Toxins in pets

Animals are naturally inquisitive and young animals especially frequently ingest inappropriate materials. Below is a brief introduction to such dangers

Toxins in cats

Lilies

• All parts of lilies are toxic to cats
• Causes severe and acute kidney failure
• Can be ingested directly or  through pollen contamination being ingested after grooming

Human medications

• Painkillers are especially toxic to cats

Liquid pot pourri

• Will cause burning to the mouth and also respiratory and neurological signs

Glow sticks

• Usually ingested as pet plays with the stick
• Causes drooling , gagging and retching
• Will also cause skin irritation
• Easy to spot chemical to wash it off it glows in a dark room
• More irritant than toxic

Tinsel/string or ribbon

• • • Severe damage to the intestinal tract
    • Requires surgery to remove if it becomes a “linear foreign body”

Antifreeze

• • • Very palatable to cats- very sweet taste
    • Causes calcium crystals to form in the kidneys and kidney failure within a couple of days
    • Antidote is only of any use if given within 3 hrs of ingestion
    • Poor outlook

Flea preparations

• • • Incorrect applications of dog preparations to cats
    • Also cats grooming dogs within the household