What do you do if your feline friend ingests something toxic to them? Don’t panic! Here are step-by-step instructions put together by the team at Cat Care Clinic.
Step 1: Find the potential toxin’s packaging
Your cat will have a much better prognosis and easier treatment if you know exactly what substance they may have ingested or touched. Find the packaging of the poison, toxin, chemical, or food, and gather the following information:
- Active ingredient
- Percentage or concentration of active ingredient
- Size in ounces
For example, knowing what type of mouse poison your cat has eaten is absolutely critical to ensuring they receive the correct, potentially life-saving treatment.
Step 2: Contact a pet poison control helpline
Before calling our hospital, contact a pet poison control helpline. The ASPCA has an Animal Poison Control Center, as does the Pet Poison Helpline. Their teams of veterinary toxicologists have the most up-to-date, specialized information regarding toxicity and poisoning in pets.
Step 3: Follow the instructions provided by the pet poison control helpline
Your first instinct may be to induce vomiting in your cat, but vomiting may not always be the ideal solution. Caustic substances and harsh chemicals can create more harm as your cat vomits, so call the pet poison control helpline before administering any treatment.
Step 4: Save the case number for our veterinarian
While discussing your cat’s situation with the poison control helpline, you should receive a case number. This number allows faster treatment when you arrive at our hospital since our veterinarian can call the helpline with the case number and discuss the optimal treatment plan with their veterinary toxicologist.
Step 5: Call us to let us know you’re on your way with a sick cat
Before heading out the door, call us to let us know you’re on the way with your cat, which will help our team prepare for a toxicity case. We will jump into action as soon as you walk through the door, giving your four-legged friend the best chance for a successful outcome.
If you believe your feline friend has ingested a poison, please don’t hesitate to contact our team or the Animal Poison Control Center for help.