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Emergencies in Cats by Dr. Carol Osborne Emergencies in Cats
In spite of our best efforts, emergencies happen. You should know your vet’s procedures for emergency situations, especially the ones that occur at odd hours. Being able to recognize a true emergency allows you to react more appropriately in a stressful situation and may help you save a life. Taking a few preventative measures and using a lot of common sense helps insure your cat’s health, especially in unexpected, stressful situations. It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand and to learn a few basic first aid techniques. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers posted in a convenient location, including that of your veterinarian and a local 24-hour emergency facility.
SAFETY TIPS:
Always check with your vet before giving your cat any medication, whether it is over the counter or prescription. Some medications that are used safely in people can be deadly to pets.
Aspirin and other over-the counter human pain medications can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and depression in cats: 1 extra strength (500mg) Tylenol can kill a 7-pound cat. Just half of a 200 milligram Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers in cats. Signs include vomiting up blood, depression and weakness. The stool may have a foul odor and be blackish in color because it contains blood. Keep all medications stored safely up and out of “PAW” reach Many household chemicals can be harmful if ingested by your cat. When you are cleaning keep all pets out of the areas where cleaning agents are used or stored. Some products just irritate the digestive system causing an upset stomach and vomiting. Others, like automatic dishwashing detergents are corrosive and can chemically burn the sensitive tissues of your cat’s mouth and stomach. Eating just a few tiger or Easter Lilly leaves can cause kidney failure. Mistletoe can lead to cardiac shock. Beware of holly berries, onions, chives, the eye and sprouts of uncooked potatoes, most plant bulbs, apricot and peach pits and raisins. Avocados are very hard for cats and birds to digest and can cause severe intestinal upset if eaten. TIP: Be Alert when using your Washing Machine & Dryer: These appliances can be very dangerous for cats. Cats are especially attracted to the warm cozy nook of a dryer full of fresh clothes. Be vigilant while loading your washer and dryer to ensure that no cat inadvertently jumps inside to investigate. POTPOURI OILS AND YOUR CATPotpourri Oils are corrosive and burn the mouth and digestive system. They contain essential natural oils and if eaten cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and liver damage. Cats are often exposed to potpourri oils because they rub against leaky bottles or pots of oil. If oil gets onto the skin, it becomes red and painful. Cats then lick and groom themselves to remove the oil thereby ingesting it. SIGNSSalivation WHAT YOU CAN DOCall your vet, bathe the cat in warm, mild detergent, rinse, and wrap him in a towel. Offer milk or water and look for tongue ulcers which develop in 4 to 6 hours. Treatment usually requires hospitalization, supportive therapy and nutrition. Most cats recover in a few days.
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