Unlock This Video Now for FREE
This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
In this lesson, you'll be learning about dangerous cat poisons. While it may seem that the canine is the star of this course, that's not so in this lesson, as it's all cat centric. We'll be specifically looking at topical flea medications and/or other topical or contact poisons.
At the end of the lesson, we'll be providing you with a very special Word on the top 10 dangers for your cat and other household hazards that may be toxic to your furry little critters.
Topical Canine Flea Medications
Some of the more common causes of poisoning in cats is the inadvertent application of topical canine flea medications.
Warning: Flea medications that specifically contain pyrethrins or permethrin can be severely toxic to cats. These toxins can cause a range of symptoms in your cats, including severe full body tremors, seizures, and even death.
Pro Tip #1: Unfortunately, flea medication products on the market are not always labeled as being toxic to cats. So, if you do not find a warning on the package, still do not assume it is safe. Instead, to be safer rather than sorry, you'll want to be very diligent before purchasing any flea medications for your cat.
What You Should do in Case of a Topical Poison
First off, you don't always want to bathe your cat if you suspect an adverse reaction to a contact poison as some toxins can be activated by water. The best course of action is to consult with Animal Poison Control or your local veterinarian before bathing your cat.
Pro Tip #2: If you've been told you can bathe your cat as a means of washing away any poison or toxic residue, make sure you only use warm water, not hot, along with a mild shampoo or dish detergent that has been approved by your vet and rinse your cat thoroughly.
Why shouldn't you use hot water? For the same reason you don't want to dry your cat with a hair dryer. Heating up your cat's skin can cause problems, as this will also increase blood flow to that area where the toxin or contact poison is or was residing, thereby increasing the rate of absorption of the toxin or poison.
For this reason, after bathing your cat, make sure you dry him or her off with a clean towel instead. And once bathed, be sure and transport your cat to the vet for further care.
A Word About the Top 10 Dangers for Your Cat and Other Household Hazards
In her in-depth article on the subject of cat toxic household hazards, pet expert Cara Armour breaks down those dangers into 10 categories. And if you think your canine is more at risk at getting into household hazards, Cara reminds us of this important proverb: Curiosity killed the cat. Your cat is a curious creature and a much better climber than your canine companion.
Those 10 categories include:
- Insecticides
- Human medications
- Household cleaners
- Flowers
- Plants
- Over the counter meds
- Human and/or veterinary NSAIDS
- Glow sticks
- Mouse or rat poisons
- Lawn and garden products
We'd be willing to bet that some of the items Cara writes about in this important article are sitting in your home or garage right now, whether or not they're accessible to your pet at the moment. Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, that also equates to safety and security for your pet.
Interested in seeing the full list? You can do so here: Top 10 Dangers for Your Cat and Other Household Hazards. Your furry feline companion will thank you or may just purr at you instead. Which could be a thank you!
