Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity in a Cat

While humans can easily explain symptoms to a physician, pets cannot express themselves. Although heavy metal toxicity is rare in pets, it does occur. When it does it is usually caused by lead, either in the water or insecticides or in paint around the house, consumed over a long period of time. There are some symptoms of behavior that will let you know when your cat needs medical attention.

  1. Convulsions

    • A convulsion, or seizure, is an uncontrolled burst of activity. A convulsion usually lasts from one to three minutes. This includes shaking, jerking, foaming at the mouth, stiffening of the legs or uncontrollable bowel movement or urination. Vets recommend that you do not touch a cat having a convulsion. During a convulsion a cat will usually be disoriented and not know what it is doing. This could result in the cat unknowingly biting or scratching you.

    Uncoordinated Movements

    • Uncoordinated movements could manifest in the cat stumbling around as if it was drunk or dazed. The cat could also look as if it is unbalanced or wobbling when it is walking.

    Episodes of Hyperactivity

    • Even if a cat is normally active, episodes of sudden bursts of hyperactivity or seeming hysteria could be a sign of heavy metal toxicity.

    Weakness or Listlessness

    • A cat that is weak or listless may have lead poisoning. This may manifest in a lack of energy or unwillingness to exert energy when prompted.

    Encephalitis

    • Encephalitis is a swelling of the brain. According to the North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine, symptoms of encephalitis are seizures, behavior changes, depression, imbalance, head tilt, tremors and facial paralysis.