Ever since I found out about the chemicals the scientists found in me, I've been doing my homework. I want to know where those chemicals come from, what they are, and how I can avoid them. I've always loved digging – the only difference is now it's for information instead of buried bones.

Anyway, since I know all this useful stuff now, I thought I'd pass it on to you! Let’s take it one chemical family at a time, starting with. . .

Non-stick chemicals (PFCs)

These chemicals are used to make things nonstick (like Teflon pans), stain-proof (like carpets), and grease-proof (like the inner lining of dry pet food bags). Scientists call these perfluorochemicals, or PFCs. An overheated non-stick pan can give off enough chemical gas to kill pet birds. That's called Teflon toxicosis, and I know because it happened to a friend of mine. (Rest in peace, Feathers!)

Turns out Cleo and I are full of this stuff. When scientists tested samples from 20 dogs and 40 cats, they found a total of 8 different PFCs in us – most of them at levels much higher than they usually find in people. We’re not sure yet exactly why we’ve got so much non-stick stuff in us (after all, my insides aren’t that sticky, and I bet yours aren’t either). It might come from the stain-proof carpet I’m always rolling around on, or the couch that Cleo sleeps on when Mom and Dad aren’t looking. House dust is another likely source. There’s also a pretty good chance it came from our dry food, because – get this – they actually use these chemicals to line the inside of our dog and cat food bags! Now who came up with that bright idea?

PFCs are linked to cancer and several different kinds of toxicity. They’re also bioaccumulative, which means they build up in our systems over time. If you want to avoid them, ask the humans in your household not to opt for stain guard if they buy new carpets or furniture. Using a special kind of vacuum with something called a HEPA filter will also help. Don’t ask me what it looks like, though. I run and hide whenever that thing comes out of the closet.

And please, for Feathers’ sake, be careful with the non-stick pans! Don’t use them at all if you have a bird in the house. My humans switched to some cast iron pans they got at a yard sale, and they’re a lot safer than non-stick. If you have to use non-stick pans, be very careful not to let them get too hot.

Do you have any other ideas for avoiding non-stick chemicals? If you do, we want to hear them. Let us know in the comments!

P.S. If you want more ideas for staying healthy, check out my tips.