Download Most Frequently Reported Poison Dangers in Cats

Most Frequently Reported Poison
Dangers in Cats
* Topical Spot on Insecticides - Concentrated topical flea and tick medications made for
dogs contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids (i.e. Zodiac, KP Advantix, Sergeant's), which are
highly toxic to cats. Poisoning in cats can occur when pet owners apply dog insecticides
to their cats or when cats lick the medication off dogs. Cats may show may symptoms
including: severe drooling, tremors, and life threatening seizures. ALWAYS read labels
carefully before using any kind of insecticide on pets and ensure it is intended for the
species you are treating.
* Household Cleaners - Some very common household cleaners like toilet bowl
cleaners, rust removers, and drain cleaners can be toxic to cats. Many general purpose
cleaners like Windex and Formula 409 are considered fairly safe. If concentrated
chemicals are ingested cats can suffer from profuse drooling, difficulty breathing,
vomiting and chemical burns to the mouth and esophagus. Even after cleaning with these
products, make sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up and dried prior to allowing
your cat around the area.
* Antidepressants - Common human antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor and
Cymbalta, can be poisonous to cats. Cats are drawn to certain medications more than
others, especially Effexor, which contains a smell and flavor that is appealing to cats. If
ingested, symptoms may include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, tremors, seizures,
hyperthermia, and diarrhea as well as severe neurologic and cardiac effects.
Antidepressants are used in veterinary medicine to treat behavioral problems but caution
should be taken as even therapeutic doses can cause moderate to severe clinical signs.
* Poisonous Plants - Of all the plants out there, Lilies are the most deadly to cats. The
common species of lilies - Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Snow - are the ones
to watch out for. A cat that ingests even a very small amount of 2-3 petals or leaves, or
even pollen licked off their coat, can result in severe, potentially irreversible kidney
failure. Other household plants dangerous to cats are the cyclamen, Kalanchoe species,
Dieffenbachia species, daffodils, and Lily of the Valley. Plants containing insoluable
calcium oxalate crystals like the Peace Lily, philodendron, and pothos can cause oral and
upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth and inflammation when ingested. Severe
symptoms are uncommon.
* Human & Veterinary NSAIDS - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) can be
fatal to cats because they have difficulty metabolizing the drugs. The list included
common over-the-counter NSAIDS like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. If ingested,
NSAIDS can cause severe kidney failure and stomach ulcers. Acetaminophen can be
extremely dangerous, ingestion of 1 tablet can be fatal in a cat. If left untreated, ingestion
can cause severe anemia, difficulty breathing, swollen face, liver failure and sometimes
death. Veterinary specific NSAIDS like Rimadyl and Meloxicam should be used with
caution.
* Prescription ADD/ADHD Medications - These amphetamines such as Adderall,
Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and
may even result in death.
* OTC Cough, Cold & Allergy Medications - Medications that contain acetaminophen
are very toxic. They can damage red blood cells and cause liver failure.
* Glow Sticks & Glow Jewelry - The irresistible glow toys contain a chemical called
dibutyl phthalate. When the chemicals contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming
occurs. The signs quickly resolve when the cat eats food or drinks water.
* Motor Products - Antifreeze, brake fluid, petrol, and windshield washer fluid are tasty
to cats. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol or methanol (also found in windshield washer
fluid and de-icers) which are toxic to cats. Antifreeze is sweet tasting, but ingesting even
a small amount can lead to kidney failure and death.
References:
Top 10 Most Frequent Dog and Cat Toxins of 2013.
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2014/01/top-10-frequent-dog-cat-toxins-2013/.
Top 5 Cat Toxins of 2012.