Household Chemicals Will Poison Your Cat

To be able to provide a good living environment for your precious feline friend, it is important to know about the different household items that could poison your cat.

Your kitty cannot resist tasting or smelling unusual substances, nor can he or she tell you what made him/her feel so bad. Therefore, you should be aware of the items you keep in your home that could hurt or possibly kill your pet. Keep these items securely in places inaccessible to your cat.

The first item that comes to mind is bleach, which can be found in any laundry room. You can also find bleach products in swimming pool supplies. However, household bleaches are fairly mild and will make your cat feel ill but are only deadly if ingested in large amounts. Most animals, cats included, are smart enough to not drink enough to kill. Most won't touch it at all, because of the strong aroma.

Signs that your cat may have ingested a bleach product include excess drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If your cat seems to be in pain, a quick sniff of his or her fur will let you detect the scent of the bleach. First, call you vet for instructions, and have your cat drink large quantities of milk or water if you possibly can. Monitor your cat for bloody vomit and difficulty breathing, and wash the paws and mouth area thoroughly.

Next on the list is mothballs and other products containing naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, which can also make your cat sick. Ingesting this substance can cause seizures, which is definitely not a good sign.

Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, seizures, blue or brown colored gums, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. If your cat has ingested mothballs or items like toilet bowl cleaner or bathroom deodorizer, call your vet immediately, preferably from a cell phone on the way to  his office.

Citrus oil is another substance to be aware of. This type of oil is found in shampoo, insect repellent, fragrances, and insecticides, and is very harmful to cats. Although these items can harm all pets, cats are more sensitive than dogs.

Never, in your haste to fix matters, treat a cat with dog products - the result could kill your beloved cat. Signs that your cat has ingested citrus oils include that common citrus smell, drolling, falling, trembling, and weakness. Eventually, liver damage occurs, and many cats experience liver failure, resulting in death. If your cat is treated, the prognosis is good, but left untreated, this poison will be deadly.

And let's not forget your outside  cats. One of the deadliest liquids a cat can drink is anti-freeze. The smell and taste is sweet - so I'm told - and a thirsty cat will go for it anytime  they are thirsty.

The result is kidney damage, and eventual death. By the time you notice that your cat is ill, the irreversible damage has already been done. Keeping your car in good shape and your parking place hosed down can go a long way toward saving your cat's life.

It is important to call your vet at the first sign that anything is wrong with your cat. Cats are creatures of habit, so if your feline seems to be acting strangely, it is best to get him/her to the Vet immediately. Do what’s best for your pet and try to keep harmful products in places where they can’t be reached.