Substances that Are Poisonous to Cats

Your kitties can sure get into a lot of trouble around the house!

Below is a list of poisonous substances to watch out for and take into consideration when kitty-proofing your home, as well as contact information and facts you will need in an emergency.

Household Chemicals, Cleaners & Detergents

HIGHLY DANGEROUS!!

The number one culprits for cat poisoning are household chemicals, cleaners, detergents, insecticides and rodenticides.

When using these cleaners, etc., always be aware of where your kitties are - you might even want to keep them out of the room, until you are through using the product, it is sealed and stored, and the area or object in question is dry.

These include, but are not limited to:

Product	Effects	Signs - vary	Recommended Remedy
Acids Ajax Alcoholic Beverages Alkalis Batteries Bleach Boric acid Coffee grounds Deodorant Deodorizers Dishwasher soap Detergent Disinfectants Drano Fabric softener Sheets Fungicides Homemade play- dough Lysol Moth balls Nail polish & remover *Pine oils - Pine Sol Polish - metal, furniture Potpourri oils Rubbing alcohol Shoe polish Tobacco Toilet bowl cleaners Wood preservatives	Burns in mouth Can destroy tissue Can be absorbed into bloodstream	Mild to severe local irritation Tissue damage Severe systemic illness	Flush skin or mouth with water Call Vet

Please also see: "Common Household and Holiday Hazards" at http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/household_and_holiday_hazards.htm

Other Chemicals

Cleaning Fluid, Dye, Fresh Paint, Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinner/Remover, Stains, Tar, Varnish

Herbal Remedies

Please note: BECAUSE SOMETHING IS NATURAL, IT DOES NOT MEAN IT IS SAFE!! St. John's Wort is a popular "natural" antidepressant...it is hepatotoxic...causes liver damage. Now Tea Tree Oil -commonly used in shampoos and for itching - has been found to be Toxic to kitties.

RESEARCH HERBAL PRODUCTS BEFORE YOU USE THEM!!

Flea Products

Hartz - some cats are very sensitive and highly allergic to this product.

Insecticides/Pesticides

Names	Use	Effect	Signs
OP - Organophosphates Carbamates Carbaryl Carbofuran Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Arsenic Diazinon Fenthion Malathion Organochlorines	Ants Wasps Garden pests Insects Fleas Termites	Disruption of nervous system. Contamination by eating bait/poison, or absorption through skin	excessive salivation tearing eyes excessive urination diarrhea vomiting muscle twitching weakness difficulty breathing collapse pin point pupils sudden death
Pyrethrins/Pyrethroids Allethrin Resmethrin Permethrin	Insect - aerosols Dips Shampoos Other House/Garden products	Disruption of nervous system	excessive salivation vomiting diarrhea tremors hyperexcitability depression

It is important to note that dog flea preparations are NOT SAFE to use on cats; they can be toxic.

Almost all flea products can be poisonous if label instructions are not carefully followed to the letter.

Sprays and products NOT SPECIFICALLY made for use directly on pets can be poisonous if sprayed directly on or near pets.

Make sure when using premises sprays that the treated area has dried completely before allowing kitty near it. (This includes lawns treated with insecticides or weed killer (herbicides).

Ant/Roach Baits should be inaccessible.

Extreme care should be taken to ensure that these products are contained and way out of reach of kitties:

Molluscicides (Snail/Slug Bait)
Methaldehyde
Herbicides
Garden/Lawn Care Products

HIGHLY DANGEROUS!!!

Rodenticides

Rodenticides	Use	Effect	Signs
Anti-Coagulant Cholecalciferol Strychnine Zinc Phosphide Bromethalin Ingredients Warfarin Fumarin Diphacinone Bromadiolone	Rats Mice Gophers Moles Mammal- Pests This type of poison makes the victum "bleed to death"	Neurological incoordination seizures cardiac failure	3-5 days after ingestion weakness difficulty breathing pale mucous membranes bleeding from nose anorexia bloody urine or feces

Drugs
Keep Out of Reach of Kitty

Most common type of small animal poisoning = Human/Vet Drugs related to accidental ingestion or OD.

Human drugs should never be given to animals. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be given only per specific Vet orders.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Causes damage to Red Blood Cells and Tissue Cells	Highly Toxic - (even in very small doses) Signs: salivation vomiting weakness abdominal pain paw and facial swelling depression ash-gray gums
NSAIDs Aspirin Ibuprofen Phenylbutazone Naproxen Effects: Decreases Stomach Mucous Kidney and Organ Failure	Can be VERY CAREFULLY administered by Vet These can increase risk for developing stomach/intestinal ulcers Decreases blood flow to vital organs.

