Unfortunately, the idea that cats are 100% safe indoors is an illusion. Felines are curious animals and their antics can end up turning any controlled environment into a sea of dangers. Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye on the animal's behavioral and physical signs to identify possible problems, such as intoxication and poisoning. At times such asthose, thinking fast and knowing how to act immediately can make all the difference! So, find out what to do if your cat is poisoned or intoxicated!

Poisoned cat: symptoms include vomiting, seizures and fever

Just like any other pet, cats have their own devices to communicate to their owners what they are feeling. The relationship between a guardian and their pet is so strong that, over time, it becomes easier and easier to understand what the animal is thinking. Therefore, identifying the first signs of a poisoning or intoxication will not be so complicated. The essential thing is to pay attention to your pet's health.pay close attention to your pet!

Below are the main symptoms of a poisoned or intoxicated cat:

• Vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Excessive salivation
• Coughing and sneezing
• Gastric irritation
• Skin irritation
• Breathing difficulty
• Convulsions, tremors and muscle spasms
• Pupil dilation
• Lack of coordination in the extremities
• Fever
• Loss of consciousness
• Frequent urination (urinating often)
• Vocalization (different meows than usual)

Cat poisoning: what to do? Identify the source of the poisoning and seek veterinary advice!

Have you analysed your cat's symptoms and come to the conclusion that the animal is undergoing a poisoning process? Calm down! The first challenge is not to despair. It is very difficult to remain calm when your pet's health is at risk, however, the best way to help the animal is to think clearly and practically. Before taking any action, contact the vet!" frompreferably a professional who is already used to treating your cat and knows all the history of the pet.

Ideally, two people should be involved in the rescue process. While one person receives advice from the vet, the other can stabilise the kitten and look for the source of the poisoning. Be sure to look for the substance responsible for the problem! This information will be essential for the professional's prognosis.

Details such as the name of the product, its active ingredient, the potency of the substance, the amount consumed and how long ago the component was ingested can make all the difference when it comes to saving the kitten. Also, make sure to place the product in question completely out of reach of the animal, avoiding a possible recurrence of the problem.

Should I force vomit from a poisoned cat?

The type of poison or food responsible for the poisoning is also a factor to be considered when making this decision. One of the first impulses of most people is to try to make the cat vomit to get rid of the product that is doing harm. However, this thought has some variants: if the substance in question has already been ingested more than two hours ago, vomiting will not workthe desired effect and may even make the animal weaker.

Another detail is the content of the product consumed: if the element is corrosive (bleach, for example), the vomit may end up causing caustic burns and damaging the kitten's internal organs, such as the esophagus, throat and mouth. Therefore, consult the veterinarian instantly and do not take any action without the professional's indication!

Can a poisoned cat survive? Check out the main types of poisoning and their treatments!

The ingestion of an inappropriate substance can lead the kitten to go through a poisoning or intoxication process, depending on the component (or contraindicated food). As Patas da Casa has already explained, treatments depend a lot on the type of product ingested by the animal. Understanding the main ones is one of the most effective ways to avoid the problem.

So, know exactly which products to keep away from your pet and the possible treatments for each type of poisoning or intoxication:

• Chocolate: small amounts of chocolate are enough to intoxicate a feline. The first symptoms, which usually appear between six and 12 hours after ingestion, are: constant thirst, vomiting, salivation, restlessness and swollen belly, which can extend to difficulty breathing and heart failure;

• Raisins and grapes: This type of poisoning is most common among dogs, but it also happens with cats. In more severe cases, symptoms can include kidney failure and lead to death. It is very likely that the path chosen by the veterinarian to treat the problem is to induce urination with intravenous fluid therapy;

• Arsenic: present in insecticides, pesticides and poisons, the product can cause acute diarrhea (sometimes bloody), depression, weakness and cardiovascular collapse. The ingestion of this substance causes acute inflammation in several organs, such as the liver and kidneys. The emergency treatment, if the product has been ingested less than two hours ago, is to induce vomiting. Immediately afterwards, the veterinarian willactivated charcoal should be administered orally and gastric protectants later;

• Shampoo, soap or detergent: this is an example of a situation in which vomiting should not be induced, as some of these products contain corrosive substances in their composition. The signs are dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea. The vet can indicate the best way to get around the problem.

• Medicines for humans: never give human medicines to your cat! Some medicines contain substances such as acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin), which causes hyperthermia and rapid breathing, and paracetamol, which damages the liver and darkens the gums of the animal. Incredibly, vitamins are also not indicated. Vitamin A, for example, can cause anorexia, joint stiffness, obstruction, etc.bowel and weight loss.

• Cyanide: this type of poisoning usually happens with the ingestion of plants containing this compound, such as bulrush, apple leaves, corn, linseed and eucalyptus. The first signs appear quickly, about 10 to 15 minutes after ingestion, and cause an increase in excitement that turns into difficulty breathing. In this case, the treatment is likely to be the immediate administration of medical drugs.compounds that cut this effect.

• Fluoride: you know the fluoride in your toothpaste, it is a huge danger for animals! Therefore, you should never use a dental product for humans on a pet. The symptoms of this intoxication are gastroenteritis, increased heart rate, among others.

• Chlorine and bleach: the symptoms are vomiting, dizziness, salivation, anorexia, diarrhoea and depression. If the poisoning has occurred only on the skin, bathe the cat with a mild shampoo and rinse with plenty of water. In all cases, the vet should be consulted immediately.