TOXIC HAZARDS


It is sometimes said that because cats are finicky eaters they are less easily poisoned 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. These include their small body size, their ability to hide so that exposure is not immediately
evident, and because they lack certain liver enzymes necessary to decontaminate certain chemicals. It is
because of these factors that when cats become poisoned they are 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, ingestion of poisoned prey, or from grooming contaminated fur. Some
toxins can even be absorbed through the skin of the cat (particularly the paws), and a few can gain entry by
inhalation.

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

The clinical signs are variable and will depend on the particular poison concerned. Many toxins produce
gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and diarrhea), others produce neurological signs (tremors, incoordination,
seizures, excitability, depression, or coma), respiratory signs (coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing), skin
signs (inflammation, swelling), liver failure (jaundice, vomiting) or kidney failure (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 intoxication can also arise, and often proves even more 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 that it be taken to a
veterinary hospital 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. This 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 (choke) on
vomitus. It is best to call the veterinary practice to tell them that you are coming and give them time to prepare
any treatments your cat may need.

My cat has got something ‘chemical’ on its coat, what should I do?

Only when the contamination is mild and confined to the coat, can the cat be treated at home. The aim of
treatment is to prevent further contamination.

External contamination. The cat's collar should be removed as it may also have been contaminated, and
some flea collars contain chemicals that may be harmful to sick cats. To remove chemicals from the coat it is
best to clip off contaminated hair and then wash the cat in warm soapy water. It is important to remove as
much of the contamination as possible, prior to washing, since the process of washing can increase the
absorption of some chemicals. The cat must then be fully dried to prevent it from chilling. Oily material can be
removed by rubbing it with clean, warm cooking oil, then wiping it off thoroughly (remove oil with oil).

Internal contamination. If you feel the cat may have ingested ANY toxin it should be taken to the veterinarian.
Even if the contamination is confined to the coat, it is important that the cat should be encouraged to drink
plenty of water or milk since this will help to wash out any absorbed toxins.

After any exposure to possible poisons it is advisable to keep the cat inside for 24 hours observation. Keep it
in a warm, quiet room.

What sort of things can cats be poisoned by?

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 household chemicals,
insecticides (chemicals that kill insects) and rodenticides (chemicals that kill rodents). However, in the majority
of cases the nature of the offending compound is unknown, so it is usually necessary to take a general
approach to treatment. Even in cases where the toxin can be identified, few specific antidotes are available.

Domestic hazards can be found in the garage (antifreeze, fuels), under the kitchen sink (acids, alkalis,
bleach, disinfectants) or in the actual fabric that the house (wood preservatives, lead-based paints).
Intoxication can result from human medications (aspirin, paracetamol, and antidepressants), certain foods
(liver, onion, cocoa, raw fish), food contaminants (bacteria, fungi) or food additives (propylene glycol). Never
give human medications to cats without checking with your veterinarian.

Garden hazards include rodenticides (warfarin and related substances, calciferol, strychnine, bromethalin),
herbicides (sodium chlorate, paraquat), fungicides (pentachlorophenols PCP), insecticides (pyrethrins,
pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, organochlorines), and molluscicides (slug bait - metaldehyde).
Cats can also become intoxicated by certain plants (mushrooms, marijuana, and pine needles) and animals
(common toad, snakes, stinging insects).

Endogenous toxins (i.e. those that are produced within the body) include urea in kidney failure and ammonia
with congenital porto-systemic shunts (abnormal blood vessels within the liver). While these are not classically
considered as poisons, they can cause similar clinical signs.

Animal Hospital of Fate
1001 North W.E.Crawford  (Highway 66 in Fate)
Rockwall, Texas 75087
972-722-0066

1001 North W.E.Crawford
(Highway 66 in Fate)
Rockwall, Texas 75087
972-722-0066
The Staff of the Animal Hospital of Fate