How To Rescue A Poisoned Cat

Unfortunately, poisoning is one of the most common problems  among pets. Often the mass media provide us with alarming news about dogs and cats in danger of life, due to poisoned meatballs, toxic food or other chemicals. Sometimes it comes down to mere bad luck. Other times, the blame falls on heartless people who hate nature and others. For this reason, it seemed right to dedicate an article to how to rescue a poisoned cat.

Before knowing what to do in these emergency situations , you will need to learn to recognize the symptoms of possible poisoning. So let’s go in order.

Find out if a cat has been poisoned

The symptoms of poisoning are very clear. But if it’s your first time, it won’t be easy for you to identify them. This is a crucial step, as recognizing the problem will allow you to take prompt and effective action. We have summarized, in the list below, the symptoms that are most common. Keep in mind that if your cat has been poisoned, she may have  one or more of the following:

• Respiratory problems.
• Vomiting and diarrhea.
• Coughing and sneezing.
• Excessive salivation.
• Dark urination.
• Rales.
• Blue tongue.
• Gastric problems.
• Depression.
• Involuntary seizures.
• Dilated pupils.
• Fainting.
• Chills.

These are the most common, although they can present themselves in other ways as well. As we always tell you, at this point, you have a responsibility to always check your cat in order to notice any changes. A careful and constant observation of the animal will allow you to intervene immediately and solve the problem at the root.

What should you do if your cat has been poisoned?

Once you have identified all or some of the symptoms, you will need to take action. Above all, the important thing is to act quickly and with knowledge of the facts, because even a few seconds could make the difference between the life and death of your four-legged friend.

Move it to a ventilated place

The first thing to do is to take the cat to a well-ventilated place , not cold, but where it can breathe clean air, in abundance, in order to calm down. Be careful when moving it, as even if it has never done it before, under the circumstances it could scratch or bite you. Usually, sick cats can get quite aggressive.

Call the vet

Contact your vet right away and have him come to your home, or let him know that you will soon arrive at his office. Ask him what you can do while awaiting his arrival.

Do not give them anything, without the authorization of the veterinarian

This is a mistake that many can fall into. But be careful: the advice of friends and acquaintances, as well as what you find written on the Internet, is often  not suitable for your specific case. The last word will always and only be with your trusted veterinarian.

You could further aggravate your cat’s critical state. So, follow your vet’s instructions to the letter. Remember that there are also countries where there is a helpline for poisoned animals, whose experts will be able to show you what to do.

Don’t make him throw up

If you have not been able to identify the poison, you will never have to make your cat vomit. There are some types of substances that, together with gastric juices, would cause irreparable damage to the esophagus or digestive tract of the small domestic feline.

Use activated charcoal

If your vet has specifically instructed you to induce vomiting, use activated charcoal immediately afterwards. Dilute a teaspoon in water, until it reaches the amount of one gram per half a kilo of cat’s weight. Try to make the mixture sufficiently solid and inject it to the cat, using a sterilized syringe.

Remember that in extreme situations like this, calm can make a difference. Also, keep in mind that cats are very apprehensive and mimic your mental state. If you bring calm to your feline, he too will feel more relaxed. There is always a solution to everything, so rest assured!