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Fatal poisonings in
feline patients are most frequently the result of exposure to one of
three types of materials:
1. Antifreeze
2. Rodenticides
3. Insecticides
It is important to be aware of the risks posed by these products and
to prevent exposure. When exposure does occur, early diagnosis and
treatment provide your cat with the best chance of survival.
Antifreeze
Close to 10% of all fatal animal poisonings are the
result of a single chemical called ethylene glycol. This chemical is
used in antifreeze. It is widely available and has a pleasant taste.
Poisonings occur most often in the fall when vehicles are being
prepared for winter. Cats are extremely sensitive to antifreeze and
the fatal dose is about 1 teaspoon for an adult cat. Death can occur
within 12 hours. Within 30-60 minutes after consuming antifreeze most
cats vomit. Over the next three hours the cat will become confused,
weak, depressed and may have seizures. Hypothermia appears within nine
hours and those surviving 12 hours will show signs of kidney failure.
The chance of survival is good only if treatment is begun within 3
hours of ingestion. Treatment requires hospitalization, the
administration of the appropriate antidote at frequent intervals and
supportive care.
Prevention of exposure is the only way to keep your cat safe.
Antifreeze must always be stored and disposed of properly. Free
roaming cats are likely to drink from puddles where radiators have
been drained. This may be the only unfrozen water available on cold
days. Keeping your cat inside is the only sure way to avoid antifreeze
poisoning.
Rodenticides
Anticoagulant rodenticides (rat poisons) are
responsible for about 9% of fatal animal poisonings. The currently
available products are much more potent than earlier chemicals.
Treatment requires aggressive therapy. The fatal dose for a cat may be
found in as little as 3 oz of bait. Poisoning can also result from
eating dead rodents.
Signs are usually evident 2-5 days after consumption of bait
containing an anticoagulant rodenticide. These chemicals prevent blood
from clotting and the clinical signs depend on the site where bleeding
occurs. The most common clinical signs are anorexia and lethargy.
Internal bleeding may cause the cat to breathe rapidly or exhibit
abdominal or thoracic pain. Bleeding from the nose or mouth may also
occur. If the bleeding is not stopped death results. Treatment
requires the administration of Vitamin K and supportive care that may
include blood transfusions. Many patients will need therapy for over
three weeks.
When rodenticides must be used, they should be made inaccessible to
pets. When that is not possible, other forms of rodent control should
be considered.
Insecticides
In the early 1990’s insecticides were responsible
for over 20% of fatal animal poisonings. Many of these fatalities
resulted from the inappropriate use of flea and tick control products.
The insecticides responsible for most of these poisonings contained
organophosphates or permethrins.
Organophosphates
are found in many products used to control household insects, as well
as products used for flea control. Some of the more common products
are Malathion, Diazinon and Dursban. Cats are exposed when they remove
the chemicals from their feet and fur during grooming. The signs of
toxicity usually appear within hours of exposure. The most commonly
seen signs are hypersalivation, vomiting, depression, diarrhea,
incoordination, seizures and death. Immediate treatment is important
and includes the appropriate antidote, medications to control seizures
and supportive care. Treatment may be needed for days or even weeks.
 The best prevention is to limit the use of products containing these
chemicals and to carefully follow the directions. Permethrin toxicoses
are most common in cats treated with products developed for dogs.
These products are available in small tubes for monthly application.
They are absorbed through the skin and may cause muscle tremors,
depression, seizures and death. Cats are particularly sensitive and
may be adversely affected by being in close contact with a treated
dog. There is no antidote for permethrin toxicosis, but prompt
intensive supportive care and seizure control will usually prevent
fatalities. When poisoning is suspected the product should be
immediately removed from the cat by bathing and a veterinary emergency
clinic contacted.
Most of these poisonings can be prevented by carefully following the
manufacturer instructions. In some individuals, signs are seen when
the directions are followed correctly. Never use canine products on
cats without specific instructions from your veterinarian.
Fatal poisonings are preventable by following these simple guidelines:
1. Limit your cat’s access to unknown environments.
2. Avoid the use of poisons in your home.
3. Follow the instructions when using any chemical.
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