Top 10 Cat Toxins

While there are well-known substances such as chocolate that are toxic to dogs, feline poisons are sometimes less-known.  Cats are curious and independent, so it is important to know what is toxic in your household in order to keep your cat safe and healthy. Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline created this list of items, presented in order of frequency, that caused the most emergency calls to the Helpline in 2013.

1) Lillies: Plants in the Lillum species, such as Easter, Tiger, Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats.  All cat owners must be aware of these highly toxic plants!

2) Household cleaners:  Most general-purpose cleaners (e.g., Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns. Other symptoms can include profuse drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even organ damage. After cleaning your home, make sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up or eliminated as soon as possible.

3) Flea and tick-spot-on products for dogs:  Those that are pyrethroid or pyrethrins based (e.g. Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant's, etc.) cause tremors and seizures that can be deadly to cats. Even more “natural” or “holistic” flea medication can be very dangerous to cats.

4) Antidepressants: Cymbalta and Effexor topped the medically prescribed antidepressant list in 2013. Cats seem strangely drawn to these medications.  Beware, ingestion can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects

5) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):  Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.  Even veterinary-specific NSAIDs like Rimadyl and Meloxicam should be used with caution.

6) Prescription ADD/ADHD medications:  These amphetamines, such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexerdrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death.

7) Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications:  Those that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) are particularyly toxic, as they damage red blood cells and cause liver failure.

8) Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals:  Common houseplants like the pace lily, philodendrom and pothos can cause oral/upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested, but severe symptoms are uncommon.

9) Household insecticides: Thankfully, most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it's best to keep curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled.

10) Glow sticks and glow jewelry:  Summer is a popular time for glow sticks, but don't become lazy by leaving them around the house. These irresistible "toys" contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate.  When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming occurs, but the signs quickly resolve when the cat eats food or drinks water.

All the detrimental effects can easily be avoided.  Keeping this list handy in your household will help all members refrain from leaving these toxins available for your cat to consume! 

Source: Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline

Pet Dangers Hidden in the Medicine Cabinet

You know the old saying, “some of the most dangerous things are found under your kitchen sink?” Well the same can be said about your medicine cabinet, especially when it comes to your pets. Human medications can be left out in plain sight and an easy reach for any curious pet looking for a toy or snack. But these medications that are super helpful for humans can be the complete opposite for pets. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be extremely harmful to your pet’s health if they accidently get into their owner’s bottles. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, “almost half of the calls we receive, involve human medications.” Just in case pet owners are not aware of just how serious this can be, here are some of dvm360.com's examples of human medications that are poisonous to pets.

1. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories). The most frequent medications that are ingested by pets are NSAIDs. More commonly known as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (e.g., Aleve), these everyday pain medications are safe and effective for people, but very dangerous for pets. Kidney failure and major stomach problems like intestinal ulcers may occur if eaten by pets.

2. Acetaminophen. Another common over-the-counter pain medication is acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). A safe human drug, acetaminophen can do some serious damage to pets. In dogs, it can lead to liver failure, and in cats it can attack their red blood cells, which is especially dangerous. This can lead to breathing troubles and eventually an inability to hold oxygen.

3. ADD and ADHD medications. Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medications (e.g., Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin) can be life-threatening for pets. Small doses of these medications can cause tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures, and heart problems in pets.

4. Antidepressants. Although medications like Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, and Lexapro are occasionally used in treating pets, overdosing can lead to many neurological problems like sedation and seizures. They can also lead to an elevated heart rate and blood pressure if the proper dosage is not used. It is important to remember that if your pet is prescribed an antidepressant, to always follow the instructions given by your vet.

5. Benzodiazepines and sleep aids. Anxiety and sleeping pills (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta) can be very helpful to people who need them. But oddly enough, these pills will have an opposite effect in pets. Agitation, incoordination, and severe lethargy can be the result of a pet ingesting one of these pills, and can also cause liver failure in cats.

For more information and safety tips about poison control for your pets, please take a look at Petpoisonhelpline.com. They also have information on what to do if your pet does in fact get into some of your medications. There is nothing more valuable than your pet’s well being, so take all the necessary precautions to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

We are pleased to have Vin, as a contributing writer for If They Could Talk. Vin is a passionate dog owner. We look forward to sharing his contribution on interesting and educational pet topics.