Many substances can be toxic or poisonous to your cat. A poison is a compound capable of causing harm or even death. A toxin is a subset of poisons, but for the purposes of this article, we will use the terms interchangeably.
Household items may be toxic to your kitty. Reduce the likelihood of pet poisoning by familiarizing yourself with common household toxins, including toxic foods. Be prepared with an emergency plan by compiling the contact information of your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital and the Pet Poison Helpline.
1. Chocolate Contains Caffeine and Theobromine: Both Toxic
It is well-known that chocolate is toxic to dogs. But it is also toxic to our feline friends!
Chocolate comes in many forms but generally, Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate are the most toxic. This is because they contain more theobromine and caffeine, which are methylxanthines.
Common signs of chocolate toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea, increased activity or restlessness, fast heart rate, and tremors. Severe symptoms, such as abnormal heart rhythm and seizures, can be deadly. Fortunately, cats appear to have less of a sweet tooth than dogs and are less likely to eat large amounts of chocolate.
2. Caffeine Can Cause High Blood Pressure
Caffeine is toxic to cats. It is found in beverages like coffee, energy drinks, soda, and tea. Products like pre-workout supplements and diet pills also contain caffeine.
Cats have a low caffeine tolerance and even small amounts can be toxic. Symptoms include those seen with chocolate toxicity, as well as elevated temperature and blood pressure.
3. Allium Vegetables: Onions, Chives, Leeks, and Shallots
Vegetables in the Allium family, such as onions, chives, leeks, shallots, and garlic, are toxic to cats. Garlic is approximately five times more toxic than an onion. Cats are also more sensitive to Allium vegetables compared to dogs.
At toxic doses, these vegetables damage and rupture red blood cells, leading to anemia. Anemic cats may develop lethargy, weakness, or collapse. With less blood supply available, anemic cats often have pale gums and elevated heart and breathing rates. Allium poisoning may take several days to fully reveal itself and may require hospitalization or multiple visits to your vet.
Allium vegetables also cause inflammation of a cat’s digestive system, which may cause your cat to vomit.
4. Alcohol: Beverages and Unbaked Yeast Bread Dough
Alcohol poisoning in cats can cause dangerous symptoms. Cats may ingest alcoholic beverages or develop alcohol poisoning from eating unbaked yeast bread dough. Alcohol poisoning can cause severely low blood sugar, blood pressure, and temperature. In extreme cases, cats may have seizures or stop breathing.
5. Salt Can Cause Excessive Thirst and Urination
Salt is toxic to cats, causing gastrointestinal signs and increased water intake and urination. Severe cases can result in neurological symptoms, such as seizures, coma, and death. Sources of salt include table salt, seawater, sodium phosphate enemas, homemade play dough, rock salt for de-icing, and paintballs.
Symptoms of Poisoning in Cats
Poisoning in cats manifests in a variety of ways depending on the type of toxin, route of exposure, and dose. Regardless, it is worthwhile familiarizing yourself with the common symptoms of poisoning in cats. Different toxins affect different organ systems and certain symptoms are only observed at higher doses.
Gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Nausea (often presents as excessive drooling or lip-licking)
Signs of internal bleeding:
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Pale gums
- Weakness, lethargy, or collapse
- Fast heart rate
Symptoms of kidney failure:
- Bad breath
- Increased water intake
- Increased, decreased, or absent urination (depending on the severity of kidney damage)
Symptoms of liver failure:
- Yellow mucous membranes (gums, whites of the eyes)
- Black tarry stool
- Abnormal behavior or disorientation
- Low blood sugar causing weakness or collapse
Vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite can be seen with toxins that cause:
- Gastrointestinal upset or damage
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
Call the Poison Helpline and Seek Vet Care
Poisoning is a time-sensitive and potentially life-threatening issue. Decontamination (i.e., inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal) is more effective the sooner it is performed.
I recommend making an emergency plan ahead of time. This should consist of your primary care veterinarian’s phone number and hours of operation. You will also need to locate the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital including a phone number and directions.
Most veterinarians will ask you to call the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) as part of your cat’s treatment plan. Consultation is $85 and is available 24/7. Based on the information you provide; they will determine if the substance is truly toxic and calculate whether your cat has ingested a toxic dose. A veterinary toxicologist will then work with your local veterinarian to come up with the best treatment plan for your cat.
