Protect Your Cat from Mothballs

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated February 17, 2009)

1

Have you ever used mothballs to chase away the moths from your clothes and coats? I personally, am not a fan of mothballs, but if they work, then they work! If you do use mothballs, however, you should keep in mind that while they may repel moths, they may attract and even harm other animals. Cats love to play in our-of-the-way places like closets, but danger could be lurking there if you use mothballs.

Mothballs are composed of a lot of chemicals, all aimed at repelling moths, and keeping them away from your precious clothes and coats. However, these chemicals may pose a threat to your other pets, and you should be aware of these risks. A chemical in mothballs called naphthalene is toxic to cats, even if they just smell the fumes. This chemical can actually cause serious damage from vomiting to liver damage to a loss of coordination to a coma.

If you're still bent on preserving your clothes with mothballs, you should take a few precautions with your mothballs. Keep mothballs zipped in garment bags or in secure trunks. They should be in places where your cat can't really go; if your cat can't get into where the mothballs are, it will definitely stay safe from the mothballs and its harmful effects! If you think your cat has come in contact with mothballs, you need to call your veterinarian immediately.

So, mothballs may get the job done and do what they're supposed to do, but just make sure that they're not doing more than what they're intended to do. Protect your cat from mothballs, and you and your cat will be happy!

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

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What is eight minus 1?

2016-01-17 17:40:14

pat

If you suspect your cat has become adversely affected by inhaling the smell or being around moth balls, besides getting rid of the moth balls, what else can you do? My cat has been extremely ill...the vet put him on high level of antibiotics and creme for where he's scratched his neck so bad, it's bloody. He's not that old but I've been very worried I may have to put him down.

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