What are Common Poisons in Cats
What is it?
How is it Treated?
Breed Predispositions
Any cat can be exposed to toxic substances and may develop symptoms of poisoning. However, some studies have suggested that outdoor cats may be at a higher risk of poisoning due to their exposure to outdoor environments and potential hazards.
Introduction
While preparing dinner, Emily noticed her curious Bengal cat, Simba, chewing on a nearby houseplant. Moments later, Simba began drooling and acting disoriented. Fearing that her beloved pet may have ingested a toxic substance, Emily quickly consulted her veterinarian, who confirmed her worst suspicions: Simba had been poisoned.
Common poisons in cats are substances that can kill our pets. It is usually found in plants such as foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), and hemlock (Conium maculatum). The most common form of this toxin is digitalis glycosides. This type of poison affects the heart muscles. In some cases, the heart stops beating altogether. Other factors are Household items such as pesticides, medicines, and human food.
The first recorded case of poisoning from Digitalis was reported in 1828. Since then, many cats have died from ingesting this plant. Most deaths occur when a cat eats the leaves plant leaves. In addition, there have been reports of cats dying after eating the roots, flowers, seeds, stems, or milk from cows fed on the toxic plant.
How Do Cats Get Poisoned?
Cats are very clever animals. They use their sharp teeth to eat food, but sometimes they accidentally ingest something toxic. Poisoning in cats happens when cats consume poison, either directly or indirectly.
The most common way a cat becomes poisoned is by eating poisonous plants, such as berries, mushrooms, and weeds. If you suspect your pet ate a plant that contains a potentially dangerous substance, call your veterinarian immediately. Your vet can help determine whether your cat needs treatment.
Another possible source of poisoning is prey. Cats often feed small rodents like mice and rats, which contain harmful chemicals. These include rodenticides, insecticides, and herbicides. If your cat eats prey containing these poisons, it may suffer serious harm.
Inhalation of the toxin causes respiratory distress, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, fever, and loss of appetite.
Here are Five Types of Poisons That Cats Commonly Consume.
Household Cleaners
Common household cleaners are one of the most enormous, most significant poisonings for cats. Many of these products contain toxic ingredients that can cause serious health problems.
Some examples:
- ammonia
- bleach
- bath surface cleaner
- carpet
- drain
- toilet bowl cleaner
Pesticides
Pesticides are another source of poisoning for cats. These contain poisonous ingredients that can cause kidney disease and liver failure. Other examples include:
- chlorpyrifos
- rat bait
- ant baits
- Carbaryl
- Metaldehyde
- Diazinon
In addition to common household cleaners and pesticides, cats can accidentally ingest prescription drugs. This is especially true for older cats who may have trouble remembering to give themselves medication.
Medications
Human medications are another significant source of cat poisoning, especially those prescribed for pets. These products often contain harmful ingredients that can lead to liver damage. Examples include
- acetaminophen
- aspirin
- ibuprofen
- phenobarbital
- muscle relaxants
- cancer drugs
- diet pills
Plants
Toxic plants can be deadly to cats. Most plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and death.
Some examples include:
- true lily
- belladonna
- Digitalis
- hemlock
- hydrangea
- jasmine
- kava kava
- lilies
- nightshade
- parsley
- poinsettia
- rhododendron
- rosemary
- sage
Food
Food can also be a source of cat poisoning if they overeat. Cats can die from overeating food, especially if fed table scraps.
This is especially true for kittens, who are still increasing. Therefore, feed your kitten small amounts of food several times daily.
Other Common Sources of Poisons in Cats
- Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine, which is toxic to cats. Chocolate also contains theobromine, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. Theobromine is found naturally in cocoa beans, but manufacturers add it to milk chocolate to give it a smoother texture.
Cats are susceptible to caffeine and theobromine, so they’re especially vulnerable to chocolate poisoning. As a result, they may vomit, become lethargic, develop tremors, lose coordination, and exhibit other symptoms.
- Onions, garlic, chives
Cats are susceptible to onion and garlic fumes. They do not just gross them out; they die from inhaling too many pungent foods.
Onions contain sulfur compounds called thiosulfates, which cause vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Garlic contains another compound called allicin, which causes similar symptoms. Chives have a chemical called nepetalactone, which irritates the eyes and nose.
- Rat and mouse poison
Mouse baits are also dangerous to pets because they’re toxic to rodents. But rats and mice aren’t the only animals who eat poisoned food. Cats often eat poisoned rodent bait, too. So be careful when disposing of any poisonous material.
