What To Do If You Think Your Cat Ingested Poison

What To Do If You Think Your Cat Ingested Poison Photo © tinx – Fotolia.com

We discovered a great article over at The Cat Site describing what do do if you think your cat ingested poison. The link follows after our commentary and additional notes.

Curiosity can sometimes kill, especially in cats. According to research, 90% of cat poisoning cases occurred accidentally. ^[1] More often than not, it occurs as a result of consuming items which cats are not supposed to ingest such as rodent cleaners, rodenticide, pesticide, moth repellents, and even toxic plants such as lilies!

The average house contains lots of items which my trigger poisoning, but be aware these factors are not just limited to chemical-based household cleaners. Even plants which you have never imagined to be poisonous may actually elicit several symptoms associated with poison ingestion in cats. These plants include daffodils, castor bean, spinach, English holly, rhubarb, wild cherry, foxglove, almond plants, and jasmine. ^[2]

There are some more surprises: Among the top 10 toxins in cats listed in 2013 include glow sticks and jewelries, plants that contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, NSAIDs, antidepressants, over the counter medications for allergy, cold and cough, prescription medicines for ADD and ADHD, as well as flea and tick products for dogs. ^[3]

There are different mechanisms on how cats can be poisoned. Some occurred as a result of ingesting poisoned preys, inhalation of toxic fumes, and of course, swallowing toxic substances directly.

The intensity of damage caused by poisoning actually depends upon several factors which include the kind, amount and method of delivery of the substances. According to studies, ingestion of toxic substances may have adverse effects on certain organs of the feline’s body such as the liver, brain, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Symptoms actually vary on the kind of poison ingested. ^[4]

Furthermore, changes and symptoms sometimes differ in organs affected. The most common symptoms evident after poisoning include vomiting, seizure, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, coughing of blood, and inappetance. Drooling, jaundice, and black-tarry stool may also occur. ^[5]

Panic is strongly discouraged when you suspect that your pet has been poisoned – however time should not be wasted. Instead, remove your cat from the area, and call a veterinarian. Describe the poison which was possibly ingested, as well as all the symptoms noticed. ^[6]

When poisoned, identifying the cause of the condition is essential. By recognizing the stimulus of the condition, the proper and accurate treatment can be administered. The course of treatment applied depends upon the kind of poison ingested.

The administration of activated charcoal is considered as one of the most common solutions to toxic ingestion. The activated charcoal binds numerous toxins, thereby preventing absorption any further. Eventually, the toxin moves through the gastrointestinal tract of the cat’s body.

Some vets also use antidotes however, these may only be effective in the early stages of poison ingestion. Delayed diagnosis may cause antidote to be less effective or even ineffective.

Visit http://www.thecatsite.com/a/what-to-do-if-you-think-your-cat-ingested-poison to get more information about cat poisoning, and what to do in case it occurs to your pet.

References:

[1] http://www.1800petmeds.com/education/symptoms-poisoned-dog-cat-10.htm
[2] http://lovemeow.com/2009/10/signs-that-your-cat-might-have-been-poisoned/
[3] http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2014/01/top-10-frequent-dog-cat-toxins-2013/
[4] http://www.petplace.com/cats/poisoning-in-cats-what-you-should-know/page1.aspx
[5] http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/signs-of-poisoning-in-dogs-and-cats/
[6] http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/cats/health/poisoning

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What to Do If You Think Your Cat Ingested Poison
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