Cat poisoning can lead to serious and life-threatening illness. As a cat owner, it is therefore important to be aware of what your cat eats or comes into contact with, as consuming the wrong foods, plants or other substances can lead to poisoning. We explain what is important to know, what to look for and when you should contact your vet.
Table of contents
Cat poisoning - symptoms
The symptoms of poisoning in cats can vary depending on what the cat has ingested. Signs of poisoning may include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or weakness
- dehydration
- Uneven breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Cramps or seizures
- unconsciousness
If you suspect your cat may have been poisoned, it is important to act quickly to reduce the risk of serious health problems. It is also possible that your cat has eaten something poisonous without you knowing about it. If you suddenly have a sick cat that shows any of these signs of poisoning, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
What is poisonous to cats?
Poisonous plants
There are many common plants that can be toxic to cats if eaten. Some of the most common plants that are toxic to cats include lilies. This also includes amaryllis, azalea, peace lilies, daffodils, ivy and poinsettia. These plants are not uncommon to find in Norwegian homes or gardens and it is therefore important to pay special attention to them. Some of the plants are more toxic than others and it may be wise to avoid having them in your house at all if you are a cat owner. For example, even a small intake of lilies could result in acute renal failure. At In the joint catalogue, you will find an updated list of which plants and flowers are poisonous for cats.
Toxic foods
It is also important to be aware that some foods such as
Other toxic substances
Rat poison
Cats are generally less interested in eating rat or mouse poison than dogs. This is because cats' natural hunting instinct and preference is to catch live prey. However, it does happen that a cat will eat a mouse or rat that has already been poisoned, which can in turn make the cat sick. The more poisoned prey a cat eats, the greater the risk that it will ingest a dangerous dose of the poison itself.
Most rat poisons contain substances that prevent blood clotting and it usually takes a few days after ingestion for symptoms of poisoning to appear. Symptoms can include nosebleeds, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and bleeding from the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Ethylene glycol is a dangerous substance often found in coolant, washer fluid, lock oils and brake fluid. It has a sweet taste that may be tempting for cats to lick, but is very dangerous. Even small amounts can lead to acute kidney failure. If you suspect your cat has been in contact with antifreeze or another form of ethylene glycol, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The first symptoms may appear in the form of decreased general condition, staggering, increased thirst and decreased body temperature. After about 12 hours, the cat will develop symptoms of acute kidney failure such as decreased urine production and abdominal pain.
Medicines
Cats also cannot tolerate the same medications as humans and some can be very toxic. Paracetamol, which is a common painkiller in many homes, can be dangerous for your cat. Therefore, it is important to be careful not to leave painkillers lying around or let them fall on the floor and other places. The symptoms of poisoning will usually appear after a few days.
Prevent poisoning in cats
To prevent poisoning in cats, it is first and foremost important to ensure that toxic products, foods, plants and household products are out of reach of your cat. Even if you take all precautions, an accident can still happen. Therefore, it is important to always be aware of any changes in behavior and look for symptoms in your furry friend. It is a good idea to have contact information for your nearest veterinary clinic easily accessible at all times. If you are in the Vestfold area, we always prioritize emergency cases in our clinic. We also have our own emergency service on Saturdays from 10 am to 15 pm.
