What to do if a cat licks bleach?

What to do if a cat licks bleach? - briefly

If your cat licks bleach, it is crucial to act immediately. Rinse the cat's mouth with water and contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

What to do if a cat licks bleach? - in detail

If your cat has ingested bleach, it's crucial to act quickly and calmly to ensure their safety. Bleach is highly toxic to cats due to its active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, which can cause severe damage to their mouth, throat, stomach, and even internal organs. Here are the detailed steps you should take:

  1. Immediate Action:

    • If you see your cat licking or ingesting bleach, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Time is of the essence in such cases.
    • Carefully remove your cat from the area where the bleach is present and move them to a well-ventilated area.

  2. Rinse the Mouth:

    • If you suspect that your cat has ingested bleach, immediately rinse their mouth with water. This will help dilute and remove some of the bleach from their system.
    • Use a syringe or an eyedropper to gently squirt water into their mouth. Be careful not to aspirate (inhale) water into their lungs.

  3. Contact Your Veterinarian:

    • After rinsing your cat's mouth, contact your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with all the details about what happened and how much bleach you think your cat may have ingested.
    • Your vet will likely instruct you to bring your cat in for an emergency examination and treatment.

  4. Do Not Induce Vomiting:

    • Unlike humans, cats should not be induced to vomit if they have ingested bleach. The bleach can cause further damage on the way back up, potentially burning your cat's throat and mouth again.
    • Follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding this step, as inducing vomiting might still be necessary in some cases but should only be done under professional guidance.

  5. Monitor for Symptoms:

    • While waiting to see the vet, monitor your cat for any signs of distress or illness. These can include drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
    • If your cat starts showing severe symptoms like seizures, collapse, or extreme difficulty breathing, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

  6. Follow Veterinary Instructions:

    • Once you reach the vet, they will perform a thorough examination and may recommend various treatments based on the severity of the ingestion.
    • Treatments can include administering activated charcoal to absorb the bleach, providing intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, and giving medications to manage symptoms like pain or inflammation.

  7. Prevent Future Exposure:

    • After your cat has been treated and is on the road to recovery, ensure that all cleaning products, including bleach, are stored in a safe place where your cat cannot access them.
    • Consider using child-proof locks or cabinets with latches to keep these substances out of reach.

By taking these steps promptly and following veterinary advice, you can significantly improve the chances of your cat's recovery after ingesting bleach.