- Pet medications
Pet medications are toxic to humans and dangerous to our furry friends. The most common poisons in cats include anticoagulants (blood thinners), antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, heartworm and flea products, sedatives, tick products, and painkillers. These drugs can be fatal to pets who eat them.
What are the Symptoms of Poison in Cats?
Poisoning occurs when cats vomit, have diarrhea, feel lethargic, have seizures, have coma, difficulty breathing, drooling, excessive salivation, twitching, muscle spasms, tremors, convulsions, loss of coordination, paralysis, and death.
What to Do if Your Pet Has Been Poisoned?
Contact your vet if you think there’s a chance your cat may have ingested some toxin. Keep your pet inside while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive if possible. A veterinarian will perform a physical exam and determine whether your cat needs immediate medical attention.
Be careful around cats who seem to be agitated or aggressive. Cats are susceptible to stress and anxiety, especially during illness or injury. As a result, they may lash out because they feel threatened.
If you suspect your cat has ingested poison, wrap it in a towel and place it in a safe spot until emergency personnel arrives. Do not attempt to move your cat yourself.
How to Diagnose Common Poisons in Cats?
Contact your vet if you think there’s a chance your cat may have ingested some toxin. Keep your pet inside while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive if possible. A veterinarian will perform a physical exam and determine whether your cat needs immediate medical attention.
Be careful around cats who seem to be agitated or aggressive. Cats are susceptible to stress and anxiety, especially during illness or injury. As a result, they may lash out because they feel threatened.
If you suspect your cat has ingested poison, wrap it in a towel and place it in a safe spot until emergency personnel arrives. Do not attempt to move your cat yourself.
Treatment Options for Poison in Cats
Some poisons cause immediate symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, while others take longer to show signs of poisoning. The most common treatment for poisoning is gastric lavage (also called stomach pumping). This involves inserting a tube down the cat’s throat and forcing fluid back into his stomach.
Other treatments include activated charcoal, which absorbs toxins; intravenous fluids, which flush out toxins; and medications, which treat specific symptoms.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has been poisoned. He may be able to administer emergency care at home. Otherwise, he will need to take your cat to the vet.
Prevention for Common Poisons in Cats
Cats are notorious for eating things that aren’t meant for them. They’re curious creatures who often eat items that are not food. This includes household cleaners, antifreeze, and even batteries.
Preventing poisoning is simple. Here are some tips to help you keep your kitty safe:
- Don’t Give Cats Too Much Sugar.
Many cats are sweet-natured animals and love treats. However, if you give your cat too much sugar, he may become hyperactive and aggressive. This behavior can lead him to bite or scratch you.
It’s best to avoid giving your cat too much sugar. Instead, feed your cat small amounts of dry food once every two hours.
- Never Leave Food Out All Day.
Some cats are starving after waking up from sleep. If you leave food out all day, your cat may eat until he becomes sick or bloated.
This can happen quickly, especially if your cat has an empty stomach. Make sure to remove any leftovers within 2 hours.
- Be Careful With Medications.
Medication labels usually list the amount needed to treat a specific condition. But unfortunately, some medications are toxic to cats, and others can be fatal.
Be careful when administering medicine to your cat. Always read the label carefully and follow its instructions.
- Watch What You Put On Your Cat.
When you apply sunscreen to your skin, you should wash off any residue immediately. Sunscreen can irritate your cat’s eyes and ears.
Please do not allow your cat to lick his paws after applying sunscreen. He may ingest the chemicals and develop health problems.
- Do Not Use Pet Products That Contain Poisonous Ingredients.
Pet products such as flea collars, shampoos, and grooming kits contain ingredients that can harm your cat. These items can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and death.
Always consult the manufacturer’s directions before using pet products.
- Avoid Giving Your Cat Foods High in Fructose.
Fructose is found naturally in fruits and vegetables. However, some foods contain excessive levels of fructose.
These include honey, corn syrup, and table sugar. Feeding your cat foods containing high levels of fructose can result in kidney failure.
- Know How to Recognize Signs of Illness.
Knowledge is power. Knowing how to recognize signs of illness in your cat can save her life.
Most illnesses in cats are mild and easily treated. However, some diseases are severe and can be deadly.
- Get Vaccinated Against Rabies
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system. It is transmitted via saliva and bites.
If your cat gets bitten by another animal, she may contract rabies. Therefore, vaccination against rabies is recommended for all cats.
- Take Care of Your Cat’s Teeth
Teeth play an essential role in digestion and eating. Without teeth, your cat would starve.
However, overgrown or poorly maintained teeth can damage your cat’s mouth and gums.
Regular dental care is necessary for maintaining your cat’s oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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