Cat Poisons and How to Avoid Them

Curiosity killed the cat. There is a reason that expression exists, morbid though it may seem. Cats are naturally curious creatures. They like to stalk small animals and explore out-of-the-way terrain. There are, however, many poisons they need to avoid. You can learn what to do in the unfortunate even that your kitty is poisoned and how to avoid exposure to potential dangers. This article will not be able to address all poisons (anything that can be harmful to your pet could be poison), but it should help point out what to look for.

Symptoms of poisoning may include one or more of the following: mouth irritation; drooling; vomiting; diarrhea; hallucinations; seizures; coma; and even death.

Common house plants may lead to a rash. Many cat lovers are aware of the danger a poinsettia can cause but ingestion of chrysanthemum, weeping fig, and creeping fig cause similar adverse reactions. Oxalic acid in vegetation can cause mouth swelling, staggered gait, and collapse. Avoid irritating plants like the caladium, calla lily, jack-in-the-pulpit, and peace lily. Other plants can be toxic and cause abdominal pain or vomiting. Some can even cause heart, kidney, or respiratory problems. Keep your cat from munching spider mums, azaleas, ivy, and amaryllis.

If you let kitty roam freely out of doors, beware of poisonous outside plants. Your pretty, prize winning fox gloves and daffodils can result in vomiting and diarrhea for your exploring feline. Skunk cabbage, wisteria, larkspur, and delphinium can lead to similar complications. If ingested, trees and bushes can produce toxic results. Cats should stay away from your apricot, almond, or Japanese plum trees. Rain tree and horse chestnuts are not kitty-friendly either.

Don’t let Whiskers wander in your garden. Rhubarb, spinach, and some varieties of potatoes can leave him less than healthy. Marijuana, morning glory, and periwinkle plants can cause hallucinations.

If you suspect your feline has been poisoned identify the poison. If you can, save anything your cat has vomited or chewed. Save the container or plant’s label. Knowing the cat’s age, gender, weight, and species will help in knowing how to treat him.

You have two primary choices when it comes to treating your kitty if he has ingested toxins. In most cases it is advisable to induce vomiting. In order to induce emesis it would be good to have hydrogen peroxide on hand. Use one teaspoon of three percent peroxide for every ten pounds of the cat’s weight. Do not use Syrup of Ipecac, used for children.

In other cases it may be more advisable to delay absorption. In less severe cases milk, egg whites, or vegetable oil may coat the bowel and prevent or delay absorption of toxins. If using vegetable oil, add two teaspoons to his feed. Do not force feed.

If your cat is suffering from a more serious case of poisoning you can coat the bowel by mixing one part activated charcoal with six parts cold water. Half an hour later give your cat Milk of Magnesia. Administer half a teaspoon for every five pounds of body weight. This is not easy to do without the aid of a stomach tube. In most cases it is best to induce vomiting and take your cat to his veterinarian.

If the poison or toxic substance is on the cat, rinse him with large quantities of water. Even if there is no sign of skin irritation, bathe the cat in lukewarm water. Wear gloves to protect yourself.

Rodent poisons are very dangerous to cats. Commercial products are usually dyed bold colors. Initially a cat will show excitability and agitation. A slight touch or a loud noise may set off seizures lasting about sixty seconds. A cat will throw its head back, have difficulty breathing, and turn blue. Induce vomiting unless the cat is struggling to breathe. In this case, take the cat to the vet immediately, avoiding any unnecessary handling.

The poison arsenic can be found in pesticides, herbicides, and slug and snail baits. Death can occur quickly. Symptoms in a less lethal dosage would be thirst, drooling, vomiting, staggering, intense abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, and paralysis. Induce vomiting and see the vet for the antidote.

Your cat may encounter a common, deadly poison, right in your own garage. A single lick of spilled antifreeze could kill your cat. A cat will stagger, vomit, and become weak. Then he will likely fall into a coma. Induce vomiting and take your cat to the vet immediately.

You should not induce vomiting if your cat has inhaled gasoline or kerosene. Poisoning in this manner would result in vomiting, pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and convulsions. Give your cat one ounce of water, juice, or soda for every six pounds of body weight. Monitor closely as there is a risk of respiratory failure.

Obviously you can’t avoid every possible poison. What steps should you take in the event that your little companion encounters something toxic? If you can identify the poison, this may help. Call the National Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They charge $60 for the consultation. Visit the website of American’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ ( napcc.aspca.org ) for information on poisons and expert advice.

Kitty-proof your home and don’t let Whiskers eat things he shouldn’t. In the case that poisoning does occur it is usually best to induce vomiting and take him to the vet right away. Call the Animal Poison Control Center or your veterinarian immediately.

For a full list of poisonous plants, go here .