HEALTH
Prevent your pets from accidentally starting house fire
by Ask Dr. Lee, Figo Guest Blogger
October 11, 2016
Q: My cats are fascinated by flickering candles. How often do cats cause house fires?
A: According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires affect 500,000 pets every year, and cats actually start 700 to 1000 home fires every year. Most fires involve the stove, fireplace or candles.
To prevent fires, employ the usual precautions:
- Supervise your cats around lit candles, and extinguish candles before you leave the room – or better yet, use flameless electronic candles.
- When you’re away, remove, cover or lock stove knobs so pets can’t accidentally turn on the stove.
- Prevent your cats from chewing electrical wires by covering them with a plastic shower rod cover.
- Don’t leave a clear glass water bowl on the deck, as the sun’s rays through the water can ignite the wood deck.