Household Poisons that Can Harm Your Cat

Your cat’s health is very important. You should always ask your veterinarian when in doubt, but it is important to learn about such things on your own. That way, you will not only notice symptoms faster, you can also save some money and grief. If you want to be sure that you cat is getting treatment as soon as possible, you need to watch for signs that something may be wrong with your pet.

To protect you cat, it is important to know the different things in your household that could poison your cat. Remember, your cat can’t resist tasty or smelling unusual substances. Because your cat can’t tell you what he or she has ingested to make him or her feel badly, it is important to know which items you own could hurt your pet and keep these items secured in cabinets and other placed in places your cat cannot access. If possible, keep these items out of your home altogether.

Things that can harm your cat: First, many homes have bleach products. You’ll find bleach and Clorox mainly in the laundry room or in other cleaning supplies; however, you can also find bleach products in swimming pool supplies. In generally, household bleaches are fairly mild. Although they will make your cat feel ill, most animals are smart enough to not drink enough to kill. Signs that your cat may have drunk a bleach product include excess drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If your cat seems to be in pain, smell his or her fur if possible to detect the scent of the bleach. In general, call you vet and have your cat drink large quantities of milk or water if you possibly can. Monitor your cat for bloody vomit and difficulty breathing, and wash the paws and mouth area thoroughly.

Mothballs and other products containing naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene can also make your cat sick. Ingesting this substance can cause liver damage and seizures. Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, blue or brown colored gums, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. If you cat has eaten mothballs or items like toilet bowl cleaner or bathroom deodorizer, call your vet immediately.

Citrus oils, which are found in shampoo, insect repellent, fragrances, and insecticide are very harmful to cats as well. Although these items can harm all pets, cats are more sensitive than dogs and if you treat a cat with dog products, the result could kill your pet. Signs that your cat has ingested citrus oils include that common citrus smell, drolling, falling, trembling, and weakness. Eventually, liver damage occurs, and many cats experience liver failure, resulting in death. If your cat is treated, the prognosis is good, but left untreated, this poison could be deadly.

Treatment: Therefore, it is simply important to call your vet if you see anything wrong with your cat at all. Cats are creatures of habit, so if your feline seems to be acting strangely, it is best to schedule an appointment. Do what’s best for your pet and try to keep harmful products in places where they can’t be reached.