Household Hazards: Toxic Hazards for Cats

Cats, with their curious nature, may fall victim to poisoning within the home. Their small size, lack of ability to metabolize certain drugs, and their tendency to hide symptoms when ill, make their poisoning less obvious compared to dogs and may also delay treatment.

How can a cat become poisoned?

Cats can be poisoned in several ways, including ingestion of a toxic substance or poisoned prey; inhalation of a gas, liquid, or powder; or topical exposure to a chemical. With topical exposures, the skin may absorb the toxin, but the cat can also ingest it when grooming its fur.

What clinical signs might warn me that my cat may have been poisoned?

The symptoms vary depending on the poison. Toxins may produce the following signs:

• Gastrointestinal signs such as drooling, lack of appetite, gagging, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Neurological signs including hiding, hyperexcitability, incoordination, tremors, seizures, lethargy, or coma
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, panting, or difficulty breathing
• Skin signs including redness, inflammation, burns, and swelling
• Liver injury that causes signs such as stomach upset, dehydration, jaundice, and weight loss
• Kidney injury that causes signs including stomach upset, halitosis (bad breath), changes in thirst and urination, lethargy, and weight loss
• Anemia, which may include signs such as yellow or pale gums, lethargy, weakness, heavy breathing, and hiding

Some toxins act on more than one body system and can produce any combination of the above signs. It is important to remember that, while most cases of intoxication cause acute (sudden) problems, chronic, delayed intoxication can also occur.

I think my cat has been poisoned. What should I do?

If you suspect your cat may have had access to a poisonous substance, it is important to contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680, or seek veterinary care as soon as possible. For cats acting anxious and aggressive, it is usually best to wrap them in a towel and place them in a secured box or crate to prevent injury to themselves or you. After any potential exposure to poisons, it is advisable to keep your cat indoors for 24 hours for observation. If you are directed to monitor at home, keep them in a warm, quiet room and seek veterinary attention immediately if your cat shows any symptoms.

My cat has a chemical on its coat. What should I do?

You can bathe the cat or rinse the fur at home to prevent absorption through the skin or ingestion from grooming. Remove your cat's collar, if present, as it may also have been contaminated. To remove chemicals from a cat’s haircoat, it is best to bathe them with a liquid dish soap (used to wash dishes in the sink) and to use lukewarm water. Do not cut substances out of your cat’s fur using scissors, as this often results in accidentally cutting the skin. Avoid using solvents or other cleaning products to strip the fur, as they can also be toxic to cats. If you cannot bathe your cat without getting injured, bring your cat to the veterinarian where they can provide mild sedation to allow for proper handling.

What should I do if my cat has swallowed a chemical?

If you believe your cat has swallowed a toxin, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline to determine if the exposure is problematic. When in doubt, seek immediate veterinary care. Even if the exposure was confined to the haircoat, many chemicals and toxins can still be absorbed across the skin or groomed off the skin and ingested. Rinsing the mouth with lukewarm water or offering milk may be recommended, depending on the exposure. 

It is NOT advisable to try to make cats vomit at home, as there are currently no over-the-counter products that safely induce vomiting in cats. Giving a cat salt or hydrogen peroxide to attempt emesis, for example, may also result in poisoning or significant injury, and it may complicate treatment for the initial toxin exposure. Veterinarians can induce vomiting in-clinic, with prescription medications approved for use in cats. It is best to call the veterinary clinic while you are en route to let them know you are coming and allow them time to prepare any treatments your cat may need upon arrival.

What sorts of things can poison cats?

According to data from Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 nationwide animal poison control based out of Minneapolis, the top ten cat toxins of 2023 include:

• Lilies (Lilium species)
• Chocolate
• Onion, chives, leeks, shallots (Allium species)
• Garlic (Allium species)
• Vitamin D3 (supplement)
• Ibuprofen
• Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria species)
• Amphetamine combos
• Carprofen
• Tulips (Tulipa species)

Plants

Lily poisoning was the number 1 exposure call to Pet Poison Helpline for cats in 2023. Both true lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis species) can cause kidney failure in cats. Common examples of true lilies include Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Stargazer, Roselilies, and Japanese Show lilies. These flowers may be found outside or in a bouquet. Small ingestions of the petals or leaves – even the pollen or water in the vase – can result in severe, potentially irreversible kidney failure. Immediate veterinary care is imperative. 

