As an animal lover and "mom" to two cats, I understand the concerns of pet owners whenever their beloved cats fall ill or show signs of sickness without knowing the cause. A year ago, Bi (my cat's name) suffered from food poisoning, which terrified me. He showed signs of loss of appetite, seizures, and even foaming at the mouth. At that time, I was so panicked and didn't know how to help him. Fortunately, I had a roommate who studied veterinary science and advised me on first aid and taking him to the veterinary clinic. It has been a year, but I still clearly remember my feelings that day: confused, worried, scared, and even in tears. I don't want anyone to be as clueless as I was, so I diligently wrote this article. Take a look with me!
1. Signs of Cat Poisoning
Cats can be poisoned for many reasons, and depending on the type of toxin, their health condition can range from mild to severe. Specifically, many toxins cause digestive signs (vomiting and diarrhea), while others cause neurological signs (tremors, disorientation, seizures, depression, or coma). There are also respiratory signs (coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing), skin signs (inflammation, swelling), liver dysfunction (jaundice, vomiting), or kidney dysfunction (increased water consumption, lethargy, and weight loss). External signs such as redness and swelling of the skin, mouth, throat, and nails, blistering, and excessive drooling may also appear. Some toxins affect multiple parts of the cat's body, leading to various symptoms that make the cat feel unwell. It is important for pet owners to remember that most poisoning cases will cause acute issues, yet chronic poisoning can also occur and is often more challenging to detect and treat.
Signs of Cat Poisoning
One of the most common causes of cat poisoning is poor-quality food or irritants that conflict with the cat's stomach. Moreover, cats are carnivorous but lack certain liver enzymes, preventing them from breaking down some substances and disrupting digestive system functions. Some dry and low-moisture foods can also cause cat poisoning. Besides direct ingestion, cats can be indirectly poisoned by consuming toxic prey, inhaling toxic gases, absorbing poisons through their fur, or exposure to products like flea sprays and pain relievers.
2. How to Handle Cat Poisoning
How to Handle Cat Poisoning
2.1. Call the Veterinarian Immediately
Upon noticing signs of poisoning in your cat, stay calm and contact your veterinarian immediately, as poisoning is not a minor issue but instead poses a life-threatening risk to your cat, which shouldn't be neglected. At this point, the veterinarian will guide you on first aid steps before taking your cat to the clinic. The most common method is inducing vomiting, which determines 80% of the cat's survival chance in food poisoning cases. Pet owners should also collect any items the pet has been in contact with (such as leftover food or toys) to bring to the veterinarian for examination and to identify the exact cause.
2.2. Perform First Aid Steps if Directed by the Veterinarian
After consulting with the veterinarian, if instructed, you should perform emergency first aid steps to reduce the risk of mortality. Do not attempt self-made remedies or home tips. Try to find packaging of substances the cat ingested or identify plants/flowers the cat chewed on, and bring a sample of the plant/flower to the veterinarian for a more accurate diagnosis.
2.3. Handle Each Case Differently
The cat’s collar should be removed as it might be contaminated. Also, some collars can harbor fleas, which are harmful to cats. If the toxin is on the fur or nails, prevent the cat from touching or rubbing itself. The best way to remove chemicals from the fur is to cut the contaminated fur and then bathe the cat with warm water and a little soap. It is important to remove as much contaminant as possible before washing, as washing might increase the absorption of certain chemicals. Afterward, quickly dry the cat to avoid getting cold.
2.4. Clean the Surrounding Area
If you have multiple cats at home, this step is essential. Bacteria or mold can quickly grow and spread to others. The best practice is to clean the cage thoroughly, disinfect it, and wash the cat's bedding, exposing it to sunlight. Concurrently, you should isolate healthy cats from the sick one to prevent the virus from attacking their immune systems. I hope the above sharing will be somewhat helpful to you on your journey of raising your beloved cats. Wishing your furry friends always remain cheerful and healthy!