My cat was poisoned, how do I treat it? - briefly
If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, promptly contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline for immediate guidance. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional, as it can be harmful in some cases.
My cat was poisoned, how do I treat it? - in detail
If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, immediate action is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:
-
Identify the Poison: Try to determine what your cat may have ingested. This could be a toxic plant, household chemical, medication, or even certain foods like chocolate, grapes, or raisins. If you can't identify the source, don't delay treatment while trying to figure it out.
-
Contact Your Vet: Call your veterinarian immediately, even if your cat isn't showing any symptoms yet. Provide them with as much information as possible about what your cat might have ingested and when. They can guide you on whether to induce vomiting at home or bring your cat in for immediate treatment.
-
Induce Vomiting (if advised by vet): If it's been less than 2 hours since ingestion and your vet advises, you can try to make your cat vomit. This should only be done if the substance isn't caustic (like bleach or drain cleaner) as these can cause more harm when brought back up. Give your cat 1-2 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide per kilogram of body weight, up to a maximum of 45 ml. You can use a syringe without the needle for this. If your cat doesn't vomit within 15 minutes, you can give another dose.
-
Do NOT Induce Vomiting if:
- Your cat is unconscious or having seizures.
- The poison ingested was petroleum distillates (like gasoline), hydrocarbons, or any caustic substance.
- More than 2 hours have passed since ingestion.
-
Keep Your Cat Calm and Warm: While waiting for veterinary care, keep your cat as calm and quiet as possible to prevent further absorption of the poison. Keep them warm but avoid overheating.
-
Bring Any Remaining Poison or Packaging: If possible, bring a sample of what your cat ingested or the packaging it came in. This can help your vet determine the best course of treatment.
-
Seek Veterinary Care Immediately: Even if you've made your cat vomit and they seem better, always seek veterinary care. Some poisons can have delayed effects, and others may require specific antidotes or supportive care that only a vet can provide.
-
Be Prepared for Emergency Care: Poisoning is considered a medical emergency. Be prepared for your cat to need hospitalization, IV fluids, medications, or even advanced procedures like dialysis in severe cases.
-
Prevent Future Incidents: Once your cat has recovered, take steps to prevent future poisonings. Keep dangerous substances out of reach, secure cabinets and drawers, and educate yourself about common cat toxins.
Remember, every minute counts in a poisoning emergency. Trust your instincts and don't wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat's health.