Intoxication in cats

Intoxication is a common problem in cats. Speak to a vet straight away if you think your cat has ingested or been exposed to something dangerous.

Cats are naturally curious, especially at a young age. They will often play with new things they find.This can expose them to dangerous substances. If contact with a dangerous substance or an overdose happens, early treatment and decontamination have the best chance for success.

Overview

What is intoxication or poisoning in cats

Intoxication or poisoning is when an animal is exposed to a substance in sufficient quantity to cause damage to the body. Some of the most common causes of intoxication in cats are:

Human medications or supplements, such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol and creams or tablets containing Vitamin D
Plants such as Lilies or poinsettias
Pest poisons, such as insecticides and slug or rat poisons
Household products, such as antifreeze or essential oils
Some human foods, such as chocolate, raisins, onions, avocado or products containing Xylitol
Accidental overdose of prescribed medications

Symptoms

Symptoms of intoxication in cats

Symptoms will vary greatly depending on the toxic product. Some common symptoms are:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Drooling
Excessive drinking and urination
Restlessness or excitability
Seizures or uncontrolled tremors
Disorientation or confusion
Weakness
Heart problems
Breathing problems

Risk

Are some cats more at risk of intoxication than others?

Any cat can suffer from an intoxication.

Younger cats are more likely to be exposed to toxic substances while they explore the world.

Older cats are likely to have more serious symptoms when exposed to toxins, especially if they have ongoing liver, kidney or heart disease.

Diagnosis

How is intoxication diagnosed in cats?

In many cases, the product the cat was exposed to is known. If exposure to a toxin isn’t known, diagnosis is very difficult.

Usually a combination of symptoms and blood test results points to a diagnosis.
In some cases, samples of vomit or urine can be sent to a lab to look for specific poisons.

If the toxin is known, blood tests or other procedures can still be useful to determine how the body is being affected and to measure progress over time.

Vet treatment

What’s the veterinary treatment for intoxication in cats?

In most cases, eliminating as much of the toxin from the body as possible is the most effective treatment. This implies a process called decontamination:

If the toxin is on the skin or coat:
- A buster collar should be put on as soon as possible to prevent ingestion
- Prevent contact with other animals or people
- Consider clipping contaminated hair if feasible and time-effective
- Bathing with warm water and a gentle soap eliminates many toxins
If the toxin was ingested:
- Inducing vomiting can be very effective in preventing absorption of a toxin, especially within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
- This should be done by a vet using medication otherwise there is a significant risk of serious complications
- In cases where inducing vomiting isn’t safe, such as an unconscious cat, a stomach lavage can be performed instead
- Once as much as possible of the toxin has been eliminated, blocking any remaining absorption with activated charcoal can be useful in many cases.

Further treatments may include:

Hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, to help the kidneys eliminate the toxin from the body
Medications to treat seizures or tremors
Monitoring of heart function and treatment with appropriate medication if needed (antiarrhythmic treatment)

Home treatment

What’s the home treatment for intoxication in cats?

Contact a vet or the Veterinary Poisons Information Service immediately for advice regarding the specific poison or toxin affecting your cat.
If the toxic or poison is on their skin or coat:
- Wash it off with a wet cloth or give them a bath
- Put a buster collar on or a vest or t-shirt to prevent licking if washing or bathing is not an option
- Avoid contact with other pets and humans
If the toxin or poison was ingested:
- Note how much they have eaten
- Take the packaging with you when going to the vet if possible. This will help with diagnosis and treatment.