1: Medications for people.
Pets
have a much greater sensitivity to many of the common
over-the-counter and prescription medications that may be in your
home.
Some
of the medications that often poison cats include:
*
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or
naproxen. The most common cause of pet poisoning, these painkillers
can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines, and kidney
damage.
* Acetaminophen is particularly toxic to cats, resulting in red
blood cell damage. Just two extra-strength tablets may prove fatal
to felines.
* Antidepressants, which may cause vomiting and, in more serious
instances, serotonin syndrome – a dangerous condition that raises
temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may cause
seizures.
* Methylphenidate. This attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) drug is a stimulant for pets, raising heart rate, blood
pressure, and body temperature.
2: Flea and tick products.
Poisoning can occur by ingestion of a topical product or
overzealous application. In addition, certain flea control products
manufactured for dogs can be lethal if used on cats.
3: People food.
It is
important to take care that your cat doesn’t ingest foods that
might cause pet poisoning or stomach upset. Foods to keep away from
your cat include:
*
Chocolate. Experts don’t recommend giving chocolate, caffeine, or
coffee to your cat.
* Onions, garlic, chives. These plant foods can irritate the
stomach and damage red blood cells.
4: Rat and mouse poison.
Rodenticides, if ingested, can cause severe symptoms and may be
fatal.
5: Pet medications.
Just
as we can be sickened or killed by medications intended to help us,
cases of pet poisoning by veterinary drugs are not uncommon. Some
of the more commonly reported problem medications include
painkillers and de-wormers.
6: Household plants.
Cats
are notorious for noshing on houseplants, and the habit isn’t just
bad for your potted treasures. Many common, beautiful houseplants
contain cat poisons that can cause serious harm, and even death.
Some of the plants toxic to cats include:
*
Lilies. Ingesting even small amounts of Easter lilies and related
plants can cause severe kidney failure in cats.
* Azaleas and rhododendrons. These pretty flowering plants contain
toxins that may result in vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and sometimes
even death.
* Tulips and daffodils. The bulbs of these plants, if ingested, may
cause serious stomach problems, convulsions, and damage to the
heart.
* Sago palms. Eating just a few seeds may be enough to cause
vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.
7: Chemical hazards.
Not
surprisingly, chemicals contained in antifreeze and paint thinner,
and chemicals for pools can act as cat poisons. The symptoms they
may produce include stomach upset, depression, and chemical
burns.
8: Household cleaners.
Just
as cleaners like bleach can poison people, they are also a leading
cause of pet poisoning, resulting in stomach and respiratory tract
problems.
9: Heavy metals.
Lead,
which can be found in paint, linoleum, and batteries, can be
poisonous if eaten by your cat. If ingested, lead can cause
gastrointestinal and neurological problems.
10: Fertilizer.
Products for your lawn and garden may be poisonous to animals that
ingest them, perhaps by grooming themselves after walking or laying
in a recently treated area.
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.
Then,
try to keep your pet calm and call your veterinarian.
The
best way to reduce the chances that your beloved cat will be the
victim of pet poisoning is by preventing exposure to dangerous
substances.
1.
Keep all medications, even those in child-proof bottles, in
cabinets that are inaccessible to your cat. If you inadvertently
drop a pill on the floor, be sure to look for it immediately.
Supervise anyone, such as the elderly, who may need help taking
medications.
2.
Always follow guidelines on flea or tick products, and never use
products formulated for dogs on cats.
3.
Although you can give some “people foods” safely to your pets as a
treat, others are toxic. If you have any questions about what is
safe, ask your veterinarian. Or, err on the safe side and give
treats made specifically for animals.
4. Be
sure any rodenticides you use are kept in metal cabinets or high on
shelves where your pets can’t find them. Remember that cats can be
fatally poisoned by eating an exposed rodent, so always be very
cautious about using these products. Tell your neighbors if you put
out rat bait, so they can protect their pets from exposure, and ask
them to do the same for you.
5.
When buying plants for your home, opt for those that won’t cause
problems if your cat happens to nibble on them. The ASPCA has an
online list of toxic and nontoxic plants by species. If you choose
to have toxic plants, be sure they are kept in a place where your
pets can’t reach them.
6.
Store all chemicals and cleaners in pet-inaccessible areas of your
home.
[Article adapted from pets.webmd.com]