Cat Poisoning Symptoms
Failure To Recognize Symptoms Can Cause Death

The usual cat poisoning symptoms are vomiting or diarrhea.  Unfortunately, not all symptoms become immediately apparent. Sometimes a cat owner may think the cat just having bad day, but in fact she may be exhibiting signs of cat poisoning symptoms.

• Vomiting

• Lethargic or agitated

• Diarrhea

• Rapid breathing rate

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Weakness or unsteadiness

• Staggering

• Excessive salivation

• Swelling of tongue

• Tremors or seizures

In 2007 the ASPCA poison center assisted 7,200 callers with concerns about cat poisoning symptoms. In most cases, getting your pet to the vet  is the most important thing that you can do. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA poison center first to confirm your next steps.

ASPCA Poison Center:  Call 1-888-426-4435

Call the Vet, Pharmacist or ASPCA Poison Center First

If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. The call is toll-free. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can help.

Call 1-888-426-4435
 

If you are directed to induce vomiting, you can try using 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 10 lbs of body weight. If your pet does not vomit in 10 minutes, repeat again. NEVER do more than two treatments of peroxide.

However, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if your cat has:

• been in contact with the poison for 2 hours or more

• consumed something caustic (such as drain cleaner or bleach)

• has already vomited

• is unconscious

• has swallowed acid or alkali product, cleaning solution or petroleum product

• has swallowed an object

• is having seizures (convulsions)

Here is another article about when you shouldn't induce vomiting. 

Wrap it up...

Generally, if you notice your cat vomiting, having diarrhea, loss of appetite, swelling of the tongue or other mouth tissues, staggering, seizures or excessive salivation, your cat may be poisoned.

If you suspect she has inhaled, absorbed or otherwise ingested something toxic DO NOT WAIT for symptoms of cat poisoning to appear.

If your pet is showing cat poisoning symptoms, it is important that she is examined by your veterinarian and treated appropriately. Some toxins can progress and lead to severe seizures.

If you suspect antifreeze poisoning she must be treated within 4-6 hours or she will experience irreversible kidney damage is done. 

Effective treatment depends on immediate treatment and knowing what the substance is -- so bring it with you. Take samples of diarrhea or vomit too. If you can't take the suspected substance, write down the contents, manufacturer and any phone numbers.