Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook  
POISONING
GENERAL INFORMATION
A poison is any substance harmful to the body. Cats by nature are curious and have a
tendency to hunt small game or explore out-of-the-way places such as wood piles, weed
thickets and storage ports. These environments put them into contact with insects, dead
animals and toxic plants. It also means that in many cases of suspected poisoning the
actual agent will be unknown. The great variety of potentially poisonous plants and shrubs
makes identification difficult or impossible unless the owner has direct knowledge that the
cat has eaten a certain plant or product. Most cases suspected of being malicious
poisoning actually are not.
In some types of vegetation only certain parts of the plant are toxic. In others, all parts are
poisonous. Ingestion causes a wide range of symptoms. They include: mouth irritation;
drooling; vomiting; diarrhea; hallucinations; seizures; coma; and death. Other plant
substances cause skin rash. Some toxic plants have specific pharmacological actions that
are used in medicines.
Tables of toxic plants, shrubs and trees are included for reference. This list is a collection
of common toxic plants. It is not a list of all poisonous plants.
POISONOUS HOUSEPLANTS
A. TOXIC HOUSEPLANTS may cause a rash after contact with the skin or mouth:
Chrysanthemum Weeping fig
Creeping fig Poinsettia
B. IRRITATING PLANTS, some of which contain oxalic acid that causes mouth swelling; and
occasionally may cause generalized toxicity such as staggering and collapse:
Arrowhead vine Malanga
Boston ivy Marble queen
Caladium Mother-in-law plant (snake plant)
Calla or Arum lily Neththyis
Dumbcane Parlor ivy
Elephant's ear Pothos or Devil's lily
Emerald duke Peace lily
Heart leaf Red princess   (philodendron)
Jack-in-the-pulpit Saddle leaf (philodendron)
Majesty Split leaf (philodendron)
C. TOXIC PLANTS may contain a wide variety of poisons. Most cause vomiting, abdominal
pain, cramps. Some cause tremors, heart and respiratory or kidney problems, which are
difficult for an owner to interpret:
Amaryllis Ivy
Asparagus fern Jerusalem cherry
Azalea Needlepoint ivy
Bird of paradise Pot mum
Creeping charlie Ripple ivy
Crown of thorns Spider mum
Elephant ears Sprangeri fern
Glocal ivy Umbrella plant
Heart ivy  
OUTDOOR PLANTS WITH TOXIC EFFECTS
A. OUTDOOR PLANTS that produce vomiting and diarrhea in some cases:
Delphinium Skunk cabbage Larkspur
Daffodil Poke weed Indian tobacco
Castor bean Bittersweet woody Wisteria
Indian turnip Ground cherry Soap berry
Fox glove   
B. TREES AND SHRUBS that are poisonous and may produce vomiting, abdominal pain
and in some cases diarrhea:
Azalea Western yew Wild cherry   (rhododendron)
Horse chestnut Privet Balsam pear
Buckeye Mock orange Black locust
Rain tree Bird of paradise bush English Yew
Monkey pod Apricot, almond English holly
American yew Peach cherry Japanese plum
C. OUTDOOR PLANTS with varied toxic effects:
Rhubarb Buttercup Moonseed
Spinach Nightshade May apple
Sunburned potatoes Poison hemlock Dutchman's breeches
Loco weed Pig weed Angel's trumpet
Lupine Water hemlock Jasmine
Dologeton Mushrooms Matrimony vine
D. HALLUCINOGENS:
Marijuana Nutmeg Peyote
Morning glory Periwinkle Loco weed
E. CONVULSIONS:
China berry Moonweed Water hemlock
Coriaria Nux vomica  
TREATING FOR CONTACT WITH TOXINS OR POISONS
If you think your cat may have been poisoned, first try to identify the poison. Most products
containing chemicals are labeled for identification. Read the label. If this does not give you
a clue to the plant's possible toxicity, call the emergency room of your local hospital and
ask for information from the Poison Control Center. Alternately, call the National Animal
Poison Control Center at (800)548-2423 or (900)680-0000. This hotline is open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. There is a credit card charge for the consultation.
The most important step in treatment is to eliminate the poison from your cat's stomach by
making the cat vomit. In certain cases, induction of vomiting is contraindicated. For more
information, see How to Induce Vomiting earlier in this chapter.
