Storing pet food near chemicals?

I am concerned about my neighbor's cat. The owner stores the dry bagged food in a VERY small closet, with lawn and household chemicals. I was asked to take care of the cat while they are on vacation. Whenever I open the closet, for the food, it reeks of chemicals. Could this absorb into the bagged food? I am going to buy a metal storage tin to keep the food in. should I share my concerns with the neighbor before she leaves for vacation? she will think I am nuts, but gut instinct tells me this is harmful to the cat.

I would tell her because it is better to be safe then sorry.

I think it very considerate of you to worry about this, and, depending on the chemicals, it well could pose a danger to the cat.

Buy the metal, or plastic, container and put the food in it and tell the owner why you did this.

Your idea of putting the food into an airtight container is a good one. Better yet, the chemicals should also go into their own bins, either Rubbermaid-type boxes or even just Ziplock-type bags. (Yes, you can buy them big enough to enclose big containers.) Sure, you can voice your concern. Your actions are most important, though. Bless you for being a loving neighbour.

yes good job

Well right off the top of my head I'm thinking I wouldn't be too thrilled to eat something out of that closet myself..would anyone? Follow your instincts, they happen to be correct.

I would think this would not only be harmful to the cat but if she keeps her food in there too….keep quiet until she comes back home :0)
Then express your concerns to her, I think i would go over better seeing that you were taking care of her cat while she was gone. she will see the metal can which you put there only to keep her cat safe.
This is what I would do…..

Yeah, if they wouldn't store their own food there, probably shouldn't store the cat's.

I would tell her your concerns, and make the point that the cat is a small animal and it wouldn't take much to make her ill if her food became at all tainted.

Yes it could absorb in the bag of cat food. I think you should let you Neighbor know how you feel about the food being near the Chemicals.

Yes do share this with your neighbor. They may not know the dangers.

Tell them it's just like humans storing cleaning chemicals, etc. with pantry foods such as flour, sugar, packaged foods, etc.

The chemicals can absorb into the foods as well as the toxic smells permeating the pantry or closet. All chemicals should be out of the cat's living quarters.

Just let them know and suggest removing the chemicals outside in a storage or garage unit.

Depending on the chemical, yes it might get into the food; the bags are designed to keep out moisture and other substances, but they're not entirely impervious. even if it isn't enough to be harmful, it may make the food smell or taste funny so the cat won't eat it. You know your neighbor better than I do, but if it were me I'd put in the storage tin and tell her after she gets back; she may have too many things to think about right now.

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