The ten most dangerous poisons for a cat

Last year, there were more than 100,000 cases of animal poisoning in the United States. Many of them were caused by substances that are likely in your home, substances that may seem completely harmless to you. But just because it’s safe for people doesn’t mean it can’t harm your beloved pets. Some of the most dangerous poisons for cats are the foods and medications we consume every day.

Depending on how a particular substance affects a cat's body and the amount inhaled or ingested, symptoms of poisoning in animals can include gastrointestinal and neurological problems, cardiac and respiratory failure, coma, and even death.

The Ten Most Dangerous Poisons for Cats

Poison #1: Human Drugs: Animals are much more sensitive to many common prescription and over-the-counter medications that may be in your home.

Medications that often poison cats include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This is the most common cause of animal poisoning. These pain medications can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines, as well as kidney damage.
• Acetaminophen is especially toxic to cats, damaging red blood cells. Just two strong tablets can be fatal to a cat.
• Antidepressants, which can cause vomiting, and, in more severe cases, serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition in which temperature, heart rate and blood pressure increase and seizures can occur.
• Methylphenidate: This attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug is a stimulant in animals, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Poison #2: Flea and tick medications. Poisoning can occur when a topical medication is ingested or applied too vigorously. Also, some flea medications designed for dogs can be fatal when used on cats.

Poison #3: Human Food: It is important to ensure that your cat does not eat foods that could cause poisoning or upset stomach. Foods that should not be given to your cat include:

• Chocolate. Experts do not recommend giving your cat chocolate, caffeine, or coffee.
• Onions, garlic, chives. These plant foods can irritate the stomach and damage red blood cells.

Poison #4: Rat and mouse poison. Rodenticides can cause severe symptoms and death if ingested.

Poison #5: Animal Medicines. We can get sick or die from medications that are meant to help us. Animal poisonings from veterinary drugs are also not uncommon. The most problematic medications include painkillers and anthelmintics.

Poison #6: Houseplants. Cats have been known to eat houseplants, and this habit is not only harmful to your potted treasures. Many common, beautiful houseplants contain cat poison that can cause serious harm or even death. Here are some plants that are toxic to cats:

• Lilies: Ingestion of even small amounts of oriental lilies and similar plants can cause kidney failure in cats.
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These beautiful flowering plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and sometimes even death.
• Tulips and daffodils: The bulbs of these plants, if swallowed by a cat, can cause serious stomach problems, seizures, and heart damage.
• Sago Palms: Eating just a few seeds can cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.

Poison #7: Chemical Hazards: It’s no surprise that your cat can be poisoned by chemicals found in antifreeze, paint thinner, and swimming pool chemicals. Symptoms that can occur include upset stomach, depression, and chemical burns.

Poison #8: Household Cleaning Products: People can be poisoned by cleaning products like bleach, and they are also a leading cause of poisoning in animals, causing stomach and respiratory problems.

Poison #9: Heavy Metals: Lead, found in paint, linoleum, and batteries, can be toxic if your cat eats them. If swallowed, lead can cause gastrointestinal and neurological problems.

Poison #10: Fertilizer: Lawn and garden products can be toxic to animals that ingest them when they clean themselves after walking or lying in a recently treated area.

What to do if you suspect poisoning in your cat?

If you think your cat has been poisoned, try not to worry. It's important to act quickly but wisely.

First, collect any remaining traces of possible poison - this can help the vet and other experts treat the animal. If the cat vomited, collect a sample of the vomit in case the vet needs to look at it.

Then try not to disturb the animal and call the veterinarian.

Prevention of poisoning

The best way to reduce the chances of your beloved cat becoming a victim of poisoning is to prevent your pet from being exposed to dangerous substances.

• Keep all medications, even those in child-proof bottles, in cabinets that are out of your cat's reach. If you accidentally drop a pill on the floor, be sure to find it immediately. Supervise anyone who may need help administering medication, such as the elderly.
• Always follow directions on flea and tick products, and never use dog products on cats.
• While some “human foods” are safe to give to pets as treats, other foods may be toxic. If you have questions about food safety, consult your veterinarian. You can also be on the safe side by giving treats made specifically for pets.
• Make sure that any rodenticides you use are stored in metal cabinets or on high shelves where animals cannot find them. Remember that cats can be fatally poisoned by eating a poisoned rodent, so always be very careful when using these products. Tell your neighbors if you use rat bait so that they can protect their animals from exposure to the poison, and ask them to do the same for you.
• When buying plants for your home, choose ones that won't cause problems if your cat eats them. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a list of toxic and nontoxic plants by species. If you decide to buy toxic plants, be sure to keep them in a place where your cat can't get to them.
• Keep all chemicals and cleaning products out of reach of animals.