat’s appetite. Cats have very few taste receptors on their tongues, so it’s the smell rather than the flavor that stimulates the sense of hunger. That’s a big part of the reason why cats with respiratory infections or other nasal blockages stop eating; if they can’t smell their food, they won’t get hungry!

8. Mutual sniffing is a feline greeting. When two cats approach each other, they sniff one another's noses, sides, and rear ends, and then go on about their business together. This is the feline equivalent of saying, “Hey, how’s it going? Whatcha doin’?” 

9. There are smells cats really don’t like. Because cats’ noses are so sensitive, very strong odors are distasteful and even painful to smell! Be cautious with scented cat litter; the smell might be nice to you, but it could be overwhelming for your feline friend’s nose. Cats are also known to dislike the smell of citrus, mint, eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree oil.

10. Does your cat lick their nose? The reason is still unknown. Some say it’s like a reset button for a cat’s sense of smell. Licking the nose removes any residue such as pollen that may linger and interfere with the cat’s need to smell other things. Others say it’s a sign that a cat is anxious or nervous and has no connection with the sense of smell at all. What do you think?

Source: Catster.com

Tips for a Pet-Friendly Garden

As the snow begins to melt and the ground begins to thaw, it will once again be time to start working on our yards and gardens. While gardens are a beautiful addition to your outdoor space, they can also harbor dangerous toxins for your pet. Here are some plants and garden essentials to be cautious of when working this spring.

Plants

• Baby’s breath. This flower can wreak havoc on your dog or cat's digestion, causing gastrointestinal upset, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Daffodil.  While Daffodils are a common staple for any springtime garden, you might want to think twice if you have a curious pet! If ingested, daffodils can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, sedation, lack of appetite, convulsions, shivering, abnormally low blood pressure, kidney damage, muscular tremors and irregular heartbeats. To stay safe, yellow orchids look very similar and are non-toxic!
• Lily. So many lily varieties are extremely poisonous to cats. If you’re in doubt, don’t plant any of them! Ingesting even the tiniest bit can cause kidney failure! Oddly, lilies are non-toxic to dogs. If you have a cat and a love for lillies, resurrection lilies are safe to plant.
• Morning glory.  Distinguished by opening its bloom in the morning and closing it again at night, this flower is like LSD for your pets. Ingestion can cause delusions, stupor, or hallucinations. You may also see an increase in aggression, inability to stand or lethargy with excessive panting. Petunias stay open all day and present no harm to dogs or cats.
• Oleander. This pretty bush should come with a warning sign to ward away both humans and animals. Every part, from flower to root, is highly toxic and should be avoided. Ingestion can be fatal. Plant Ixora instead.

Mulch

• Cocoa mulch.  The theobromine (found in chocolate) and caffeine contained in this mulch can cause adverse reactions in dogs and cats. While many cocoa mulch manufacturers claim to have changed their processing methods to remove these two compounds, the safest route is to avoid it entirely.
• Pine, cedar and hemlock mulch. Choking or allergic reactions are a possibility with these natural wood mulches. Some mulch pieces, if ingested, can also puncture a dog or cat's stomach lining. If using these mulches, make sure your pet is always supervised!
• Rubber mulch. Similar to the wood mulches, the rubber variety could present a choking hazard!  Many of these types claim to be chemical free, but they are far from being natural.

Fertilizer

According to Pet Poison Helpline, many fertilizers can cause drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal posture due to abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and “muddy” colored gums.

Fertilizer manufacturers that produce “pet-safe” fertilizer base their safety claims on the absorption speed of the chemicals into your lawn. When heavy rainstorms come, however, some trace amounts of the chemicals may surface. 

Regardless of what you use, keep your pet away from any fertilizer until it has been completely worked into your grass so that none of it can be eaten by your dog or cat.

With a little knowledge, caution, and effort, your garden can be both beautiful, blossoming and pet-safe. For a full list of harmful plants and toxins, visit the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants or Pet Poison Helpline website.

Source: Pet 360 & Pet Poison Helpline