Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats

Many think that because cats are finicky eaters they are poisoned less often than dogs. However, with their curiosity and fastidious grooming, intoxication is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Several factors predispose cats to becoming ill once they have been exposed to even a small amount of a poisonous substance.

"...lack of certain liver enzymes necessary to decontaminate many chemicals."

These include their small body size, their habit of hiding when ill so that exposure is not immediately evident, and their lack of certain liver enzymes necessary to decontaminate many chemicals. When cats are poisoned, these factors also make them less likely to recover than dogs.

How can a cat become poisoned?

Cats can be poisoned via a number of routes. Contamination of the digestive system can result from the direct ingestion of a toxic substance, from ingestion of poisoned prey, or from grooming contaminated fur. Some toxins can be absorbed directly through the skin, particularly the paws, and a few toxins can cause damage by inhalation.

What clinical signs might warn me that my cat may have been poisoned?

The clinical signs vary depending on the particular poison concerned. Toxins may produce:

• Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea
• Neurological signs including tremors, incoordination, seizures, excitability, depression, or coma
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, or difficult breathing
• Skin signs of redness, inflammation and swelling
• Liver failure that causes jaundice and vomiting
• Kidney failure that may be evidenced as increased drinking, inappetence and weight loss

Some toxins act on more than one body system, and can produce any combination of the above signs. It is important to remember that, while most cases of intoxication will cause acute problems, chronic, delayed intoxication can also arise. Chronic exposure to toxins can be very difficult to recognize and treat.

I think my cat has been poisoned. What should I do?

If you suspect your cat may have had access to a poisonous substance, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. If the cat is fractious, it is usually best to wrap it in a towel and put it in a box to prevent it from hurting itself or you.

"Wrapping in a towel also prevents the cat from ingesting further contamination from its coat. "

Wrapping in a towel also prevents the cat from ingesting further contamination from its coat. It is NOT advisable to try to make the cat vomit, since the cat may asphyxiate or choke on its vomit. It is best to call the veterinary hospital to tell them that you are coming and give them time to prepare any treatments your cat may need.

What should I do if my cat has swallowed some of this chemical?

If you feel the cat may have swallowed ANY toxin, you should seek immediate veterinary care. Even if the contamination was confined to the coat, many chemicals and toxins can still be absorbed across the skin.

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What sort of things can poison cats?

"The majority of reported cases involve human medications, household chemicals, insecticides and rodenticides (rat or mouse poisons)."

Many everyday items are potentially hazardous to your cat. It is important that you are aware of these chemicals to help prevent an accident. The majority of reported cases involve human medications, household chemicals, insecticides and rodenticides (rat or mouse poisons).

Domestic hazards can be found in the garage (antifreeze, fuels), under the kitchen sink (acids, alkalis, bleach, disinfectants) or on the building itself (wood preservatives, lead-based paints). Intoxication can result from human medications (aspirin, acetaminophen, paracetamol, and antidepressants), certain foods (liver, onions, cocoa, raw fish), food contaminants (bacteria, fungi) or food additives (propylene glycol). Never give human medications to cats without checking with your veterinarian. A single acetaminophen tablet can be fatal to an adult cat!

Garden hazards include rodenticides (warfarin and related substances, calciferol, strychnine, bromethalin), herbicides (sodium chlorate, paraquat), fungicides (pentachlorophenols or PCP), insecticides including pyrethrins, pyrethroids, organochlorines organophosphates and carbamates, and slug baits (metaldehyde). Certain plants (lilies, mushrooms, marijuana, and pine needles) and animals (toads, snakes and stinging insects) can be toxic to cats.

Endogenous toxins are toxins produced within the body. These toxins include excessive urea, due to kidney failure and ammonia due to congenital portosystemic shunts (the presence of abnormal blood vessels within the liver). While these are technically not poisons, they can cause similar clinical signs.