Cats don’t need to be outdoors to be exposed to poison. Many poisonous substances are found in the home. Follow these guidelines to prevent cat poisoning.
In some cases, cats can react to poisonous materials through inhalation or skin exposure as well as ingestion. A reaction may not be fatal, but a heavy dose could lead to permanent damage. The most common remedy in these cases is to support the cat’s well-being until its body metabolizes a poisonous substance.
If you want to ensure the prevention of cat poisoning, keep these materials away from cats at all times:
Caffeine
Animals in general do not tolerate caffeine like humans. Aside from coffee, soda and tea, many fitness and energy products contain caffeine. These products may also use ingredients such as ephedra, xylitol and iron. When consumed in high doses these can cause liver damage, shock and internal bleeding. Xylitol is also found in candy and gum, so keep these out of your cat’s reach.
Plants
All plants in the Lilium species including Peace Lily, Easter and Tiger Lilies, as well as daffodils, are highly toxic to cats. Common Christmas plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly, can cause mild to serious discomfort.
Medications
Keep all medications away from pets, including prescription antidepressants, ADD/ADHD drugs, NSAIDs as well as over-the-counter cold and cough medication. These are highly dangerous to cats and can cause seizures, tremors and even death.
Foods
Even the kitchen can be toxic to your cat or dog. Keep chocolate, garlic, grapes, onions and raisins away from family pets.
Household cleaners
General purpose cleaners for glass, tub and tile are usually safe for cats to be near, but keep highly concentrated cleaners for toilet bowls and drains out of the way of your cat because they can have adverse reactions to the skin.
Toys
Toys with small parts are a choking hazard for any family pet, but toys that glow in the dark (glow sticks, glow jewellery) are hazardous to cats and should be kept them away in order to avoid cat poisoning.
Symptoms to look out for
You may not always know if your cat has come into contact with a poisonous substance, so take note of any unusual behaviour. The following are common symptoms of poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Extreme salivation
- Skin irritation
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Shivering
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
What to do
Once your cat has come into contact with a poisonous substance, take immediate action. If you are certain they have been poisoned, contact your local animal poison control for advice on what to do next. Be sure to always have this phone number handy in case of an emergency.
If you believe your cat has come into contact with a poisonous substance, bring him or her to your veterinarian as soon as possible. You should also bringalong any leftover evidence since your vet may need samples of any vomit or stool as a result of the interaction to help them identify the best course of action.
Keep these important points in mind to avoid and prevent your cat from being poisoned.
