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The Granby Animal Clinic, Inc.
TOP TEN TOXINS IN CATS REPORTED TO THE PET POISON HELPLINE
* * Lilies-Plants in the Lilium species, such as Easter, tiger and Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats. * * Household cleaners-concentrated products such as toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns. * * Flea and tick spot-on products for dogs which are pyrethroid-based can cause tremors and seizures and death. * * Antidepressants such as Cymbalta and Effexor can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects. * * Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-both human (ibuprofen, naproxen etc) and those meant for dogs (such as Rimadyl and meloxicam) can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure. * * Prescription ADD/ADHD medications-amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death in pets. * * Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications-those containing acetaminophen are particularly toxic to cats damaging red blood cells and causing liver failure. * * Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals such as peace lilies, philodendron and pothos can cause oral and upper gastrointestinal irritation, foaming at the mouth when ingested. * * Household insecticides-most of these household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but cats should be kept away from treated plants until the products have dried. * * Glow sticks and glow jewelry contain dibutyl phthalate which cause pain and excessive foaming when it comes in contact with the mouth. Signs quickly resolve once the cat eats food or drinks water.
What should you do if your pet gets poisoned?
* * Make sure your pet is breathing normally and acting fine. * * Remove your pet from the area and collect a sample of the material along with the packaging, vial or container. * * Don’t give your cat any milk, food, salt, oil or any other home remedies or induce vomiting without talking to your veterinarian or poison control expert first. The wrong treatment can cause more damage. * * Get help-call your veterinarian, a 24 hour emergency clinic or poison control (Pet Poison Helpline -800-213-6680 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435)
The prognosis is always best if treatment is started immediately. Waiting until signs of illness is recognized can result in permanent damage or death.
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