Keep Your Cats Safe: Avoid These Poisonous Things

Cats can be poisoned in several ways, including ingestion of a toxic substance, inhalation of a gas, liquid, or powder, or topical exposure to a chemical. If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, call your veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison control centre immediately. It is also important to keep an eye out for symptoms, which can vary depending on the poison. Some common toxins to cats include lilies, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, and human medications. Other potential hazards include household chemicals, such as antifreeze, insecticides, and fertilisers, as well as items like glow sticks, fruit pits, and food bags.

Human food, e.g. chocolate, caffeine, avocado, and alcohol

Human food forms a large part of the list of things that are poisonous to cats. Chocolate, caffeine, avocado, and alcohol are some of the most common human foods that are toxic to cats.

Chocolate, for instance, contains substances called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, high body temperature, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst, and seizures. Dark and baker's quality chocolate tends to be more toxic to cats because of higher levels of cocoa (and thereby more of the toxic compounds). Any form of chocolate can be harmful to cats, including cocoa powder, milk chocolate, and even white chocolate.

Caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and some supplements, is also toxic to cats. One or two licks of these beverages are unlikely to cause poisoning in most pets. However, ingestion of unused coffee grounds or beans, tea bags, or supplements could cause serious toxicity in cats. Depending on the amount ingested, signs of caffeine poisoning include hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, and elevated body temperature.

Avocados, while providing several health benefits to cats, can also be harmful. The avocado flesh is generally safe for cats to eat, but other parts of the fruit, including the pit, leaves, peel, and stem, can be potentially harmful. These parts of the avocado contain persin, an organic compound that can be toxic to cats and cause diarrhea, vomiting, obstruction of stool, and pancreatitis. Moreover, the pit, peel, leaves, and stem can also present a choking hazard for cats.

Alcoholic beverages and foods that contain alcohol can be dangerous and even fatal for cats. Ingestion of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, disorientation, trouble breathing, coma, and even death. Exposure to ethanol, either orally or through the skin, is a common source of toxicity in cats. Symptoms of ethanol poisoning include depression of the central nervous system, expressed as drowsiness, lack of coordination, or loss of consciousness. Other symptoms include damage to body cells, incontinence, slowed heart rate, and even heart attack.

Medication, e.g. antidepressants, NSAIDs, and cough medicine

Medication meant for human consumption can be extremely harmful to cats, even leading to fatality in some cases. Antidepressants, for instance, can cause a rare but severe condition in cats called antidepressant toxicosis, which requires immediate medical attention. This condition can be caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which can lead to serotonin syndrome (SS), a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of SS include seizures, cardiovascular symptoms, and severe central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Treatment options depend on the stage of toxicosis, the amount and class of drug ingested, and the timing of treatment. If you suspect your cat has ingested any antidepressants, seek immediate veterinary care and provide details like the medication packaging, pill container, or a photograph of the label to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are another common type of medication that can be toxic to cats. While these drugs are widely used to reduce pain and swelling, they can cause renal (kidney) damage and gastrointestinal bleeding in cats. Human NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are not considered safe for cats and can be deadly. Signs of NSAID toxicity include kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and liver damage. If you suspect your cat has ingested NSAIDs, contact your veterinarian immediately and watch for symptoms such as vomiting, stool changes, and other clinical signs.

Cough medicine meant for humans can also pose a risk to cats. Cough drops, for instance, can be a choking hazard and contain ingredients that can cause health issues in cats. Ingredients like sugar, eucalyptus oil, menthol, artificial colors, and flavors can cause stomach problems, while xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, can lead to hypoglycemia and liver damage. Benzocaine, a local anesthetic in some cough drops, can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large doses, can lead to methemoglobinemia. If you suspect your cat has ingested any cough medicine or cough drops, contact a veterinarian or poison control center for advice and be prepared to provide details of the medication.

