Cat Poisons: Guidance

Many cats are brought to veterinary practices on a daily basis, with suspected: Cat poison. Nearly everything we have in our homes and garden are potentially poisonous to us and our cats, likewise there are many substances, which are safe for humans but can be poisonous to our cats.

Use our poisons risk guide here to identify common substances, which can be poisonous to our cats, to help ensure our cat’s safety.

If you do suspect your cat may have been exposed to any of the substances below, seek emergency treatment from your vet, as soon as possible. To assist us in establishing the identity of the poison, take any evidence of the poison, vomit and packaging with you. Also please advise us of any symptoms your cat has been displaying, however small they may seem to you, this can be vital in diagnosing which toxic substance your cat may have been poisoned with. Also read the label on any packet or container, for specific instructions or antidote and take this along with you to our practice.

Young kittens are especially at risk, through their tendency to chew and inquisitive nature in wanting to discover new things.

Sometimes if our cats have contaminated their paws or coat, they will ingest the poison through licking or grooming themselves. (It may also be absorbed through the skin.) Telephone your us straight away to get the correct advice. Note of caution; if your we advise using a substance to remove the cat poison from your cat’s coat or paws, such as a detergent or swarfega, ensure the substance is also fully removed afterwards, as cats may also lick these substances and poison themselves with it.

Because of the extensive list of potential toxic substances around to poison our cats, we advise not to induce vomiting before consulting your veterinary surgeon. Many poisons are corrosive and it may be dangerous to induce vomiting if poisoning has take place with these substances.

However, always rinse your cat’s skin, eyes mouth or face to remove any cat poison substance may have been exposed to as soon as possible.