Page 80 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

Choking and poisoning

Cats explore their world by sniffing and tasting, pouncing and chewing.
Although they are discerning, their inquisitiveness puts them at risk of
swallowing dangerous items or poisonous substances.

Choking with a sample of what he has ■ Paints and solvents—cats can
Cats can choke on a variety of swallowed. If a cat has a toxic swallow paint when licking it
objects. Some objects, such as bird substance on his coat or paws, wrap off themselves, or breathe in
bones, may get wedged in the the cat in a towel so he cannot lick dangerous fumes from paints and
mouth; others, such as pebbles, off any more of the substance. solvents. Never let a cat near wet
may block the throat (airway). paint or open paint cans. Ensure
Items such as tinsel, ribbon, string, Dangerous chemicals that you ventilate rooms during
or thread can get tangled around Some common chemicals can be and after using paints and solvents.
the tongue or, if swallowed, cause lethal for cats. Keep these out of
problems in the intestines. reach of your cat (see pp.16–17). Poisonous plants
78 A choking cat will cough, drool, ■ Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)— Many household and garden plants
and gag, and paw frantically at its make sure your car does not leak can be toxic to cats, either when
mouth. If the airway is blocked, antifreeze and ensure that any eaten or when the cat brushes
the cat will struggle to breathe
containers are stored safely. For a
against the plant and then licks
Feline emergencies First, wrap the cat in a towel. Hold kidney damage, unsteadiness, are given below; ask your vet for a
cat, even a tiny amount can cause
himself. Some common examples
and may lose consciousness.
Call the vet and take the cat in.
more complete list.
seizures, coma, and death.
■ Cordyline (common garden plant
the top of the head with one hand,
■ Household cleaners—bleaches,
detergents, fabric softeners, and
and open the lower jaw with the
for foliage) and Dracaena
similar chemicals—can irritate the
other. Look inside the mouth. If the
(houseplant)—both of these plants
object is easy to dislodge, try to
remove it quickly with tweezers.
If an object is blocking the airway, cat's mouth and burn the throat. can cause liver or kidney damage.
Household clutter
use the Heimlich maneuver. Lay Cats may swallow foreign objects both
the cat on its side with its head lower in the home and outdoors. Do not leave
items such as plants with thorns or sharp
than its body. Place one hand on the needles, small toys, or string where a
back and the other on the belly, just cat can eat them.
below the ribs. Give four sharp
pushes up and in, toward the ribs.
Check the mouth again, and
remove any debris with one finger.
If the cat has stopped breathing,
give artificial respiration (see p.75).
Poisoning
Cats may ingest poisons from prey
animals, toxic plants, household
chemicals, medicines, or even some
human foods. If you think your cat
has been poisoned, even if he is
showing no signs, contact your vet.
If you see any signs of poisoning,
take the cat to the vet, together

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