Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Cats are beloved members of many households, offering companionship and joy. However, certain common household items can significantly threaten their well-being. Stay aware of potential dangers and proactively ensure your feline friends' health and safety.
What to do if my cat has been poisoned
If you suspect your cat has been exposed to any toxic substance, swift action is essential. Seek immediate emergency care and take steps to prevent further exposure. Cats will sometimes hide when feeling unwell, which can make monitoring and treatment difficult. Be calm and gentle with your cat to avoid this behavior.1
What is toxic to cats?
Various substances, including medications, foods and plants, can be toxic to cats. Exposure can cause a range of health issues, from kidney failure to gastrointestinal problems to death.
Household plants
Numerous household plants, such as philodendrons and azaleas, contain toxic components.2 Be aware of the following houseplants that may pose a dangerous risk for your cat:
- Lilies: Although aesthetically pleasing, lilies are among the deadliest houseplants for cats. Ingesting any part of the plant or drinking water from a lily vase can lead to fatal kidney failure. Keep lilies out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Sago palm: This Southwest desert ornamental palm is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can cause liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death.
- Amaryllis: The outer layer of the bulb is the most toxic part of this beautiful holiday plant. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and liver damage.
- English ivy: While the toxicity of this plant is mild, it can cause discomfort in the mouth and throat if the berries and leaves are eaten by cats.
- Aloe vera: The gel inside the aloe vera plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, if ingested by cats. It's important to keep these plants out of reach of your feline friends and to avoid using aloe vera products that may contain other potentially harmful ingredients.
Remove these plants from your home and be vigilant for signs of poisoning, including vomiting and lethargy.
Chocolate
Chocolate, with its theobromine content, poses a significant risk to cats. Different types of chocolate carry varying levels of danger. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include tremors, seizures and coma. All types of chocolate are harmful to your pet, but dark chocolate poses the greatest risk due to its high concentration of cocoa.3
Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic, commonly found in various foods, can be toxic to cats. Be cautious of dishes containing these ingredients, as ingestion can lead to severe health issues. Watch for symptoms such as weakness and vomiting.
Grapes and raisins
Both grapes and raisins can be dangerous to cats; even a small amount can be harmful. Ingestion can lead to severe kidney damage and failure. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Cleaning products
Certain chemicals in household cleaning products can be harmful to cats. Explore pet-friendly cleaning alternatives and recognize symptoms of chemical poisoning, such as drooling and difficulty breathing.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze, containing ethylene glycol, can be lethal. Just one teaspoon can be poisonous for cats.4 Regularly monitor for leaks and spills, and be aware of symptoms like vomiting and lethargy.
Medications and drugs
Several human medications are toxic to cats, including:
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is the most common human medication to be accidentally ingested by pets.5 Both ibuprofen and aspirin can result in kidney and stomach issues, as well as internal bleeding. In addition, cats cannot metabolize acetaminophen well, which leads to severe and potentially fatal anemia. When this happens, cats experience respiratory distress, swelling of the face and paws, vomiting and hypothermia, followed by death.
Store and dispose of medications securely and be vigilant for signs of poisoning, such as difficulty breathing and seizures.
Recreational drugs can also be very dangerous for your pets. Cannabis can cause profound effects in cats, including hallucination, muscle tremors, depression and difficulty breathing. Keep all medications and drugs away from your pet's reach.
Rodenticides
Rodenticides or rat poisons pose a danger to dogs and cats. They inhibit vitamin K and cause severe and potentially fatal internal bleeding if not treated. Keep them well away from pets, and be aware of symptoms like blood in urine and nosebleeds.
Insecticides
Certain insecticides can be toxic to cats. Explore safe alternatives for pest control, and watch for signs such as tremors and excessive salivation.
Signs of poisoning in cats to watch out for
Monitoring your cat and following pet safety tips is important. But if the worst happens and your cat is exposed to a poison, take swift action. Be familiar with common signs of poisoning, including:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Drooling
Observe changes in behavior and routine, and take immediate action if you notice any concerning symptoms. For immediate advice, policyholders can call the free Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline to speak with a veterinary expert anytime of the day or night. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if your pet is experiencing a poison-related emergency; a consultation fee may apply.
Prevention tips
Safe storage practices
Implement safe storage practices for potentially toxic items. Store medications, cleaning products and other hazardous substances out of reach of curious paws.
Cat-friendly environment
Create a cat-friendly and hazard-free environment. Remove or secure items that could be harmful, and consider pet-friendly alternatives for common household products.
Pets Best has your back
As a responsible cat owner, you must be vigilant and proactive in protecting your feline companions. By understanding the potential dangers and taking preventive measures, you can ensure a safe and loving home for your cats. Don't forget the importance of cat insurance coverage from Pets Best for emergencies—it could be a lifesaver in times of need.
Sources/Citations
1. “When Is Your Cat Hiding Illness or Injury?" (3/2022), Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/when-is-your-cat-hiding-illness-or-injury/, accessed January 15, 2024.
2. “Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals," Renee D. Schmid (11/2023), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/poisonous-plants/houseplants-and-ornamentals-toxic-to-animals, accessed January 15, 2024.
3. “Signs Of Chocolate Poisoning in Cats," (12/2022), Pet Poison Helpline, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-tips/signs-of-chocolate-poisoning-in-cats/, accessed January 15, 2024.
4. “Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding Antifreeze Toxicity in Pets," (6/2023), Animal Emergency Care, https://animalemergencycare.net/pet-poison-prevention-understanding-antifreeze-toxicity-in-pets/, accessed January 15, 2024.
5. “10 poison pills for pets," American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/10-poison-pills-pets, accessed January 15, 2024.