Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


According to some statistics from animal rescue agencies, 10% of contacts from cat owners were caused by potential poisoning. Cats can put themselves at risk due to their inquisitive nature and their obsession with hygiene, and pesticides, human medicines, poisonous plants, and human foods containing chemicals that cats cannot digest are among the most common toxins that cats encounter. Begin with Step 1 below to treat your cat from poisoning.


Help your cat

Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


1. Know the signs of poisoning. 

The cat may be suffering from poisoning if you notice any of the following general symptoms:

  • Breathing difficulty.
  • Cyanosis of the tongue and gums.
  • Panting.
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
  • Stomach upset.
  • Coughing and sneezing.
  • Depression.
  • Drooling.
  • Seizures, tumors, or involuntary muscle twitching.
  • Weakness and possible loss of consciousness.
  • Pupil dilation.
  • frequent urination.
  • Dark urine.
  • shudder.



Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


2. Take your cat to a well-ventilated area.

 Remove your cat from the area immediately when you suspect poisoning and find it lying down, weak, or unconscious; Move it to a well-lit location.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and/or gloves to protect yourself from the poison. Wounded and sick cats are more likely to bite and scratch due to discomfort and fear.

Cats' first instincts when they feel anxious or sick are to hide. If your cat has been poisoned, you will need to watch for symptoms, so it will not be appropriate to let her hide somewhere. Lift the cat and take it to a safe room in a firm and gentle manner. The kitchen or bathroom is perfect because you'll need water.

Carefully keep the poison out of the reach of humans or pets if it is in the same area.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


3. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

  A veterinarian or rescuers can help you to calm down and give you clear instructions on what to do or which vaccine to administer to your cat. Remember that your cat is more likely to survive if you contact the veterinarian immediately. This should be the first thing you do after stabilizing your cat.

You can also contact an animal rescue or poison control center.

The government does not fund animal rescuers, such as human poisoning hotlines, so they may request fees to help pay for the service.



Provide first aid

Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


1- Identify the poison if possible.

 This will help you determine whether or not it is correct to make the cat vomit. If you have access to the package, pay attention to the following information: brand, active ingredients, and strength, and also try to estimate how much the cat has eaten. (Was it the new box? How many of it was missing?)

Your first contacts should be made with the veterinarian, animal rescue destination, and product manufacturer.

Look for the active ingredient if you have access to the internet. It helps to format the research like this: Is [product name] toxic to cats?

Some products may be safe to take and you will have to go ahead if you discover this. The next step if the substance is toxic is to determine whether or not to make the cat vomit.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


2. Avoid giving your cat any home treatment unless instructed to do so.

  Do not give the cat any food, water, milk, salt, oil, or any other home remedy, unless you know the type of poison that she has taken and you know the medicine or primary aid specifically, as giving her any of these things without consulting the veterinarian or animal rescue authorities from poisoning Or their instructions to exacerbate the ill condition of your cat.

Veterinarian or rescue volunteers have more knowledge and skill in deciding what to do or give to the poisoned cat.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


3. Ask your veterinarian or rescue agency before making your cat vomit.

 Don't make her do anything without the instructions of your veterinarian or animal rescue agency, as some toxins (especially corrosive acids) may be harmful if you induce vomiting. Induce her to vomit only in the following cases:

The poison was ingested during the past two hours, but if a longer time has elapsed, the body will have absorbed it and vomiting will be useless.

The cat was conscious and could swallow. Never give anything by mouth to a cat who is unconscious, semi-conscious, has epileptic seizures, or is mentally confused.

The poison was not acidic, petroleum product, or strong alkaline.

you are sure she had eaten the poison.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


4. Know how to process acids, alkalis, and petroleum products.

 Oil products, alkalis, and acids cause caustic burns. Do not induce vomiting, regardless of when they vomit, as these products will damage their esophagus, throat, and mouth on the way out.

Strong alkalis and acids are found in household rust removal products, glass etching liquids, and cleaning products such as bleach, while petroleum products include lighter fluid, gasoline, and kerosene.

You shouldn't make your cat vomit like we mentioned before, but encourage her to drink whole milk or eat raw eggs. If you do not drink voluntarily, use a baby syringe to squirt 100ml of milk into her mouth. This will help dilute and neutralize the acid or alkali. Raw eggs have a similar effect.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


5. Make the cat vomit if asked to do so.

 You will need a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (do not use a higher concentration such as the one that comes with some hair dye or perming products) and a teaspoon of a baby syringe, and you will find that pushing the peroxide with an injection is easier than giving it to the cat with a spoon. Here's what you should know:

The dose of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 3% is 5 ml (1 teaspoon) per 2.5 kg of body weight orally. Cats weigh an average of 5 kg on average, so they will need about 10 ml (2 teaspoons). Repeat this every 10 minutes for up to 3 doses.

Hold the cat firmly and gently insert the syringe into its mouth, behind the upper fangs. Squeeze the plunger, dropping about 1 ml at a time on the cat's tongue. Give her time to swallow after each drop, and do not inject the whole amount in a rapid motion, as you will cover her mouth, and she will inhale and get the peroxide into her lungs.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


6. Use activated charcoal.

  You have to work to reduce the absorption of the toxin that got into the intestine after vomiting, and you will need activated charcoal for this. The dose is 1 gm of dry powder for every half kg of the cat's weight, so an average cat requires approximately 10g.

Dissolve the powder in the least amount of water possible to make a thick paste. Inject it into the cat's mouth and repeat this dose every two to three hours for four doses.


Take care of your cat

Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


1- Check her hair for traces of dirt.

  If the cat has poison on her hair, she will start cleaning herself, and swallows it,  risk of further poisoning. Use the brush to remove the toxin if it is in powder form, but if it is sticky, such as oil or tar, you may need to use a product designed to clean hands, such as Swarvega (used by auto mechanics) on the hair. Bathe the cat in warm water for ten minutes to remove all traces, then rinse it well with water.

As a last resort, you may want to cut the worst parts of your cat hair with scissors or clippers, as prevention is better than treatment.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


2. Make her drink water. Many types of toxins harm the liver, kidneys, or both.

  Make sure the cat drinks a lot of water to reduce the risk of organ damage from the toxin that has been absorbed. Inject water into her mouth if she does not drink at will. Slowly squeeze out 1 ml each time and be sure to let it swallow.

Medium cats need 250ml of water a day, so don't hesitate to refill the syringe several times!


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


3. Collect samples of the suspected toxin.

  Put all the labels, packages, and bottles so you can send them to a vet or animal rescue agency, your efforts may benefit future cat owners (and their cats) in similar dilemmas.


Cat poisoning, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods


4. Take your cat to the vet.

  Your cat should be examined by the veterinarian to make sure it is well. A vet can ensure that you are completely clear of the toxin and that there are no long-term problems that cause concern.



Helpful ideas

  • Seeking medical help from your veterinarian or animal rescuers is the best way to do in any situation.
  • Milk can be mixed with water in a 50/50 ratio to dilute it, or given alone to a cat to get rid of some of the specific toxins previously mentioned. A dose of 10-15ml / kg of body weight or as much as the animal can eat is appropriate.
  • Kaolin / pectin: 1-2 g / kg of body weight every 6 hours for 5-7 days.
  • The dose of activated charcoal in severe poisoning is 2-8 g / kg of body weight and is given once every 6-8 hours for 3-5 days. This dose may be mixed with water and given as an injection or stomach tube.
  • Hydrogen peroxide 3% concentration: 2-4 ml/kg of body weight immediately after ingesting the toxin.

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