Protecting Your Cats from Poisoning

Cats are some of the most curious and inquisitive creatures that I've ever seen. About 6 months ago, my husband and I decided to expand our little family and adopt a kitten from the local shelter. He had always grown up with cats, and I had always begged my parents for one, but the answer always remained a stern "no". We finally adopted the most beautiful Dilute Tortie cat with the sweetest disposition, who we named Porzia; we could not have found a more perfect animal. We've grown to love her and she's literally become part of our family. All that being said, we have to constantly watch her because if we turn our backs she will get into trouble if left to her own devices; she's very sneaky.
Needless to say, if considering adopting or buying a cat, it's important to be aware of the dangers that seemingly innocent household plants, foods, and cleaning supplies can have on your pet. Even if you already own one, this may be helpful to you as well. It's very easy for a cat to innocently ingest ordinary household items without your knowledge; sometimes it may take days for symptoms to appear.

Cardiovascular Toxins
Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, and skin)
Azalea plants (as well as the entire rhododendron family)
Autumn crocus
Bleeding Heart
Castor Bean
Foxglove
Lily-of-the-Valley
Mistletoe berries
Oleander
Rosary Pea
Yew

The above mentioned plants have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular health of your cat. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, keep these plants outside where they will not come in contact with your pet.

Neurological Toxins
Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, isopropyl, etc.)
Amaryllis bulb
Bracken fern
Caffeine
Chocolate
Choke Cherry, or unripe berries
Chrysanthemum
Delphinium
Marijuana or hemp
Morning Glory
Poinsettia
Potato (leaves and stem)

I was surprised to learn that chocolate is a harmful food for cats to ingest. I eat a lot of chocolate and caffeinated teas so I'm always making sure that I don't leave them anywhere where Porzia can get to them.

Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins
Tiger lilies: these are highly toxic for cats and may lead to kidney failure within 48 hours of the ingestion of the plant!
Begonia
Calla Lily
Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Gastrointestinal Toxins
Azaleas
Bird of Paradise
Boxwood
Buckeye
Buttercup (Ranunculus)
Caffeine
Chocolate
Clematis
English Ivy
Garlic
Hyacinth Bulb
Holly berries
Iris
Lily (bulb of most species)
Daffodil
Onions
Cactus
Tomatoes (leaves and stem)

Respiratory Toxins
Almonds
Apricots
Cherries
Bamboo
Dumb cane
Elderberry
Hydrangea
Jimson weed
Peaches

General Foods to Avoid
Fatty foods
Macadamia Nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onion powder
Raisins and Grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
Xylitol-sweeted products

Potential Household Poisons
Ant and roach baits
Antifreeze
Bleach
Fertilizer, including plant foods
Human drugs, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cold medications containing pseudoephedrine
Hydrocarbons
Rodenticides

Plants that are Safe to Own
Hanging African Violet
Shrimp plants
Geranium plants
Miniature roses
Spider plant
Catnip

What to Do If a Poisoning is Suspected
The most important thing you can do is to stay calm and do not panic. Try and identify what poison you cat may have been exposed to and the amount ingested.
Remember to note when the signs of poisoning began and immediately consult your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian clinic.

Oddly enough, activated charcoal is a universal antidote for pet poisoning. It is one of the most effective agents used in treatment, and may be administered orally. It acts by absorbing toxic compounds and prevents full absorption of a potential toxin. It may take a few days for your pet to eliminate the activated charcoal and its absorbed toxin from the gastrointestinal tract.



This information was collected with the help of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's web site. Always contact your veterinarian if you think your pet has been poisoned.