Dont eat that! Toxicities in cats

Cats are very different from dogs, including what toxins they are sensitive to.

The common anti-inflammatories given to dogs can be extremely toxic to our cats – you really should look at other options.

1st consider CBD (cannabidiol). It is an effective pain reliever, and it’s safe for cats.

You can try Dr Jones’ ULTIMATE CBD here.

Our supplement ULTIMATE Feline has both Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which have been shown to help with Arthritis.

6 Common Serious Cat TOXINS that many people are not aware of

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetominophen is a (paracetamol) is a synthetic non-opiate derivative of p-aminophenol that can produce both hepatotoxicity and hematotoxicity, specifically, methemoglobinemia.

As little as 10 mg/kg can result in toxicity in cats. A regular strength Tylenol is 325 mg (extra strength tablets are 500 mg), children’s suspension liquid is 32 mg/ml, and infant’s suspension liquid is 100 mg/ml.

Clinical signs of methemoglobinemia accompanied by hepatotoxicity in cats include increased respiratory rate, pale-muddy mucous membranes, hypothermia, and tachycardia. Other signs are CNS depression, anorexia, vomiting, facial edema and edema of the extremities, salivation, diarrhea, coma and death.

Lily toxicity

They’re lovely with their curling petals standing tall above their slender leaves, but Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Asiatic hybrid lilies and daylilies, (genera Lilium and Hemerocallis) are deadly to cats, even in small amounts. Ingestion of a couple of leaves or part of a single flower can cause death. In experimental studies of Easter lilies specifically, the flower is more toxic than the leaves. In severe intoxications (~8 flowers) in this same study, cats died (or were euthanized due to severity of clinical signs) within 4-8 hours of ingestion.

Initial clinical signs – within 1-3 hours – include salivation, vomiting and anorexia. This is followed over the next 12-36 hours with polyuria/polydipsia, dehydration and eventual anuric renal failure.

Phosphate enemas

Owners are only trying to do their best when they administer an enema to their constipated cat, but the consequences are still tragic. Fleet enemas, the most common product available for children ages 2 to 9 years, contain sodium phosphate and biphosphate. Owners often assume that a child’s product must be safe for their cats. Many physicians incorrectly assume that the phosphate is not absorbed extensively and that the high concentration within the solution is therefore safe. There are, however, several case reports of children and adults with severe electrolyte imbalances after Fleet enema administration; thus, the acute hyperphosphatemia is not unique to the cat. However, in the majority of toxicity reports in humans, patients were compromised in some way, e.g., pre-existing nephropathy or colonic mucosal disease, which likely contributed to the adverse effects.

Clinical signs, which are apparent within an hour post-enema, are attributable to cerebral dehydration and hypocalcemia: lethargy, ataxia, miosis, arrhythmias, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol Toxicity

Prior to 2002, Kaopectate contained kaolin, pectin and attapulgate. These substances are not absorbed into the bloodstream, working locally to adsorb bacteria and other toxics and decrease water loss. After 2002, bismuth subsalicylate was added. Cats are relatively deficient in glucuronosyltransferase, which conjugates salicylate with glucuronic acid. A tablespoon of regular-strength Kaopectate and extra-strength Kaopectate contains 130 mg aspirin equivalent and 230 mg aspirin equivalent, respectively. Toxicity in cats occurs at >25 mg/kg/day. A tablespoon of extra-strength Kaopectate in a 5 kg cat would be a dose of 46 mg/kg. Clinical signs of toxicity include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, hematemesis, melena and abdominal pain. Severe gastric ulceration with rupture can occur.

Meloxicam

Meloxicam (Metacam) is a popular COX-1 sparing NSAID that is used world-wide for managing a variety of painful conditions, such as degenerative joint disease, feline gingivostomatitis, idiopathic cystitis, uveitis and neoplasia, among others. It was touted for its safety when given at oral doses of 0.025 – 0.5 mg/kg daily. However, on Sept. 17, 2010, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedic announced that there have been adverse events, including renal failure and death, associated with the oral suspension formulation. The company recommended that it be used as a one-time only injection post-elective surgical procedure.

Benzocaine toxicity (Topical Anesthetic)

Benzocaine is another OTC drug that can result in toxicity if it is absorbed into the skin or ingested. The toxicity observed is methemoglobinemia and although it has been documented in a number of species, cats are particularly susceptible to hemoglobin oxidation. In one study, a single spray application of a benzocaine-containing topical anesthetic produced significant methemoglobinemia within 20-30 minutes of application. The clinical signs and treatment of methemoglobinemia are covered elsewhere in these proceedings. Benzocaine can also cause Heinz body hemolytic anemia, further reducing oxygen carrying capacity. Bathing an animal with a mild soap if skin absorption has occurred or decontamination of the GI tract may be necessary.

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew

P.S. I have seen all of these toxicities in practice – especially from Tylenol. Be aware of what is safe and NOT safe- even some veterinarians may not aware of these unique toxins in cats.

P.P.S. About our supplements which can help your cat in pain without side effects…

CBD (Cannabidiol). It has been shown to be extremely beneficial for cats in pain, as well as being a natural anti inflammatory:

Dr Jones’ ULTIMATE CBD

Glucosamine and Chondroitin which may help decrease joint inflammation… great for our older arthritic cats:

Dr Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula