Excerpt of a peer-reviewed article published in Veterinary Medicine authored by Valentina Merola, DVM, DABT and Eric Dunayer, MS, VMD, DABT
This list is for information purposes only. It is important that you contact your veterinarian or a poison control center for accurate advice and assistance with your particular case.
These 10 toxic agents were selected based on the 10 most frequent feline exposures reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in the past four years.
1. Canine Permethrin Insecticides
topical application of a permethrin spot-on or dip product labeled for use only in dogs can lead to tremors and seizures in cats. Cats have also developed signs of permethrin toxicosis after being in close contact with a dog recently treated with a permethrin spot-on product. Initial signs may appear within a few hours but can take 24 to 72 hours to manifest.
2. Other Topical Insecticides
In general, topical flea control products applied according to label directions will not cause systemic problems in cats. However, any topically applied product can cause skin irritation or a hypersensitivity reaction. If a cat licks a topically applied product it may develop a taste reaction, including hypersalivation, agitation or vomiting. Removing the product from the tongue by giving the cat milk or liquid from a can of tuna should resolve the signs.
3. Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine (also known as Effexor and Effexor XR by the drug maker Wyeth) is an antidepressant for humans. Cats seem to readily eat venlafaxine capsules. Less than one capsule is enough to cause vomiting, dialated pupils, abnormally fast breathing, abnormally fast heart beat, lack of coordination and agitation. Signs generally begin within one to eight hours after exposure, later if an extended-release formula was ingested.
4. Glow and Jewelry Sticks
the main ingredient of the glowing liquid found in the popular plastic bracelets, necklaces and wands is dibutyl phthalate. Cats frequently bite into the jewelry, and almost immediately exhibit signs of a taste reaction, including hypersalivation, agitation and occasionally, vomiting. A tasty treat such as milk, liquid from a can of tuna, or other yummy food can help lessen the taste reaction. Remove any liquid on the fur with a wet washcloth to prevent re-exposure. Take the cat into a darkened room to help you see the product on the fur.
5. Lilies
Cats who ingest certain types of lilies can develop acute renal failure. The types of lilies to watch out for include Easter lilies, Stargazer lilies, Tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies and Day lilies, among others. Ingesting any part of the plant (including the pollen) may cause signs, and even the smallest exposure should be aggressively treated. After ingesting lilies, cats generally develop vomiting and depression within two to four hours. Often they seem to recover and then begin to deteriorate rapidly about 24 to 72 hours after the exposure. Signs include excessive thirst and urination and more severe depression. The prognosis is good with prompt, aggressive treatment. Once renal failure develops, some recovery is possible but may take weeks and the cat may require extensive medical intervention.
6. Liquid Potpourri
This household fragrance is often placed in an open container over a candle or other heat source and cats may lick the product from the container or from their fur if exposed to a spill. Ingestion of liquid potpourri can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, drooling, low blood pressure and depression of the central nervous system. Cats may exhibit skin irritation and ulceration as well as severe corneal ulceration if skin or eye exposure occurs.
7. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
In general, cats have a low tolerance for NSAIDS and are thought to be at least twice as sensitive to ibuprofen as dogs are. Cats may be exposed to NSAIDS by owners administering the drug or more rarely by self-ingestion. NSAIDS can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, ulceration, hemorrhage and ulcer perforation. Acute renal failure can occur at higher doses. Some examples of common NSAIDS that can harm cats include carprofen (Rimadyl), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), deracoxib (Deramax), naproxen (Aleve), etodolac (Etogesic), meloxicam (Metacam) and indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin-SR).
8. Acetominophen
Often administered to cats by their owners, acetominophen has a narrow margin of safety in cats. One adult tablet (325 to 500 mg) could be lethal. At almost any level of exposure, acetominophen can cause depression, vomiting, dyspnea, brown discoloration of the mucous membranes, respiratory distress, swelling of the face and paws and liver damage.
9. Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Small doses of anticoagulants can inhibit the blood clotting factors. Signs generally occur three to seven days after exposure and bleeding may occur in any location, so signs may be nonspecific and include weakness, lethargy, coughing and difficulty breathing.
10. Amphetamines
Amphetamines are used for appetite suppression, attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy in humans. Almost any level of exposure in cats can result in clinical signs such as agitation, high body temperature, tremors, seizures, rapid and/or irregular heart beat, high blood pressure and coma.
