The KMAC Kids 2002-2003 remind us all that kids and cats have many things in common...Be cautious with the chemicals that you use in your home and garden!

The KMAC Kids hypothesized that Whiskers was being exposed to something in her home or yard environment. They sleuthed for clues to solve the mystery of her illness. Although Whiskers may have been exposed to many hazards that could be harmful, her symptoms were cyclic (that means that she was sick at the same time each month). Because Whiskers did not take monthly medications nor did she have cyclic exposures to the other hazards in her environment, the KMAC Kids' investigation led them to conclude that the monthly yard and garden treatment for ants and spiders may have caused her ill health. Whiskers' exposure to the chemicals applied each month may have caused more health problems because she was an older cat. She may also have ingested more chemicals from the spray because she not only licked and cleaned herself, but she also cleaned Tiggy, the other kitty that lived with Grandma Jean.

The What's Wrong with Whiskers is a story created by the KMAC Kids 2002-2003 as funded by a grant from the California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) to improve the health of the people of California by making grants for health promotion, wellness education, and disease prevention programs. KMAC stands for: Kids Making A Connection, Health & the Environment. KMAC activities were originally supported by an NIEHS grant in K-12 environmental health science education, "Toxrap" Network. You can learn more about NIEHS educational grant programs at the NIEHS K-12 Teacher Enhancement and Development, Environmental Health Sciences K-12 Education Grants materials, and the NIEHS K-12 Initiatives websites.

Back to What's Wrong Whiskers?

Other KMAC stories featured by NIEHS:

Links Disclaimer and Caution

When you encounter this image or the words "Non-NIEHS Link", it means that by following that link you will be leaving the NIEHS website. NIEHS is NOT responsible for non-NIEHS websites. Sites maintained by outside organizations may be changed without notice to NIEHS. Therefore, unless the link is to another U.S. government sponsored webpage, endorsement by NIEHS is not implied, and NIEHS does not guarantee their continuing safe content or privacy policies. So please ask your parent or guardian before continuing to any non-NIEHS website, and especially before providing any information via the internet or by e-mail. When last reviewed, the websites linked from the NIEHS Kids' Pages seemed suitable for you to visit, but that may have changed; if you have any difficulties or concerns with any linked materials, please let us know.