What to do if your cat has access to a poisonous substance?
If you suspect your cat may have had access to a poisonous substance, it is important to contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline or seek veterinary care as soon as possible. If the cat is anxious and aggressive, it is usually best to wrap it in a towel and put it in a box to prevent it from hurting itself or you.
What was the number one cause of cat poison in 2010?
According to data from Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control based out of Minneapolis, the top five cat toxins of 2010 include: Human and veterinary medications – During 2010, about 40 percent of feline cases at Pet Poison Helpline involved cats that improperly ingested human or veterinary drugs.
Why are cats more sensitive to poison than dogs?
These include their small body size, their habit of hiding when ill so that exposure is not immediately evident, and their lack of certain liver enzymes which affects their liver metabolism, making them more sensitive to drugs and chemicals. When cats are poisoned, these factors make them more sensitive to poisonings than dogs.
Where does a cat get its toxins from?
Some toxins can be absorbed directly through the skin, particularly the paws, and a few toxins can cause damage by inhalation. As cats are fastidious groomers, any skin or hair exposure can quickly result in the poison being ingested as a result of grooming.
What to do if you think your cat has been poisoned?
If you think your cat has been poisoned, try to stay calm. It is important to act quickly but rationally. First, gather up any of the potential poison that remains — this may be helpful to your veterinarian and any outside experts who assist with the case. If your cat has vomited, collect the sample in case your veterinarian needs to see it.
How long does it take for a cat to show symptoms of poisoning?
Signs of poisoning in cats can vary tremendously depending on what they’ve eaten, inhaled or come into contact with. Some poisons will have an almost instant effect while others may take several days for symptoms to develop.
What happens if you give your cat a toxic substance?
Diarrhea. The toxic substance irritates the stomach and intestinal tract of the cat, so diarrhea is common. By this time, the toxic substance is already in the blood flow, but the cat can still be healed.
What happens if your cat has food poisoning?
Poisoning often causes sluggish, lethargic behavior. Your cat may nap more than usual, move slowly or appear uncoordinated. Poisoning can also cause avoidant behavior because it causes pain. If your cat suddenly avoids you, becomes aggressive or does not want attention, consult your veterinarian.
