Preventing Toxic Reactions in Cats
By HollywoodPet.net |
Tue, 26 Dec 2006
Every year cats have toxic reactions to flea and tick products. The signs of a reaction are recognizable and helpful to know. Keeping in mind a few basics may help or save your cat in an emergency.
Cats are especially sensitive to chemicals and flea and tick products. Insectisides, flea and tick products, household chemicals, fertilizers, anti-freeze and other products can be inadvertantly licked off a cats fur. Your cat can become sick or die. Prevention can mean a lot.
Lock up all dangerous items.
Chemicals, poisons and other items should be locked up. If your yard has been sprayed with any chemical, don't let your cat out for a period of time.
Flea and tick dangers.
Flea and tick products can cause toxic reactions. Cats are very sensitive to the improper use of these products. A cat coming in contact with a treated dog can accidentally get a toxic reaction. One of the biggest causes of toxic reactions in cats is using the wrong amount or the wrong product on the wrong animal.
Know the symptoms.
The symptoms of an accidental poisoning or toxic reaction can be ugly. Hair loss where the product has been applied, drooling, tremors, discoordination, loss of balance, lethargy, and seizures are signs of trouble.
Know the numbers.
Make sure you have posted the numbers to a poison hotline, or other hotlines like pesticide, or manufacturers hotline. The minutes saved are important.
Cats can have quicker and more common reactions to flea and tick products and every day chemicals. The constant grooming that cats do, can work against them by allowing them to injest toxins more quickly than dogs. Be on the lookout for any signs and if possible know the toxin before contacting a hotline. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. A few basics should help you and your pet stay safe.
