Cat Toxicity Guide: Dangerous Household Items

Protecting Your Cat from Toxic Substances

Many common household items can be deadly to cats. Here’s what to avoid:

Foods Toxic to Cats:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, causes heart problems
• Onions & Garlic: Damage red blood cells, cause anemia
• Grapes & Raisins: Can cause kidney failure
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can be fatal
• Caffeine: Causes rapid heart rate, seizures
• Xylitol: Artificial sweetener, causes liver failure
• Raw Dough: Expands in stomach, causes bloating

Household Plants:

• Lilies: All parts are toxic, causes kidney failure
• Poinsettias: Causes gastrointestinal irritation
• Aloe Vera: Causes vomiting and diarrhea
• Philodendron: Causes oral irritation and difficulty swallowing
• Dieffenbachia: Causes severe oral irritation

Medications:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Fatal to cats, even small doses
• Ibuprofen: Causes kidney and liver damage
• Cold Medications: Many contain toxic ingredients
• Prescription Medications: Never give human medications

Household Chemicals:

• Antifreeze: Sweet taste attracts cats, causes kidney failure
• Cleaning Products: Many contain toxic chemicals
• Pest Control Products: Rat poison, insecticides
• Essential Oils: Many are toxic to cats

Emergency Signs:

Contact your vet immediately if you notice:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures or tremors
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual behavior

Prevention Tips:

• Keep all medications in secure containers
• Use pet-safe cleaning products
• Research plants before bringing them home
• Keep toxic foods out of reach
• Have emergency vet number handy