5 Common Household Substances That Can Make Your Cat Ill

Cats are curious companions, but many household substances can unexpectedly make them ill. Knowing these hidden dangers helps you protect your feline friend and act quickly if issues arise.

While cats are selective eaters, accidental poisoning can occur through ingestion or skin contact followed by grooming. This article highlights five common substances in most homes that may harm your cat.

1. Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are popular at parties and celebrations, easily found in toy stores and supermarkets. The glowing liquid inside contains chemicals that taste very bitter and can be toxic.

Fortunately, glow sticks are designed to be child-safe, so swallowing the fluid is rarely fatal. However, if a cat bites into a glow stick or licks the liquid, this may cause drooling, excessive salivation, and discomfort. Immediate veterinary advice is recommended to ensure your cat's safety.

2. E-liquids and Vape Juice

E-liquids used in vaping devices often have sweet, fruity flavours that can attract curious cats. Nicotine is highly toxic to cats even in tiny amounts because of their small size.

Accidental ingestion can cause symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, rapid breathing, and even collapse. Store all nicotine-containing products securely, treating them like medicines, and keep them out of reach from your pets.

3. Peace Lilies and Other Toxic Plants

Many cat owners are aware that lilies are highly poisonous, but the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is particularly deceptive because its shape and appearance are different from true lilies. This bright green leafy plant often goes unrecognised as harmful.

Contact or ingestion can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats. Always check plant labels carefully before bringing new plants home, and avoid those in the lily family or other known toxic groups like philodendrons and dieffenbachia.

4. Rodenticides and Poisoned Rodents

Outdoor or sometimes indoor cats may catch rodents. Unfortunately, rodents contaminated with rodent poison pose a serious threat if eaten.

Rodenticides often do not kill mice or rats instantly, allowing sick rodents to be caught and eaten by cats, which leads to secondary poisoning. Symptoms include bleeding disorders, weakness, and lethargy. For safety, avoid using poisons in areas accessible to your cat and monitor hunting behaviour carefully.

5. Canine Flea Treatments Containing Permethrin

Flea products designed for dogs often contain permethrin, a substance harmless to dogs at proper doses but extremely toxic to cats.

Never apply dog flea treatments on cats. Even trace exposure can lead to severe neurological symptoms like twitching, seizures, and potentially fatal outcomes. When in doubt, consult your vet before using any flea products on your cat.

Key Tips for Responsible Cat Owners

• Keep all toxic products, plants, and substances well out of reach of your cat.
• Be cautious when bringing new plants into your home; research their safety for cats.
• Store medications, chemicals, and vapes securely and monitor your cat’s environment.
• Never apply dog flea products to cats; use cat-specific treatments recommended by a vet.
• Act quickly if you notice unusual behaviour such as drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or seizures, and seek veterinary attention promptly.

By staying informed and vigilant about these common household toxins, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and keep your cat safe, happy, and healthy.