Poisoned prey, e.g. rodents, insects, and lizards

Cats can be poisoned by ingesting toxic substances or prey. Poisoned prey can include rodents, insects, and lizards. While cats are not usually targeted by rodenticides, they can be harmed if they eat a rodent that has ingested poison. Second-generation rodenticides are ultra-potent and can be deadly to cats, as well as birds and other wildlife. These rodenticides kill slowly, so rodents may continue to eat them long after they have ingested a lethal dose. By the time the rodent dies, it may contain many times the lethal dose of poison, which can be harmful to a cat that eats it.

First-generation rodenticides, on the other hand, typically require multiple feedings to be lethal. This means that even if a cat eats a rodent that has ingested first-generation poison, the level of toxin may not be high enough to cause harm. However, first-generation rodenticides can still be dangerous to cats and other wildlife, so it is important to use them sparingly and only when necessary.

Some of the most toxic second-generation rodenticides to birds are brodifacoum and difethialone. These products are readily available and sold under brand names like d-Con, Hot Shot, Generation, Talon, and Havoc. While they are effective in killing rodents, they can also have devastating effects on birds, wildlife, pets, and even humans.

To protect cats and other wildlife from poisoned prey, it is essential to use rodenticides with caution and only when necessary. There are also alternative methods to control rodent populations, such as traps, that do not involve the use of poisons. By being mindful of the potential risks associated with rodenticides, cat owners and caregivers can help keep their furry friends safe from accidental poisoning.

Household chemicals, e.g. antifreeze, fertilisers, and detergents

Antifreeze is extremely dangerous to cats and can cause kidney failure and even death. Even a small amount can be fatal, and signs of poisoning can show within 30 minutes of ingestion. If you suspect your cat has come into contact with antifreeze, take them to the vet immediately.

Fertilisers can also be toxic to cats, especially those containing pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, as well as large quantities of minerals like copper, manganese, and iron. Ingesting moldy or spoiled fertiliser can cause poisoning, and symptoms can include muscle stiffness and pain. If you think your cat has ingested fertiliser, consult a veterinarian immediately and bring the fertiliser packaging or a list of its ingredients to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Detergents can cause corrosive injury to cats, especially if they walk through spilled liquid detergent and then ingest it during grooming. Signs of detergent poisoning include agitation, aggression, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, tremors, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression. If you suspect your cat has ingested detergent, seek immediate veterinary treatment.

Additionally, products containing essential oils, such as some natural flea repellents, can be hazardous to cats. Essential oils can rapidly enter a cat's bloodstream and build up to toxic levels. Always opt for pet-safe products and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the safety of household chemicals around your cat.

Plants, e.g. lilies, onions, and garlic

Plants are a common source of poisoning in cats, and it is important to be aware of the dangers that certain plants pose to your feline friends. Lilies, onions, and garlic are among the plants that are toxic to cats and can cause serious health issues, even death, if ingested.

Lilies

The entire lily plant, including its stems, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in the vase, is highly toxic to cats. Lilies can cause kidney failure within three days of ingestion, and in some cases, lead to death. It is best to avoid any plants with "lily" in their name and keep them out of your cat's reach. Peace lilies, daylilies, and true lilies are particularly dangerous and should be avoided altogether if you have cats.

Onions

Onions are toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. They can also lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia, which causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in weakness, lethargy, and even death in severe cases. If you suspect your cat has ingested onions, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately.

Garlic

Garlic, a close relative of onions, is also toxic to cats and can cause similar gastrointestinal problems. Ingesting garlic can lead to oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in weakness and lethargy. In severe cases, garlic poisoning can be life-threatening. As with onions, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance if you believe your cat has consumed garlic.

In addition to these specific plants, there are numerous other plants that are toxic to cats, including aloe vera, philodendrons, and sago palms. If you are unsure about a particular plant, it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep it away from your cats. Identifying the plant your cat has ingested is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. If you notice any signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, or breathing difficulties, contact your veterinarian immediately and provide them with as much information as possible about the plant your cat has been exposed to.

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