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Cough/Cold/Decongestants
Anti-Cancer Drugs
Anti-Depression Drugs
Vitamins
Diet Pills

to name a few, can be LETHAL, even in minimal doses.

Medication prescribed for dogs should NOT BE GIVEN TO CATS.

All medications should be safely stored "Out of Reach of Kitty", remember, their curiosity? They can chew through tubes.

Automotive

Some car cleaning products are more lethal than those utilized indoors.

Anti-Freeze/Windshield Washer Fluid	Effects	Signs
Ethylene Glycol Sweet tasting, but only one teaspoon can be lethal.	Neurological Kidney	Depression incoordination vomiting seizures

Garbage

More specifically, decaying, rotten carcasses or food, it is the bacteria that produces dangerous toxins.

Effect	Signs
Severe GI	Vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody) fever, abdominal pain and distention weakness, shivering, collapse Severe - Shock/Death

Chocolate

Contains Drugs	Signs
Methylxanthine Theobromine Caffeine Only a small amount can be toxic.	Vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing, weakness Seizures, Death

Metal & Lead

Found In	Signs
Toys Drape or Fishing Weights Batteries Paint Caulking Motor Oil	Vomiting, constipation, diarrhea abdominal pain, depression blindness, circling muscle tremors, lack of coordination

House/Garden Plants and Foods Poisonous to Cats

Actual reports of animals getting seriously ill from eating plants are relatively infrequent, compared to reports of poisonings from household products or drugs.

Although many people believe poinsettias, ivy and mistletoe are dangerous plants, and while these plants do have toxic potential, they seldom cause serious clinical signs if eaten.

Much of the motivation for chewing on plants involves boredom and other psychological factors, such as recent changes in household (moving, moving furniture, demise of a loved one, etc.), so it may be worth noting if your kitty begins suddenly eating houseplants he/she used to ignore, and discuss with your Vet. You might want to consider planting lawn grass in a pot for them - it is not harmful.

Covering soil of houseplants with aluminum foil will discourage digging in dirt and decrease the likelihood of cats eating your plants.

Plants known to be toxic should be kept away from your kitty. Please refer to the links below to select safe houseplants.

Resources:

AVMA Brochure on Household Hazards to Pets
CFA Article: Non-Toxic Plants and Your Cat
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
ASPCA Lists of Toxic and Non-Toxic plants.

Poisonous Plants

Please Note: This list is by no means complete, and may not contain the latest information. Please refer to the sites listed above for more information.

* = Especially Dangerous and can be Fatal
C = Cardiovascular - Signs: Congestive heart failure
D = Dermatological - Signs: Inflammation, swelling
GI = Gastrointestinal - Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea
H = Hepatic - Signs: Liver failure
KO = Kidney/Organ Failure - Signs: Increased drinking, loss of appetite, weight loss
MS = Musculoskeletal
N = Neurological - Signs: Tremors, lack of coordination, seizures, excitability, depression, coma
O = Occular
R = Respiratory - Signs: Coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing

System Affected	Plant Name
N	Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, methanol, isoprophyl)
	Alfalfa
*, R	Almonds (pits contain cyanide)
	Aloe vera
	Alocasia
*, GI, N	Amaryllis bulb
	Andromeda
*, K/O	Anthurium
	Apple seeds
	Apple leaf croton
*, R	Apricot (pits contain cyanide)
*, K/O, GI, R, severe mouth swelling difficulty breathing vomiting diarrhea	ARACEAE FAMILY - House & Ornamental Begonia tuberhybrida Dieffenbachia maculata Dumb cane Philodendron - Cutleaf, Lacy tree, Saddle leaf tree Schefflera actinophylla Common Names Peace lilly Starleaf Tuberous begonia Tuftroot Wax begonia Water plant Yellow calla
*, C, R, N	Arrowgrass - contains cyanide
	Asparagus fern
, Very Poisonous C, GI*	Autumn crocus (colchicum autumnale)
*, C, K/O	Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, skin)