HOW TO DELAY OR PREVENT ABSORPTION
Activated charcoal is used to coat the bowel and delay or prevent absorption. In most
cases it is difficult to administer activated charcoal to a cat without first placing a stomach
tube. Mix one part activated charcoal to six parts cold water. Give four to eight teaspoons.
Follow 30 minutes later with Milk of Magnesia, 1/2 teaspoon per five pounds body weight.
Placing a stomach tube in a cat is not without risk. The best advice for a severely ill cat is to
induce vomiting and then proceed directly to the nearest veterinary facility.
In the less severely ill cat, coat the bowel with milk, egg whites or vegetable oil. The dose of
vegetable oil is two teaspoons for the average-sized cat. It should be added to the feed, but
not force-fed by mouth because this could lead to aspiration pneumonia.
If your cat has a poisonous substance on the skin or coat, flush the area with copious
amounts of water for five minutes. Wearing gloves, give the cat a complete bath in
lukewarm, not cold, water, as described in the SKIN chapter. Even if not irritating the skin,
the substance should be removed. Otherwise, the cat may lick it off and swallow it. Soak
gasoline and oil stains with mineral or vegetable oil (do not use paint thinner or turpentine).
Work in well. Then wash with a mild soap. Rub in cornstarch or flour.
A cat beginning to show signs of nervous system involvement is in deep trouble. At this
point, get your cat to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Try to bring a sample of
vomitus, or better yet the actual poison in the original container. Do not delay to administer
first aid. If the cat is convulsing, unconscious or not breathing, see CPR.
Prevention: Prevent roaming, especially in grain and livestock areas where rat poisons
may have been placed. Store all poisons in original containers in a safe location out of
reach of cats. When using snail bait poisons, use commercial holders designed to keep bait
away from pets.
The poisons discussed below are included because they are among the most frequently
seen by veterinarians.
STRYCHNINE
Strychnine is used as a rat, mouse and mole poison. It is also a common coyote bait. It is
available commercially as coated pellets dyed purple, red or green. Signs of poisoning are
so typical that the diagnosis can be made almost at once. Onset is sudden (less than two
hours). The first signs are agitation, excitability and apprehension. They are followed rather
quickly by intensely painful tetanic seizures that last about 60 seconds, during which the cat
throws the head back, can't breathe and turns blue. The slightest stimulation such as
tapping the cat or clapping the hands starts a seizure. This characteristic response is used
to make the diagnosis. Other signs associated with nervous system involvement are
tremors, champing, drooling, uncoordinated muscle spasms, collapse and paddling of the
legs.
Seizures due to strychnine and other central nervous system toxins are sometimes
misdiagnosed as epilepsy. This error would be a mistake because immediate veterinary
attention is necessary. Epileptic seizures usually last a few minutes and do not recur during
the same episode. Signs always appear in a certain order, and each attack is the same.
They are over before the cat can get to a veterinarian. Usually, they are not considered
emergencies (see NERVOUS SYSTEM: Seizure Disorders).
Treatment: If your cat is showing the first signs of poisoning and hasn't vomited, induce
vomiting as discussed earlier in this chapter. Do not induce vomiting if the cat exhibits signs
of labored breathing.
With signs of central nervous system involvement, do not take time to induce vomiting. It is
important to avoid loud noises or unnecessary handling that might trigger a seizure. Cover
your cat with a coat or blanket and go to the nearest veterinary clinic.
SODIUM FLUOROACETATE (1080)
This chemical, used as a rat poison, is mixed with cereal, bran and other rat feeds. It is so
potent that cats and dogs can be poisoned just by eating a dead rodent. The onset is
sudden and begins with vomiting--followed by agitation, straining to urinate or defecate, a
staggering gait, atypical fits or true convulsions and then collapse. Seizures are not
triggered by external stimuli as are those of strychnine poisoning.
Treatment: Immediately after the cat ingests the poison, induce vomiting. Care and
handling is the same as for strychnine. A specific antidote is available.
ARSENIC
Arsenic is combined with metaldehyde in slug and snail baits and may appear in ant
poisons, weed killers and insecticides. Arsenic is also a common impurity found in many
chemicals. Death can occur quickly, before there is time to observe the symptoms. In more
protracted cases the signs are thirst, drooling, vomiting, staggering, intense abdominal
pain, cramps, diarrhea, paralysis and death. The breath of the cat has a strong odor of
garlic.
