Cat owners have pretty great lives
Cat owners have pretty great lives. They have an adorable furry companion to spend time with and bond with each day. Part of being a cat owner or pet owner, in general, is ensuring that your pets have the ultimate protection when it comes to their health. Ways to do this include ensuring that your pet never misses a wellness exam, keeping them vaccinated, you being careful about what they eat, and not exposing them to toxicities. Today we will discuss five common cat toxicities.
Medications Used for People
Cats have a great sensitivity to common over-the-counter and prescription medications that you may have in your home. Some of these medications include:
- Ibuprofen and Naproxen: These are the most common cause of cat poisoning. These pain medications can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines and kidney damage.
- Tylenol: Ingestion of this results in red blood cell damage. All it takes is two extra-strength tablets for things to become fatal.
- Antidepressants: Ingestion of an antidepressant can cause your cat to vomit, and in a more severe case, experience serotonin syndrome, a condition that causes a cat’s temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate to rise as well as causing seizures.
- Methylphenidate: This medication combats an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Just like antidepressants, it can raise your cat’s blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.
We also want to note that it’s not uncommon for veterinary NSAIDs to be toxic as well. There are specific NSAIDs that are safe for cats and no other ones should be given to a cat under any circumstances. Be sure to consult one of our doctors before ever giving your kitty any medications.
Cat Owners Should Be Aware of Poisonous Plants
With spring officially being here, it makes sense that many people want to have a fair share of plants and flowers around them to get into the spring spirit! However, cats are famous for their curiosity, and that includes trying to experience the taste of your beautiful (but potentially toxic) plants. Keep these plants away:
- Lillies: They cause kidney failure
- Azaleas and rhododendrons: Ingestion of these plants could result in vomiting, diarrhea, a coma, and they can even be fatal.
- Tulips and daffodils: Ingestion of these plants’ bulbs causes gastrointestinal issues, convulsions, and heart damage.
- Sago Palms: Even the slightest taste can cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.
Household Cleaners
Bleach can poison both people and pets. Household cleaners are another leading cause of cat poisoning and can cause stomach and respiratory tract issues. Keep laundry detergent, kitchen and bath surface cleaners, carpet cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners out of your cat’s reach.
Topical Spot-on Insecticides
Before you apply any topical flea and tick medication to your feline friend, you should reach out to one of our veterinarians. Some pet owners make the mistake of putting flea treatments for dogs on their cats. Beware of drugs from the pyrethrin and pyrethroid family. Cats cannot handle high concentrations of these and will face many issues such as seizures that cat owners can prevent.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!