Cat Poisoning – What Every Cat Owner Should Know

It is an unfortunate fact that many pet cats have to suffer from ingesting toxins and many of these cases are avoidable; a glance through pet insurance claims stats tells us that quite often well-meaning but ignorant pet owners poison their cats by giving them medication meant for human consumption. Rodenticides are the next biggest class of poison that harms cats. Innocuous stuff such as chocolate, raisins, and onions that is perfectly safe for humans is toxic for cats.

Cats are curious animals and their curiosity often leads them into trouble when they ingest household plants or garden plants; some of which are toxic to them.

Here are some common household items that should be kept out of your pet’s reach -

• Antifreeze – Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which is metabolized by cats resulting in the formation of extremely toxic chemicals. Even a small dose of 3 ml is potentially deadly for a 2.5 kg cat. The poison begins acting within 30 minutes of ingestion and the cat runs the risk of acute kidney failure.

• Aspirin – Cats cannot digest aspirin and accidental ingestion can cause aspirin toxicity. The result is internal bleeding, respiratory problems, and neurological problems.

• Bleaching agents and bathroom cleaners – These chemicals can burn the mouth and the upper esophagus. Symptoms include a lack of appetite and pawing at the mouth.

• Carbon Monoxide – Cats exposed to carbon monoxide will appear drowsy, weak, and their movements will be incoordinated. A non-vented furnace, a faulty vehicle exhaust, or any space with insufficient air for combustion is a potential danger to both cat and man.

• Easter Lilly – The Easter Lilly is a highly toxic plant as far as cats are concerned. The ingestion of even a few leaves can lead to vomiting followed by coma and then death.

• Herbal Supplements – Do not put your cat on herbal supplements without first consulting a vet. The cat could be exposed to toxic levels of herbs. Many herbs such as onion and garlic are toxic to cats.

• Ibuprofen – A common painkiller that a cat-owner may give to a pet cat thinking that the medication may alleviate its discomfort. However, a toxic dose, which can be as low as one tablet, can cause bleeding stomach ulcers and then kidney failure.

• Metaldehyde – Metaldehyde is the active ingredient used in molluscicides that are used to eliminate slugs and snails. If a curious cat ventures into a garden and accidentally ingests the chemical; it will suffer from high body temperature and neurological problems.

• Mushrooms – Not all mushrooms are poisonous but if a curious cat ingests one of the poisonous variety then clinical symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice, seizure, and coma.

Common Symptoms of Poisoning

If the vet’s clinic is more than a 25 -minute drive then call the vet and ask if there is anything you can do to combat the toxin while you are leaving home. Here are some common symptoms of poisoning in cats, if your cat exhibits any of these symptoms you should immediately take it to a vet.

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Vomiting

• Drooling and dribbling spit

• Difficulty in breathing

• Seizure

Poisons with Known Antidotes

Treatment for toxins usually begins immediately and is carried out based on the information you give to the vet. Lab tests can also be done but the results take time and the cat cannot be kept waiting. If the vet can deduce the exact nature of the toxin based on his observation and your account then the treatment can be carried out in a that much more accurate manner.

Here are some toxins that have known antidotes –

• Ethylene glycol

• Acetaminophen

• Organophosphates

• Permethrins

• Lead

• Anticoagulant rodenticides

• Metaldehyde

• Snake venom

• Zinc

• Arsenic