Treatment: Induce vomiting. A specific antidote is available. See your veterinarian.
METALDEHYDE
This poison, often combined with arsenic, is used commonly in rat, snail and slug baits. The
signs of toxicity are excitation, drooling and slobbering, uncoordinated gait, muscle tremors
and weakness that leads to inability to stand within a few hours of ingestion. The tremors
are not triggered by external stimuli.
Treatment: Immediately after the cat ingests the poison, induce vomiting. The care and
handling are the same as for strychnine.
LEAD
Lead is found in insecticides and serves as a base for many commercial paints. Intoxication
occurs mainly in kittens and young cats that chew on substances coated with a lead paint.
Other sources of lead are linoleum, batteries and plumbing materials. Lead poisoning can
occur in older cats following the ingestion of an insecticide containing lead. A chronic form
does occur.
Acute poisoning begins with abdominal colic and vomiting. In the chronic form, a variety of
central nervous system signs are possible. They include fits, uncoordinated gait, excitation,
attacks of hysteria, weakness, stupor and blindness. These are signs of encephalitis.
Treatment: Immediately after ingestion, induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical
attention. Specific antidotes are available through your veterinarian.
PHOSPHORUS
This chemical is present in rat and roach poisons, fireworks, flares, matches and
matchboxes. A poisoned cat may have a garlic odor to its breath. The first signs of
intoxication are vomiting and diarrhea. They may be followed by a symptom-free
interval--then by recurrent vomiting, cramps, pain in the abdomen, convulsions and coma.
There is no specific antidote. Treat as you would for strychnine.
ZINC PHOSPHIDE
This substance also is found in rat poisons. Intoxication causes central nervous system
depression; labored breathing; vomiting (often of blood); weakness; convulsions; and
death. There is no specific antidote. Treat as you would for strychnine.
RODENTICIDE ANTICOAGULANTS
Accidental ingestion of anticoagulant rodenticides placed by laymen and commercial
exterminators is a common cause of bleeding in cats. These poisons exert their effect by
blocking the synthesis of Vitamin K, which is required for normal blood clotting. Vitamin K
deficiency results in spontaneous bleeding. There are no observable signs of poisoning
until the cat begins to pass blood in the stool or urine, bleeds from the nose, or develops
hemorrhages beneath the gums and skin. The cat may be found dead from internal
hemorrhage.
The first generation coumadin anticoagulants (warfarin, pindone) required repeated
exposure to produce lethal effects. However, newer second generation anticoagulants of
the bromadiolone and brodifacoum groups, including D-Con, Mouse Prufe II, Harvoc and
Talan require only a single exposure. In fact, a cat can become poisoned if it eats a rodent
killed by one of these products. In addition, these poisons remain in the cat's system for a
long time and can require medical treatment for up to one month.
Treatment: Identify the exact anticoagulant if possible. Induce vomiting on suspicion of
ingestion. Seek veterinary attention. Spontaneous bleeding is corrected with fresh whole
blood or frozen plasma. Vitamin K is a specific antidote. It is given by injection, after which
the cat is placed on Vitamin K tablets for several days or weeks.
OTHER RODENTICIDES
Rampage is a popular cereal bait poison that contains Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Toxic
levels of Vitamin D3 cause a sudden rise in blood calcium levels, leading to vomiting and
diarrhea, seizures and heart and kidney failure. Treatment is directed at lowering the serum
calcium and requires veterinary management.
Bromethalin is a rodenticide found in Assault and Vengeance (Velsicol). One to two
tablespoons are toxic to cats. Signs of poisoning include agitation, staggering, muscle
tremors, high fever, stupor and seizures. Death is common once symptoms appear.
Induce vomiting on suspicion of ingestion and seek immediate veterinary attention.
ANTIFREEZE (ETHYLENE GLYCOL)
Poisoning with antifreeze is one of the most common poisoning conditions found in cats
because ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that appeals to cats and dogs. One teaspoon of
antifreeze can kill an average-sized cat. Signs of toxicity, which appear suddenly, are
vomiting, uncoordinated gait (seems "drunk"), weakness, stupor and coma. Death can
occur in 12 to 36 hours. Convulsions are unusual. Cats that recover from the acute
poisoning may have damage to their kidneys and go on to kidney failure.