System Affected	Plant Name
	Baby's breath
GI	Baneberry
	Bayonet
	Beargrass
	Beech
*, K/O	Begonia
	Belladonna
GI	Bird of paradise
GI	Bittersweet
	Black-eyed susan
GI, MS	Black locust
*, C	Bleeding heart
	Bloodroot
	Bluebonnet
	Box
GI	Boxwood
C, G, N, O	Bracken fern
	Branching ivy
GI, N	Buckeye
	Buddhist pine
	Burning bush
GI	Buttercup (Ranunculus)

System Affected	Plant Name
	Cactus, Candelabra
GI, N - hyperstimulation	Catnip - guard against giving too much of fresh plant (dry OK)
*, K/O	Caladium
*, K/O	Calla lily
*, C, GI, N	Castor Bean (Can be Fatal)
	Ceriman
	Charming dieffenbachia
*, R	Cherry, choke, unripe berries (contains cyanide)
R	Cherry - (pits contain cyanide), seeds &wilting leaves) Cherry, most wild varieties Cherry, ground Cherry, laurel
	Chinaberry
*, R	Chinese sacred, or heavenly bamboo (contains cyanide)
	Chinese evergreen
*, GI, N	Chocolate, Cocoa
	Christmas rose
GI, N	Chrysanthemum (natural source of pyrethrins)
	Cineria
GI	Clematis
	Coffee
	Cordatum
	Coriaria
	Cornflower
	Corn plant
	Cornstalk plant
GI	Croton (codiaeum)
	Corydalis
GI, N	Crocus bulb
	Crown of thorns
	Cuban laurel
	Cycads
GI	Cyclamen bulb

System Affected	Plant Name
GI	Daffodil
	Daphne
	Datura
*, C, G, MS, N	Death camas
	Devil's Ivy
*, N	Delphinium
	Decentrea
	Dracaena palm
	Dragon tree

System Affected	Plant Name
*, K/O	Easter lily
	Eggplant
	Elaine
*, R	Elderberry, unripe berries (contain cyanide)
	Elephant ear
	Emerald feather
GI, N, R	English ivy (All Hedera Species)
	Eucalyptus
	Euonymus
	Evergreen

System Affected	Plant Name
	Ferns
O	Fig (Ficus) (general allergen, dermatitis)
	Fiddle-leaf fig
	Florida beauty
	Flax
GI	Four o'clock (Mirabilis)
	Fruit salad plant

System Affected	Plant Name
*, GI	Garlic (raw or spoiled)
	Geranium
	German ivy
	Giant dumb cane
	Glacier ivy golden chain
	Gold dieffenbachia
	Gold dust dracaena
	Golden glow
	Golden pothos
	Gopher purge

System Affected	Plant Name
	Han's self-branching ivy
	Heartland philodendron
C, GI, MS	Hellebore (lily family)
*, C, GI, MS, N, R	Hemlock, poison & water
	Henbane
*, K/O	Hibiscus
GI	Holly berries
	Honeysuckle
	Hops (beer)
	Horsebeans
H	Horsebrush
GI, MS	Horse chestnuts
	Hurricane plant
GI	Hyacinth bulbs
*, R	Hydrangea (contains cyanide)

System Affected	Plant Name
	Indian rubber plant
	Indian tobacco
GI	Iris corms
	Iris ivy

System Affected	Plant Name
*, K/O	Jack in the pulpit
	Janet Craig dracaena
*	Japanese show lily
	Java beans
	Jessamine
	Jerusalem cherry
*, R	Jimson weed
	Jonquil
	Jungle trumpets

System Affected	Plant Name
*, C	Kalanchoe (can be fatal)

System Affected	Plant Name
*, K/O	Lantana (liver failure)
*, N	Larkspur
GI	Lily (bulbs of most species) Lily spider Climbing lily
C, GI, H, N	Locoweed
N	Lupine species

System Affected	Plant Name
	Macadamias
	Madagascar dragon tree
	Marble queen
	Marigold
*, GI, N	Marijuana or Hemp (cannabis) (can be fatal)
	Mescal bean
	Mexican breadfruit
*, C	Milkweed
	Miniature croton
*, C, GI, N, shock	Mistletoe
	Mock orange
*, N	Monkshood
	Moonseed
*, N	Morning glory
	Mother-in-law's tongue
C	Mountain laurel
	Mushrooms

System Affected	Plant Name
GI	Narcissus
	Needlepoint ivy
	Nephytis
*, C, GI, N, R Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody) adbominal pain, depression, drowsiness, salivation, difficulty breathing, trembling, weakness, collapse, decreased heart rate	NIGHTSHADE Black nightshade Deadly nightshade European nightshade Solanum dulcamara Solanum nigrum Physalis Common Names Nightshades Chinese lantern Christmas cherry Ornamental pepper

