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Curious by nature, it is sometimes all too easy for cats to ingest poison, causing them to become very ill and to possibly die if
not properly treated.
Be Aware
Cat owners should be aware of the types of items around the home that can poison a cat. Household chemicals, plants, trees and
shrubs can all cause a cat to become ill. When you think your cat has ingested a poisonous substance, it is helpful to your vet
if you can identify what has made the cat sick. If your cat goes outdoors, sometimes it is impossible to know what the cat has
ingested. Here are some common plants and household chemicals that can make your cat ill.
Reactions to Poison
There are certain plants, trees and shrubs that can cause your cat to vomit, become dehydrated and have diarrhea. Sometimes
when a cat ingests a toxic plant, they can foam at the mouth or have excessive drooling followed by a desire to drink lots of
water. Their mouth can become red and irritated. In extreme cases, a cat can fall into a coma and die.
Inside Plants
Sometimes a cat doesn’t even have to ingest the plant, but can have exposure on their skin, causing irritations. Some plants
inside your home can pose a threat to your cat. Chrysanthemums, fig plants and poinsettias may cause a single skin irritation.
However, the following plants can cause more serious reactions such as general weakness, staggering, and swelling of the mouth:
Arrowhead vine, Boston ivy, caladiums, dumb cane plants, elephant’s ear, heart leaf, and even the peace lily.
If your cat has ingested a large amount of amaryllis, ivy, azalea, spider mum and creeping Charlie plants or flowers, you can
expect a more serious reaction. These plants, among others can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, tremors and heart and
respiratory ailments. It will be necessary to consult your vet if you cat has ingested any toxic plants.
Outdoor Plants
Outdoor plants can also pose much of the same risks and some of the indoor plants. Symptoms can include, but are not limited
to diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, pain, and weakness, breathing difficulties and seizures and convulsions. Some of these plants
and shrubs include larkspur, skunkweed, daffodils, foxglove, castor bean, almond plants, wild cherry, English holly, spinach,
rhubarb, Jasmine, and pigweed. Other plants that can cause your cat to experience hallucinations include marijuana, nutmeg,
peyote, and morning glories.
Chemicals And Cleaners
Chemicals and cleaners found around the house are also cause for concern. Cats can ingest a toxic chemical and become very ill
quickly. A common poison for cats is antifreeze. They like the taste and will lick it off of the garage floor from a puddle.
Antifreeze can cause seizures and if enough is ingested, can kill a cat. Other common poisons found around the house are rat
poisons, and insect sprays and treatments. If you treat your home with insecticides it is very important to keep your cat away
from the treated area for several hours. In addition, if you spray the inside of your home, thoroughly wash the cat’s food and
water bowls to clean off any residue from the insecticide. Other common household items that can make a cat ill include bleach,
alcohol, gasoline, turpentine, lead, acid, garbage waste and paint. Toads and salamanders can also cause cats to become very ill.
If you cat eats a toad or salamander, it will be evident by excessive foaming at the mouth and drooling. Also, it is important to
remember that if your cat eats a bird, insect or rat that has been infected by a poison, it is likely that your cat will become
ill, as well.
Contact Vet Or Poison Control Center
If you think your cat might have been poisoned, contact your vet or the National Animal Poison Control Center. Although there
are different treatments for different poisons, most vets will try to induce vomiting in order to eliminate the toxin from the
body. If your cat has a toxin on the fur or skin, it will be necessary to thoroughly remove the residue by washing the cat’s fur.
For removing poisons such as gasoline or turpentine, both mineral oil and vegetable oil are effective. If you see that your cat
is experiencing nervous system disorders including convulsions, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness, take him to your vet
immediately.
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