toxins and Poisons

According to data from Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 nationwide animal poison control based out of Minneapolis, the top five cat toxins of 2020 include:

• Lilies (Lilium species such as Easter lilies, tiger lilies and Stargazer lilies as well as Hemerocallis species such as daylilies)
• Chocolate
• Vitamin D3 overdose
• Human foods in the Allium species (e.g., onions, garlic, chives, leeks)
• Human or veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

Plants – Two different species of toxic lilies were in the top five common exposures in 2020. Both true lilies (Lilium species) and daylilies (Hemerocallis species.) can cause kidney failure in cats. 

Common examples of true lilies include Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, and Japanese Show lilies. Because these flowers are fragrant, inexpensive, and long-lasting, florists often include them in arrangements. Small ingestions of the petals or leaves – even the pollen or water in the vase – can result in severe, potentially irreversible kidney failure. Immediate veterinary care is imperative.

Despite their having ‘lily’ in their name, other plants such as the Peace and Calla lily are not true lilies and do not cause kidney failure in cats. Instead, these plants contain oxalate crystals that can cause milder signs such as irritation in the mouth, tongue, throat, and esophagus. 

Onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, and scallions are in the Allium species and cats are notoriously sensitive to some of their chemical compounds. Ingestion of these plants can cause destruction of their red blood cells resulting in anemia, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Chocolate – Although it may seem unlikely, cats often enjoy snacking on truffles, chocolate-flavored yogurt, snack/protein bars, ice cream/syrup, hot chocolate, pudding, baked goods, and plain chocolate chips or bars. These foods may be dense with fats and sugars that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Persistent signs can lead to dehydration. Even more concerning is the amount of a specific stimulant, theobromine, that is in chocolate. Theobromine can cause hyperactivity and changes to heart rate and blood pressure as well as causing trembling or seizures.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) – Most of the exposures to vitamin D3 are from curious kitties ingesting people’s vitamin D supplements or rat/mouse baits that contain cholecalciferol (also known as vitamin D3). Vitamin D3 poisoning can cause nausea, diarrhea, and an unhealthy elevation of calcium. Too much calcium can damage sensitive organs including the kidneys, heart, and lungs. This damage often results in kidney failure.

Human and veterinary NSAID medications –Cats have difficulty metabolizing certain drugs, especially as compared to dogs and humans. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in both people and dogs. Examples of human NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®). Unfortunately, these medications are some of the deadliest for cats. Even some veterinary-specific NSAIDs can be toxic to cats if given at too high of a dose or for a longer duration than recommended. When ingested in toxic doses, NSAIDs can result in kidney failure and stomach ulcers. While not an NSAID, another common pain reliever used in people, acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®), can be fatal to a cat with just one tablet, as it results in damage to red blood cells. Untreated, it can cause severe anemia (low red blood cell count), difficulty breathing, a swollen face, liver failure, and death.

Additional toxins that have been more frequently reported in the past and continue to pose a great risk for cats include:

Human medications- Cats also seem to like the taste of certain antidepressants (e.g., Effexor) and ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall), which seem to contain an attractive smell or flavor in the coating. With any accidental medication ingestion, immediate veterinary care is imperative.

Insecticides – Exposure to household insecticides such as lawn and garden products, sprays, powders, or granules often occurs when a cat walks through a treated area. Fortunately, serious poisoning is rare. More concerning exposures are those to concentrated topical flea and tick medications meant for dogs. Dog-specific insecticides containing pyrethroids, such as permethrin, are highly toxic to cats. Poisoning occurs when pet owners apply dog products directly to cats or cats lick these medications off dogs. Severe drooling, tremors, and life-threatening seizures can occur. Always read labels carefully before using any kind of insecticide and ask your veterinarian about appropriate topical flea and tick medications for your cat.

Household Cleaners – Many cat owners do not realize that some common household cleaners, including kitchen and bath surface cleaners, carpet cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners, can be toxic to cats. Symptoms can include profuse drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, ulceration to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and even organ damage. After cleaning your home, make sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up or eliminated, and stow the products out of your cat’s reach as soon as possible. Only allow your cat back into the cleaned areas after the products have completely dried.

Other Toxins –Glow sticks and jewelry contain a very bitter tasting liquid called dibutyl phthalate. While rarely deadly, just one bite into these items can cause your cat to drool profusely. Most of these exposures can be managed at home. Offer (but do not force) your cat chicken broth or canned tuna (in water, not oil), to help to remove the bitter taste from the mouth. Remove the glow sticks and clean up any remaining liquid to prevent re-exposure to cats. A bath may be needed to remove any “glowing” liquid from his or her fur or skin so it cannot be ingested via grooming. If you see signs of redness to the eyes, squinting, continued drooling, or not eating, a trip to the veterinarian may be necessary. 

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 855.764.7661. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com