Treatment: Induce vomiting on suspicion of ingestion and proceed at once to the nearest
veterinary facility. Intravenous alcohol is a specific antidote. Intensive care in an animal
hospital may prevent kidney complications.
ORGANOPHOSPHATES AND CARBAMATES
These substances are used on cats to kill fleas and other parasites. Common
organophosphates are Chloropyrifos and Carbaryl, but there are others. They are also
used in garden sprays and in some dewormers. Improper application of insecticides to the
cat can lead to absorption of a toxic dose through the skin. These drugs affect the nervous
system primarily. Insecticides are discussed in the SKIN chapter.
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (GASOLINE, KEROSENE, TURPENTINE)
These volatile liquids can cause pneumonia if aspirated or inhaled. The signs of toxicity are
vomiting, difficulty in breathing, tremors, convulsions and coma. Death is by respiratory
failure.
Treatment: Do not induce vomiting. Administer water, fruit juice, or soda pop by mouth
(one ounce per six pounds body weight). Be prepared to administer artificial breathing.
CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS
These compounds, like the organophosphates, are incorporated into some insecticide
preparations (not for use on cats). The common products in veterinary use are Chlordane,
Toxaphene, Lindane, and Methoxychlor. Accidental application to cats produces muscle
twitching, excitation and convulsions. Bathe the animal immediately to remove the
substance from its coat. Veterinary attention is imperative.
CORROSIVES (ACID AND ALKALI)
Corrosives and caustics are found in household cleaners, drain decloggers and
commercial solvents. When ingested, they cause burns of the mouth, esophagus and
stomach. Severe cases are associated with acute perforation (or late stricture) of the
esophagus and stomach.
Treatment: Rinse out your cat's mouth. Administer water or soda pop by mouth (one
ounce per six pounds body weight), then give two teaspoons of vegetable oil once. You can
add this to the cat's food. The practice of giving an acid to neutralize an alkali and vice
versa is no longer recommended because it causes heat injury to the lining of the stomach.
In either situation, do not induce vomiting. Vomiting could result in rupture of the stomach
and burns of the esophagus.
GARBAGE POISONING (FOOD POISONING)
Cats are more particular than dogs about what they eat. Nevertheless, they are also
scavengers and come into contact with carrion (rotting flesh or meat), decomposing foods,
animal manure and other noxious substances (some of which are listed in DIGESTIVE
SYSTEM: Diarrhea). Cats are more sensitive than dogs to food poisoning and exhibit
effects at lower levels. Signs of poisoning begin with vomiting and pain in the abdomen. In
severe cases they are followed two to six hours later by a diarrhea that is often bloody.
Shock may occur--particularly if the problem is complicated by bacterial infection. Mild
cases recover in one to two days.
Treatment: Seek immediate veterinary attention for signs of dehydration, toxicity and
shock. In mild cases, coat the bowel as described earlier in this chapter.
TOAD AND SALAMANDER POISONING
In the United States there are two species of poisonous toad (Bufo). The Colorado River
Toad is found in the Southwest and Hawaii. The Marine Toad is found in Florida. There is
one species of poisonous salamander, the California newt, found in California.
All toads have a bad taste. Cats that mouth them slobber, spit and drool. The Marine Toad
is highly poisonous, causing death in as little as 15 minutes.
Symptoms in cats depend on the toxicity of the toad or salamander and the amount of
poison absorbed. They vary from merely slobbering to convulsions, blindness and death.
Treatment: Flush out your cat's mouth (use a garden hose if necessary) and induce
vomiting as described earlier in this chapter. Be prepared to administer CPR. Cats with
salamander poisoning usually recover quickly.
PEOPLE MEDICINES
Veterinarians frequently are called because a cat has swallowed pills intended for the
owner or has eaten too many pills prescribed for the cat. (Some cat pills are flavored to
encourage cats to eat them.) Drugs most commonly involved are antihistamines, pain
relievers, sleeping pills, diet pills, heart preparations and vitamins.
Cats appear to be unusually sensitive to drugs and medications. The reasons for this are
discussed in the chapter DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS. Common household items
considered safe for humans may be toxic to cats. All episodes of drug ingestion should be
taken seriously. They need to be brought to the vet
right away......
Very important to print off and keep in a safe and easy to get
to spot like on your fridge or by your telephone.
Poisons in
house......