Top 10 Poisons for CATS, Beware of These Feline Toxins

Jeanne Melanson

2 years ago

Top 10 Poisons for CATS

Following is a list of the top 10 poisons for CATS, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. If you suspect that your cat has ingested or been exposed to a toxic substance, call your veterinarian, a nearby emergency animal hospital, or the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. You can also download their Pet Poison Help iPhone app here.

Top 10 Poisons for CATS – Beware

1. Lilies

The variety of lily determines whether it is relatively harmless or potentially deadly. Non-toxic varieties include the Calla Lily, Peace Lily, and Peruvian Lily, which typically cause irritation of the upper Gastrointestinal tract. Toxic lilies include the Tiger Lily, Asiatic, Stargazer, Casablanca, Rubrum, Day, Japanese Show, and Easter lily. These toxic lilies can prove deadly for your cat. Even just a tiny amount of any portion of these plants can cause kidney failure.

2. Household Cleaners

General-purpose cleaners are relatively safe (all-natural products are a much better choice), but concentrated products like Drano or toilet bowl cleaners can cause chemical burns.

3. Flea/tick Spot-on Products for DOGS

Never use a canine flea/tick product on your cat. Depending on the ingredients in the product, just a drop has the potential to kill a cat within hours. To be safe, use holistic products, such TripleSure Natural Flea & Tick Spray.

4. Antidepressants

Cymbalta and Effexor topped the Pet Poison Helpline’s toxic antidepressants list in 2013. For some reason, cats are drawn to these medications, which can cause severe neurological and cardiac effects.

5. NSAIDs

Cats are more sensitive than dogs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Because cats are so sensitive, veterinary-specific NSAIDs should be used with extreme caution, if at all.

6. Prescription ADD/ADHD Medications

Just as with dogs, these drugs, which are amphetamines, can cause tremors, heart problems, seizures and death in cats.

7. Over-the-Counter Cough, Cold and Allergy Medications

Many of these preparations contain acetaminophen (a painkiller) and pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (decongestants). Acetaminophen is especially toxic to cats – it damages red blood cells and causes liver failure.

8. Plants Containing Insoluble Calcium Oxalate Crystals

Peace lilies, philodendron, and pothos can cause oral and upper Gastrointestinal irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested.

9. Household Insecticides

If you must use insecticides on your indoor plants make sure to keep your cat away from plants after application until the products have dried or settled.

10. Glow Sticks and Glow Jewelry

Many cats enjoying gnawing on glow sticks and glow jewelry. These items contain dibutyl phthalate, a chemical that can leak out and burn your cat’s fur and tongue.