Despite their having “lily” in their name, other plants such as the Peace lily, Calla lily, Lily of the Valley, and Peruvian lilies are not true lilies and do not cause kidney failure in cats. Instead, Calla and Peace lilies contain crystals that can cause oral pain and stomach upset. Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria species) are common in bouquets and may cause mild self-limiting stomach upset when ingested. Lily of the Valley contains heart toxins, resulting in cardiovascular changes. 

Human foods

Chocolate was the second-highest exposure call to Pet Poison Helpline for cats in 2023. Symptoms of poisoning can include stomach upset, as well as cardiovascular and neurologic stimulation. Products with caffeine cause similar signs. 

Onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, and scallions are in the Allium species. Ingestion of these foods can cause destruction of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. 

At this time, it is unknown if grapes, raisins, and Zante currants cause the same poisoning concerns in cats as they do dogs, which is kidney damage. Given how sensitive cats are to kidney injury, it is recommended that you avoid giving these fruits to cats and to contact Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian if there is any exposure. 

Human supplements

Exposures to Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) occur after ingestion of vitamin D3 supplements, rat/mouse bait containing cholecalciferol, and some topical creams used for psoriasis (containing calcitriol, calcipotriene, or calcipotriol). Vitamin D3 poisoning can cause stomach upset, increased thirst and urination, and a life-threatening elevation of calcium (hypercalcemia). In cats, severe hypercalcemia often leads to kidney injury.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a supplement used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The exact mechanism of poisoning is unknown; however, cats that eat a toxic amount of ALA can develop hypoglycemia, leading to seizures and coma, as well as liver injury. 

Human and veterinary NSAID medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in both people and dogs. Examples of human NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®). Dog NSAIDs include meloxicam, carprofen (Rimadyl®), and deracoxib (Deramaxx®) to name a few. 

Unfortunately, these medications are some of the deadliest for cats, due to cats’ decreased ability to metabolize them compared to humans and dogs. Even some veterinary-specific NSAIDs labeled for cats can be toxic if given at too high of a dose or for a longer duration than recommended. When ingested in toxic doses, NSAIDs can result in kidney failure and stomach ulcers. 

While not an NSAID, another common pain reliever used in people, acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®), can be fatal to a cat that ingests just one tablet, resulting in severe anemia, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and paws, and liver failure.

Human medications

Cats seem to like the taste of certain antidepressants (e.g., Effexor) and ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall), which may contain an attractive smell or flavor in the coating. Ingestion of these medications may lead to cardiovascular and neurologic stimulation.

Exposure to topical hair growth products with minoxidil (such as Rogaine®), can result in signs of heart failure in cats, leading to cardiovascular and respiratory signs. 

Insecticides and topical flea products for dogs

Dog-specific insecticides containing pyrethroids, such as permethrin, are highly toxic to cats. Poisoning occurs when dog flea products are directly applied on cats or cats lick these medications off dogs, leading to neurologic stimulation. Always read labels carefully before using any kind of insecticide and ask your veterinarian about appropriate topical flea and tick medications for your cat. 

House and garden insecticides may cause symptoms from mild stomach and skin irritation to more serious signs, including neurologic signs, depending on the product. It is ideal to have packaging available when seeking veterinary advice or calling Pet Poison Helpline so the active ingredient and concentration can be evaluated to determine if the exposure is a concern. 

Household cleaners

Common household cleaners, including kitchen and bath surface cleaners, carpet cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners, can be toxic to cats. Symptoms can include stomach upset, chemical burns, respiratory signs, and even organ damage, depending on the product. After cleaning your home, make sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up, and stow the products out of your cat’s reach as soon as possible. Only allow your cat back into the cleaned areas after the products have completely dried and ensure the area is well ventilated during application, if directed by the product label. 

Essential oils

Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, can cause poisoning from ingestion or topical exposure to a single drop of a concentrated product. Tea tree oil can result in depression, hypothermia, and potentially liver injury in cats. Liquid potpourri products (such as plug-in air fresheners) may contain essential oils as well as corrosive substances that can cause poisoning and burns.

Hydrogen peroxide

It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide should never be used to induce vomiting in cats. Even small exposures can cause injury to the mouth, throat, and stomach, and may impede the ability to treat the initial poisoning appropriately. 

Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.