THE PYRAMID CLUB

Dedicated to the Egyptian Mau

Poisons

Sharing our homes with cats is a delightful experience, but it can be like sharing a home with small children. We need to know and understand that our homes and gardens can hold hidden dangers for cats in the form of poisons.

Due to the fussy nature of cats they are perhaps less likely to eat poisons than a dog, but because they are specialist carnivores, their livers are unable to break down certain chemicals making cats less likely to recover from poisoning.

How can a cat become poisoned? Poison can be ingested either directly by swallowing something, by licking something from their fur or even by absorption through the skin.

Cats like to eat grass and if this is not available they may turn to eating your indoor plants, so it is a good idea to provide them with cat grass.

Be careful of the disinfectants which you use to clean the litter tray and other cat items. Some disinfectants such as Dettol are toxic to cats. A good guide is if the disinfectant turns milky in water then it contains a phenolic compound and is unsafe for cats.

Never give a cat human medications or medication prescribed for another animal.

Be careful of the treats you give to your pet, chocolate can be fatal if too much is eaten.

Be aware that not all products carry a warning that it can be dangerous to animals or a particular species of animal.

What things are poisons?

• Household cleaning products, Bleach, some disinfectants - those which contain phenolic compounds such as Dettol, furniture and metal polishes.

• Hygiene and beauty products. Deodorants, nail polish and remover, sun cream, hair dyes.

• Human medication. Aspirin, paracetamol, antidepressants, and laxatives.

• Motoring products. Petrol, brake fluid, antifreeze and windscreen washer fluids.

• Decorating Materials. Paint, white spirit, wood preservatives. WD 40.

• Insecticides. Organophosphates, wasp and ant killers, slug pellets

• Fungicides used to control black spot and mildew.

• Vermin control. Rat and mice poisons.

• Plants. There are far too many to list but lilies or rather the pollen of lilies. Amaryllis. Solanum, Cyclamen, Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe and Poinsettia. For a comprehensive list please see this link :- www.fabcats.org/owners/poisons/plants.html.

• Chocolate can also be harmful to cats and so can garden mulch based on cocoa products.

Symptoms.

Symptoms can be varied, but can include tremors, seizures, incoordination, excitability, depression or coma. They can suffer respiratory signs and have difficulty breathing. Sickness and diarrhoea. Inflammation and irritation of the skin. Liver failure - watch out for jaundice, vomiting, increased drinking, loss of appetite and weight loss. Some of these symptoms are also signs of other disease in cats.

What should I do?

First and foremost seek veterinary assistance. If the cats has a substance on its coat wrap the cat in a towel or similar to prevent it licking the coat and ingesting more of the poison. If the contamination is mild you can treat the cat yourself, but only if it is mild. Oil based products can be removed by rubbing in warm (not hot) cooking oil which should then be removed thoroughly. If necessary, cut off the contaminated hair and wash the cat in warm soapy water. Care needs to be taken as some chemicals may be absorbed more if they are diluted with water. Make sure you dry the cat well. If in doubt take the cat to a vet. If your cat is not easy to handle you would be well advised to go to the vet straight away, or you may both become stressed.

If you think the cat has ingested a toxin do not try to make the cat sick. Advise the veterinary surgery you are coming in and if possible take a sample of what you think the cat may have ingested with you. Do not try and treat the cat at home.

Prevention.

As with children prevention is better than cure. Keep all household cleaners, beauty products, motoring products etc. out of reach of the cats. Make sure that you keep all medication in a cupboard. Remember unlike children cats can and will climb onto shelving so cupboard storage is safest.

Disclaimer. Please note this short article does not cover all poisons and treatment and should only be viewed as guidance. For a more comprehensive article about poisons and cats please see the Feline Advisory Bureau web site - www.fabcats.org/owners/poisons/