Feline Poisoning & Bug Spray

Cats can be poisoned in a number of ways and by a number of means. Sometimes they are purposely persecuted by humans for perceived harm thay may have committed, but other times they are accidentally poisoned when they ingest toxins intended for insects and other pests. Cats, curious by nature, often come into contact with toxic agents that may be difficult to identify after the event. Although in most cases only a large dose is likely to prove deadly, contact a vet if your cat starts acting peculiar.

  1. Organophosphates

    • Organophosphates are types of insecticide that, with heavy application, can be toxic to cats. Included among them are acephate, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, fonofos and malathion, which are all found in agricultural, garden and lawn insecticide products. The toxicity in organophosphates can lead to muscle weakness, muscle twitching and chronic anorexia in cats. Organophosphates inhibit the enzymes in the body that break down acetylcholine: the neurotransmitter that causes shaking and seizures. A cat diagnosed as having toxic levels of these insecticides should see a vet immediately, to be decontaminated. A vet can also administer an antidote.

    Arsenic

    • Arsenic is used in insecticides, herbicides, ant poisons and, combined with metaldehyde, snail bait. The symptoms that indicate a cat has swallowed arsenic may manifest themselves within 30 minutes of ingestion of a large dose and can include thirst, drooling, vomiting, intense abdominal pain, diarrhea and garlic-scented breath. If detected, vomiting should be induced right away. A vet can prescribe a specific antidote. Otherwise death can occur within seven hours, sometimes before any symptoms are obvious.

    Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids

    • Pyrethrins are derived from plants and are used to treat fleas on cats and dogs. Poisoning can occur when too large a dosage is given to a cat. Pyrethroids are manufactured chemicals that can induce depression, excessive salivation, seizures, lethargy and hyperthermia in cats. Poisoning normally occurs when a cat is treated with a product labeled for dogs. Treatment includes bathing the cat in lukewarm water and applying detergent to wash off the insecticide and diazepam or methocarbamol to control seizures.

    Strychnine

    • Strychnine is sometimes used as an insecticide. It is likely to prove fatal for cats if swallowed. They initially display signs of apprehension, agitation, stiffness and tenseness before the effect escalates to violent convulsions triggered by loud noises or touching the cat. Within two hours the cat is likely to die from anorexia or exhaustion brought on by a tetanic seizure. The cat may be saved if reached before the convulsions ensue by inducing vomiting and undergoing immediate veterinary treatment.