Dangers For Cats
| Cat Health Care
|
Dangers Continued...
Don’t forget the
coat...
Cats can be
poisoned by licking chemicals off their coats. If your cat’s
coat becomes soiled, use an Elizabethan collar or wrap the
animal in a towel to stop licking. You can try to remove
small amounts with water only, or by clipping off affected
hair. Never use turpentine or paint remover on your cat –
they are also toxic. If the coat is heavily soiled, you
should contact the vet immediately. If you have been using
chemicals in the garden, do not forget that cats lick their
paws – so keep your cat indoors after use. |
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Cat Flea Control
Problem
Flea collars and spot-ons from the pet
shop
These are a common cause of poisoning in cats. Flea
control products from the vet are
both safest and best. If you use a pet shop or supermarket
product, follow the directions
and make sure that you do not use a product meant for dogs,
or for treating the house on
your cat. If you are treating a dog as well, it may be
better to keep the dog and cat
separate for a while after treatment. Remove flea collars
before you apply any other flea
treatment. Do not use any two types of flea treatment
together. Signs of poisoning include
shakiness, dribbling and fits. Contact the vet immediately. |
Out of the frying pan and into the fire...
Be careful when you are cooking – it is easy to trip over
a pet and accidentally spill something hot. Cats can jump up
onto hot surfaces or
pans, so keep your cat out of
the kitchen when you are cooking. Cats are naturally
interested in human activity and
accidental spills of hot fat or oil and boiling water can
cause horrific injuries that can leave
permanent damage.
Like people, cats are vulnerable to
carbon monoxide poisoning. This colorless, odorless
gas is present in car exhaust and the fumes of incorrectly
maintained heaters. If
your cat sleeps next to the boiler, make sure it is
regularly serviced. Signs of carbon
monoxide poison include drowsiness, lethargy and weakness.
Remove the patient to fresh
air immediately and go to the vet.
I think my cat has been
poisoned...
If you think your cat has eaten something dangerous,
contact the
vet immediately (phone the emergency number if necessary).
Have any packaging on hand so that you can tell the vet
exactly what the substance is. Do not try to make your cat
vomit without asking the vet. If your cat is staggering or
having a fit, clear obstacles out of the way, and make the
room dark and quiet.
Many illnesses can look like
poisoning
– such as kidney disease or severe gastroenteritis.
Both of these can have a sudden start.
Unless you have an idea of what poison is
involved, it is not normally possible to
identify it by taking samples from an
animal. If you have seen your cat chewing
something, take samples along to the vet. |
