Cat Poisoning Symptoms & What To Do?

Cats can get sick from things like poisonous plants and household cleaning products. Today, our Turlock vets explain which substances are toxic to cats and share the signs and symptoms of cat poisoning.

Cat Poisoning

Due to their small size, cats can get very sick fast if they ingest even a tiny bit of something poisonous. Cats are super into staying clean, so they usually get poisoned when they lick toxic stuff from their fur while grooming. Unlike dogs, cats are really picky eaters. They usually won't eat anything harmful unless it's mixed into their food.

Substances Poisonous To Cats

Many common household items are very toxic to cats. If you have any of the items listed below in your home, you need to keep them out of your cat's reach. Also, never give your cat human medications without consulting your veterinarian first.

Although it is not a common occurrence, there are instances where cats can suffer from secondary posting after consuming a poisoned mouse. When mice consume a poison, it can take a couple of days to take effect, so your cat could be hunting a poisoned mouse and not know it. 

If you suspect that your cat has ingested any of the poisons mentioned, it's crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately or take your beloved feline to the nearest emergency animal hospital without delay.

How To Tell If Your Cat Has Been Poisoned

When poisoned, your cat's symptoms depend on what it swallowed, breathed in, or touched. Here, we've listed the typical signs of cat poisoning:

If you see your cat showing any of these signs, contact your vet or take them to an emergency veterinarian right away. The faster your vet can diagnose your cat's condition, the higher the chances of successful treatment.

What To Do If You Think Your Cat May Have Been Poisoned

If you see your cat showing any of these signs, contact your vet or take them to an emergency veterinarian right away. The faster your vet can diagnose your cat's condition, the higher the chances of successful treatment.

Diagnosing & Treating Cats That Have Been Poisoned

The diagnostics and treatments for cat poisoning vary depending on how your cat has been poisoned. The more information you can give your vet, the better. If you don't know what made your cat ill, your vet can run a series of tests to assess your cat's condition.

How well your cat recovers from poisoning will depend on how much poisonous substance your cat has been exposed to and how quickly you have gotten them to the vet for treatment. Outcomes for cats who receive early treatment for poisoning are much better than for cats who experience a long delay before receiving treatment.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If you think your cat might have been poisoned or if they show any signs of poisoning, contact our Turlock after-hours emergency vets or your regular vet right away.