March is Poison Awareness month and of course, this includes being aware of what is toxic to you cat here in Spokane. There are many everyday items in most households that pose a threat to y our feline.
The artificial sweetener xylitol, which can be found in toothpaste and in many sugar-free gums and candies, can be the basis for a perilous drop in your feline’s blood sugar and go as far as to lead to liver failure. Xylitol poisoning signs include lethargy, vomiting, lack of coordination, and seizures.
All of the plants in the Allium family including garlic, leeks, shallots, onions, chives and ramp have a substance called N-propyl disulphide, which damages a cat’s red blood cells and results in fatal anemia. Some pureed baby foods include onions, so if you need to feed your cat baby food because of a health crisis, carefully read the ingredient list and make certain it doesn’t contain any onions or even onion powder. You probably know that your feline friend shouldn’t be eating tuna cat food regularly.
Canned tuna can be toxic to cats. Human-grade doesn’t contain all the nutrients a cat needs to stay strong and vigorous. All raw fish has enzymes that destroy thiamine, a B vitamin critical to your cat’s neurological health, which can cause seizures or coma. Also, tuna is one of the most mercury-infected fish swimming in the ocean today.
No one is exactly sure what makes raisins and grapes toxic to cats, still the fact remains that they simply are. If a cat consumes these fruits, kidney failure will be the consequence. Even a tiny-tiny amount will make your feline sick.
Alcohol has the same result on your cat’s liver as it does on humans, but since cats are so much smaller, a preposterously minuscule amount can cause a grave slowing of the heart rate and respiration. Just two teaspoons of hard liquor such as whisky or vodka can easily put a five-pound cat into a coma. Alcohol also alters the blood chemistry and makes it too acidic, which can destroy your cat’s kidneys.
Cat proof these items. Your cat is your friend and you want the friendship to last for years and years to come.
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