How Are Cats Accidentally Poisoned?

Pet owners love their kitties, and the desire to help a sick or injured cat can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many cats are accidentally poisoned with human medications. Some common medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or laxatives, are incredibly toxic and dangerous for cats. Even safe drugs are harmful in doses meant for humans. Cats also metabolize certain drugs differently than people do, so it's not safe to estimate dosages based on weight.

Cats frequently consume medications that weren't intended for pets, which can happen if medicine is left out in the open. Sometimes people get their medications ready and simply forget to take them. Unfortunately, cats are very good at finding pills left in random places. Up to 20% of reported feline toxicity incidents involve antidepressant medications for humans. Capsules and tablets tend to roll across flat surfaces, so cats may swallow the pills by accident while chasing them.

A wide range of household cleaning products, such as laundry detergent, toilet bowl cleaners, degreasing agents, or drain cleaners, are toxic. House cats can get chemicals and residue on their paws or fur while cleaning products are used. Even small amounts of certain cleaning products can be dangrous, so cats may be accidentally poisoned by licking spills or drips in cupboards and other storage spaces. Possible symptoms of toxicity related to cleaning products include drooling, ulcers in the mouth and esophagus, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.

Some flea and tick control products contain an insecticide called permethrin that's safe for dogs, and deadly for your kitty. Permethrin toxicity causes tremors and seizures, and high doses can be fatal. Accidental permethrin poisoning may occur if pet owners misunderstand product instructions or warnings. Households with cats and dogs should clearly label every pet product and store medications separately to prevent mistakes.

Poisons used to kill rats are very dangerous for cats and other pets. The ASPCA states that over 33,000 felines throughout the United States die after consuming poison intended for mice and rats. Many of these poisonings are anticoagulants, which cause uncontrolled internal bleeding. Symptoms usually don't appear for 3 to 7 days after exposure to the toxin. Delayed symptoms offer an opportunity for treatment, but the chance of recovery drops significantly if treatment doesn't start before internal bleeding occurs.

Glue, solvents, varnish, mothballs, preservatives, paint remover, and other hobby supplies can cause accidental poisoning in house cats. Harsh chemicals in many of these products can damage a kitty's kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Glues and paints may stick to fur and cause skin irritation or hair loss. Cats can also develop ulcers in the mouth and esophagus while cleaning their fur. Pet owners can reduce the risk of complications by cleaning the cat's fur immediately after exposure.

Liquid potpourris simmer in a shallow bowl over a candle or light bulb to release pleasant fragrances. However, potpourris frequently contain essential oils, such as cinnamon, citrus, or peppermint, that are toxic for cats. These products may also contain corrosive substances called cationic detergents. Accidental poisoning occurs when cats lick potpourri from the bowl or knock the burner over and spill the liquid. Cationic detergents may cause skin irritation, corneal ulcers, or burns and lesions in the mouth, throat, and stomach. Essential oil poisoning may lead to kidney or liver damage, loss of balance, and difficulty breathing.

Cats tend to munch on grass and other plants occasionally. This is perfectly normal behavior, but some plants are poisonous. Your cat can't recognize unfamiliar poisonous plants as threats, so it's up to owners to keep unsafe plants out of the house. Pet owners can't control every plant a cat encounters outdoors, but they can reduce the risk of accidental poisoning by removing toxic plants from the backyard, gardens, and flower beds.

It's important to remember that animals are susceptible to food poisoning. Canned cat food and spoiled table scraps are potential causes of accidental poisoning in cats. Table scraps may cause illnesses associated with fairly common bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli, and canned cat food can be much more dangerous. Although it's very rare, Clostridium botulinum bacteria can grow and produce botulism toxin inside damaged cat food cans. Botulism causes severe illness and can be fatal for cats and people.

Glow sticks and jewelry are a surprisingly common cause of accidental poisoning for cats. A liquid chemical inside the plastic provides the glow-in-the-dark effect. Unfortunately, discarded jewelry and wands may be dropped on the ground or end up hanging from trees or bushes. Cats are attracted by the glowing color and movement in the wind.