Felines have very delicate skin and can be very curious. As cat owners, we also need to remember that cats lick their fur and skin for hours a day. This results in substances in the environment being easily digested or absorbed through the skin. Additionally, the pet industry is not regulated. Just because a product is marked “safe for kittens and cats” does not make it true. Cat owners need to be up to date on what substances are toxic for cats. Some are obvious, and some will surprise you! Like with anything in life, people differ in their beliefs. Some believe a little won’t hurt, while others will not knowingly take a small chance at inducing problems in their furry family member. Below is an incomplete list of many household toxins and hazards. Please use common sense while reviewing this list and implementing any household changes.
I am not trained in Veterinary Medicine. You should always default to your Vet on the best diet to feed your feline, and any questions you have about items in your Kitty’s environment.
In case of an after-hours emergency, please contact Pet Poison Help Line at 800-213-6680. There will be a small fee for the call. You can also visit their website for additional information: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
The following list is quite extensive and has been gathered from many sources noted at the conclusion of the list. I will start with the items that are most surprising, making them the most dangerous for Kitty.
Tree Tea Oil *
Aloe Vera ****
Cedar Oil
Use for fleas may cause vomiting *
Essential oils including Oregano,Thyme, Eucalyptus, Clove, Cinnamon, Bay Leaf, Parsley and Savory
can cause liver damage *
Essential oils which contain Cedar Leaf, Sage, Hyssop, Cyprus, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Mint,
Caraway, Citronella ,Clove, Ginger, Chamomile, Thyme and Rosemary
can cause neurological problems *
Simmering Potpourri **
Reed Diffusers **
Citrus Oil Extracts
Can cause vomiting
Dog flea and tick medication (pills, collars, sprays, shampoos)
Permethrin
The topical application to cats of flea control products marketed for dogs containing permethrins
constitutes a major portion of feline toxicities reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center. Some owners also use Permethrin for insect control.
Human Medication, remember, sometimes Veterinarian’s will prescribe an over the counter medication for Kitty. Always verify the dosage and brand before administrating human medication to Kitty!
Antidepressants
Cancer medicines
Cold medicines
Diet pills
Pain relievers
acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen
Vitamins and other supplements
Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron
damage the lining of the digestive system, toxic to the other organs including the liver and
kidneys
Human Foods***:
Alcoholic Beverages
intoxication, coma, and death
Avocado
Bones from Fish, Poultry, or Other Meat Sources
can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system
Canned Tuna fed regularly (For Human Consumption)
malnutrition, it can contain mercury
Caffeine from Chocolate, Coffee or Tea
affect the heart and nervous system and can be toxic
Chocolate
contains theobromine and caffeine
Dog Food fed regularly
malnutrition and heart disease
Fat Trimmings
pancreatitis and contribute to obesity
Grapes and Raisins
unknown toxin which damages the kidneys
Large Amounts Of Liver
Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones
Macadamia Nuts
unknown toxin which can affect the digestive and nervous systems
Marijuana
Can depress the nervous system and cause vomiting and heart rate changes
Milk And Other Dairy Products
Some adult cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the
lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset
Mushrooms
Some contain toxins that affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death
Onions and Garlic (Raw, Cooked, Or Powder)
contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia
Persimmons
seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis
Potato, Rhubarb and Tomato Leaves And Stems, Green Tomatoes or Potatoes
These foods are members of the family of plants which includes the Deadly Nightshade, and
contain the poisonous alkaloid Glycoalkaloid Solanine, which can cause violent lower
gastrointestinal problems
Raw Eggs
Contain the enzyme avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), also lead to
skin and hair coat problems, may contain Salmonella
Raw Fish
thiamine deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and death
Salt
large quantities may lead to electrolyte imbalances
Sugar-Laden Foods
Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and diabetes mellitus
Tobacco
Ingesting nicotine can result in rapid heartbeat, collapse, coma, and death
Xylitol
found in sugarless gums, candies, toothpastes
Yeast Dough
Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and rupture of the stomach or
intestines
House Hold Items:
String
Tinsel
Holiday Lights
Thread
Dental floss
Rubber bands
Hair Ties
Antifreeze
Bleach
Detergent
Fertilizers
Herbicides
Insect and rodent bait
Household Cleaners
Toilet bowl cleaners
Laundry detergents
Drain cleaners
Carpet cleaners
Glow sticks
Jewelry
Electrical cords
Ribbons
Batteries
Plants:
Aloe
Alfalfa
Almond Pits
Alocasia
Amaryllis
Vomiting and diarrhea
Apple Seeds
Apricot Pits
Arrowgrass
Azalea
Incoordination, trembling, collapse
Baneberry
Bayonet
Beargrass
Beech
Belladonna
Bird of Paradise
Bittersweet
Black Eye Susan
Black Locus
Bleeding Heart
Bloodroot
Bluebonnet
Box
Boxwood
Buckeyes
Burning Bush
Buttercup
Cactus
Punctures skin which can become infected
Caladium
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking head, difficulty breathing
Cherry Pits
Cherry (Wild, Ground, laurel)
Chinaberry
Christmas Rose
Chrysanthemums
Clematis
Coriaria
Cornflower
Coydalis
Creeping Charlies
Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps
Crocus, Autumn
Crown of Thorns
Cyclamen
Daffodil Daphne
Daphne
Datura
Deadly Nightshade
Death Camas
Delphinium
Dicentrea
Dieffenbachia
Central nervous system problems
Dumb Cane
Easter Lilly
Eggplant
Elderberry
Elephant Ear
English Ivy
Euonymus
Evergreen
Ferns
Flax
Four o’clock
Foxglove
Golden Chain
Golden Glow
Gopher Purge
Hellebore
Hemlock (poison and water)
Henbane
Holly
Honeysuckle
Horsebeans
Horsebush
Horse Chestnuts
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Indian Tobacco
Iris
Iris Ivy
Ivy
Vomiting, diarrhea, excitable behavior
Jack in the Pulpit
Java Beans
Jessamine
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Jonquil
Jungle trumpets
Lantana
Lakspur
Laurel
Lily (Spider, of the Valley)
Kidney failure
Locoweed
Lupine
Marigold
Marijuana
Can depress the nervous system and cause vomiting and heart rate changes
Mescal Bean
Mistletoe
Vomiting, diarrhea, blistering in the mouth, difficulty breathing
Mock Orange
Monkshood
Moonseed
Morning Glory
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms
Narcissus
Nightshade
Oleander
Peach Pits
Peony
Periwinkle
Philodendron
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shaking head, difficulty breathing
Poinciana
Poinsettia
Vomiting, diarrhea, blistering in the mouth, difficulty breathing
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Pokeweed
Poppy
Potato
Precatory Bean
Privet
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Rosary Pea
Rubber Plant
Scotch Broom
Skunk Cabbage
Snowdrops
Snow on the Mountain
Staggerweed
Star of Bethlehem
Sweetpea
Tansy Mustard
Tobacco
Tomato
Tulips
Tung Tree
Virginia Creeper
Water Hemlock
Weeping Fig
Wild Call
Wisteria
Yews (American, English, Japanese)
References:
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
*http://messybeast.com/teatree.htm
** Jill A. Richardson, Veterinary Poison Information Specialist, ASPCA/ National Animal Poison Control Center
***http://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/plants-food-poisonous-to-cats
****http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/aloe
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/top-10-cat-poisons
Jeffrey D. Rakes, Published in NCGIA Anatomy and Health Study Packet
(plants poisonous to cats, without details
July 2014 Kitty's Purrfect Spa Newsletter
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