System Affected	Plant Name
*, K/O	Oak
*, C	Oleander - very poisonous can be fatal
*, GI	Onion, onion powder (raw or spoiled)
*	Oriental lily

System Affected	Plant Name
	Peace lily
*, R	Peach -pits (contain cyanide), wilting leaves
*, GI, dermatitis	Pencil cactus/plant (Euphorbia)
	Peony
	Periwinkle
	Pimpernel
	Plumosa fern
	Poinciana
GI, dermatitis	Poinsettia
	Poison ivy
	Poison oak
	Pokeweed
	Poppy
GI, N	Potato leaves & stem
	Pothos
GI, Liver, can be severe pain in eye, skin, mouth, tongue(ulceration), Depression, drooling, food refusal	Potpourri - natural or essential oils
	Precatory bean
	Primrose
	Privet, common
	Propylin glycol - food additive

System Affected	Plant Name
	Red emerald
	Red princess
	Red-margined dracaena
*, C, Can be Fatal - Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, death	RHODODENDRON Azalea Foxglove (digitalis) can be fatal Laurel Lily of the valley can be fatal Milkweed Oleander (very poisonous can be fatal)
*, K/O	Rhubarb
	Ribbon plant
*, C, GI, N	Rosary pea (arbus) can be fatal
	Rubber plant

System Affected	Plant Name
	Sago palm
	Salt
	Satin pothos
	Scotch broom
*, K/O	Shamrock(oxalis)
	Silver pothos
	Skunk cabbage
	Snowdrops
GI	Snow on the mountain
	Spotted dumb cane
GI	Spurge (euphorbia)
	Staggerweed
C, GI	Star of Bethlehem - lily family
D, O	Stinging nettle
	String of pearls
	Striped dracaena
	Sweetheart ivy
	Sweetpea
	Swiss cheese plant

System Affected	Plant Name
G, H, MS, N, O	Tansy mustard
	Taro vine
	Tea
*	Tiger lily
	Toad stool
*, GI, N	Tobacco
GI, N	Tomato plant (green fruit, stem and leaves)
	Tropic snow
	Tulip
	Tung tree

System Affected	Plant Name
	Virginia Creeper

System Affected	Plant Name
GI, R	Walnuts
*, C, GI, MS, N, O, R	Water hemlock
	Weeping fig
	Wild call
	Wisteria

System Affected	Plant Name
	Yeast dough
*, C, FATAL - extremely poisonous ornamental plant most often used in landscaping Sudden Death, trembling, incoordination, diarrhea, collapse	YEWS fatal to most animals American yew Canada yew English yew, Spreading - any yew Japanese yew Western yew

In short:

Keep all harmful substances mindfully and safely stored far away from Kitty's reach.
Keep track of baits and properly dispose of them when they have expired
or are not needed any longer. Record the date baits were put out and name of bait.
Maintain all information possible on harmful substances - in case of emergency this information will be CRITICAL for diagnosing possible poisonings, as well as treatment. If Possible, bring container. It is the actual active toxic ingredient contained in the substance that will determine the level of danger present. Different ingredients require different treatments, so this information is VITAL.

In Case of Emergency

If poisoning is suspected - call your Vet and advise them that you will be coming in ASAP. Bring containers of substance to your Vet.
Helpful Suggestions
Wrap kitty in towel to avoid hurting you or itself, and to prevent further ingestion if source of poison is on the coat itself.
Do not administer home remedies to induce vomiting.
Know your Vet's emergency situation procedures, (especially after hours).

Keep telephone numbers handy for:

Your Vet
ASPCA/NAPCC - 1-888-4ANI-HELP - Have ready: Information regarding exposure/amount, time since exposure, species, age, sex, weight, product exposed to, problem.
Local Emergency Vet Service

Pet Safety Kit

Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (USP)
Can of soft food
Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe
Saline - flush out eye contaminants
Artificial Tears - Lubricate eyes after flushing
Mild grease cutting solution - bathe after skin contamination
Forceps to remove stingers
Pet carrier

Resources

NAPCC - University of Illinois College of Vet Med - 24-hour Animal Poison Service:
1-800-548-2423 - fee charged to credit card
1-900-680-0000 – fee charged.