It’s a common misconception that cats instinctively know what food is good for them. Cats get poisoned when they eat poisonous items, eat prey that has been poisoned, or swallow toxic substances in their fur when they groom themselves. The Cat Practice of Oak Park, IL looks at what to do about a poisoned cat.
Common Cat Poisons
Toxic substances that cats eat include rodents that have been poisoned with rodenticide, human medications, plants like poinsettias and lilies, antifreeze, chocolate, foods containing anything in the onion family (leeks, garlic, and chives), and overdosing on Vitamin D. Cats can also get into paint, cleaning chemicals, or automotive fluids.
Signs of Poisoning in Cats
Poisoned cats vomit, drool, have diarrhea, have seizures, shake, have coordination problems, problems breathing, swellings or redness of the skin, and extreme excitability or fear. Any cat exhibiting these signs should go to an emergency veterinarian at once. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline at 1-888-426-4435.
What to Do About a Poisoned Cat
Wrap the cat in a towel and call at once to prevent the cat from hurting itself or from grooming the fur if any poisonous substance is on the fur. If the cat is aggressive, the cat should be placed in a box or cat carrier. The cat should be taken to a veterinarian.
Warning
Do not make any poisoned cat vomit. Some poisons are very corrosive. They will cause more damage by being vomited than if treated in some other way. Always check with your vet before giving your cat any treatment.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Oak Park, IL
If you want to know how to protect your cats from poison and live in the Oak Park, IL area, contact The Cat Practice at (708) 383-5997 to make an appointment today.