Sources
The publications behind the rules and plant statuses, with the date each was checked. A rule or plant can only cite a source on this list.
American Association of Feline Practitioners (catvets.com)
Environmental Needs Guidelines
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 7 rules
Cited by link only.
American Association of Feline Practitioners / International Society of Feline Medicine
AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines (Ellis et al., J Feline Med Surg 2013;15:219–230)
Five pillars: a safe place; multiple, separated key resources (food, water, toileting, scratching, play, resting); play and predatory behaviour; positive, predictable human interaction; respect for the sense of smell.
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 7 rules
Cited by reference only.
American Wood Protection Association
AWPA Standards — Use Category System (UC3B above ground, UC4A ground contact)
Authoritative requirement· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 1 rule
Cited by reference only.
ASPCA
Disaster Preparedness (pets)
Plan how pets are brought in quickly in storms, fire and other emergencies.
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12
Cited by link only.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Emergency contact for suspected ingestion; shown with every plant finding.
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 3 rules
Cited by link only.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List
The ASPCA states its list is not exhaustive. A plant missing from the list is not evidence of safety.
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 4 rules· 106 plants
Cited by link only; plant listings are not copied beyond name and toxicity status.
International Code Council
2021 International Residential Code — R310 Emergency escape and rescue openings
Model code; the adopted edition and local amendments vary by jurisdiction. Check with your building department.
Authoritative requirement· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 1 rule
Cited by reference only.
National Weather Service
Heat Safety
Includes guidance on pets in heat: shade and water.
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 1 rule
U.S. government work; cited by link.
National Weather Service
Wind Safety
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 1 rule
U.S. government work; cited by link.
OpenCatio3D
OpenCatio3D design practice (product best practice)
Common catio-builder practice adopted as a product default. Not an authority; shown so you can weigh it.
Product best practice· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 34 rules
MIT
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Indoor Pet Initiative
Basic Indoor Cat Needs
Vertical space, hiding places, scratching, resource placement and multi-cat considerations.
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 3 rules
Cited by link only.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Overview of Wood Preservative Chemicals
Authoritative requirement· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 1 rule
U.S. government work; cited by link.
U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA)
Prevent home fires
Clothes dryer exhaust must vent freely outdoors; lint build-up is a leading cause of dryer fires.
Authoritative requirement· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 1 rule
U.S. government work; cited by link.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine
Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination
True lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) can cause kidney failure in cats; all parts including pollen and vase water.
Authoritative requirement· checked 2026-10-12· 6 plants
U.S. government work; cited by link.
USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory
Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material (FPL-GTR-190)
Decay resistance of untreated heartwood, moisture and ground contact.
Professional guidance· checked 2026-10-12· cited by 1 rule
U.S. government work; cited by link.