These Cat Killers Seem Benign

Tylenol, Kaopectate, flea drops, and Fleet: you probably already own at least one of these four potent cat poisons. Cats are extremely susceptible to poisoning. It’s not just their smaller size that puts them in peril; they’re also incapable of processing a variety of medicines and drugs. That shortcoming allows these chemicals to persist for whole days in the feline system without dissipating, so each repeat administration intensifies the danger by “rear-ending” any previous doses. At that point, permanent damage becomes highly probable.

Tylenol (generic: acetaminophen) is tempting for cat owners because it is approved for very young infants exactly the size of the average cat. Beware, though: even one infant dose can cause liver damage and difficulty breathing. If your cat has had any amount of Tylenol, take him to the doctor right away for treatment. 

Fleet brand (phosphate) enemas are also approved for use in young children. Since constipation is not uncommon in felines, cat owners may seek relief from this seemingly safe remedy. However, the Fleet type of enema is rapidly absorbed through the colon into the bloodstream, wreaking havoc with electrolyte levels. Seizures and heart rhythm disturbances can follow. If you have subjected your cat to a phosphate enema, take him immediately to the veterinarian for a check of his electrolytes and decontamination. 

Kaopectate was, at one time, actually recommended for cats as a gentle remedy for diarrhea. Since its reformulation in 2002 to include bismuth subsalicylate, it is no longer safe for cats. The packaging recommends one tablespoon by mouth, enough to get a good start on poisoning the average-sized cat, then furthermore suggests you repeat every 30 minutes until symptoms are relieved. Multiple doses of this medicine can eat a hole right through the wall of a cat’s stomach. If you have administered Kaopectate to your cat, stop immediately and call your veterinarian. 

Flea drops are meant for cats, right? Well, some of them are. Applications labeled for dogs are a frequent offender in feline poisoning. Some owners apply this because they have failed to read the box; others craftily think they’ll be able to estimate the proper dosage by using only half a vial. Dog products featuring permethrin derivatives typically contain 50-60 times (or more) the dose that’s allowable for felines, so splitting the vial will not render it safe for your cat. If you have administered a canine-only flea drop to your cat and he has not yet begun seizing, wash his skin immediately with a small amount of degreasing dish soap, like Dawn, and stay in close contact with your veterinarian.   

In any case of accidental poisoning, save the packaging and bring it with you to the office or emergency room. Undiluted honesty about your actions is absolutely critical. Better yet, save yourself some heartache and consult the vet before giving anything to your cat. Poisoning the family pet is an understandable mistake made by well-meaning people, using medicines that are extremely safe. Except if you’re a ten-pound cat. 

Dr. M.S. Regan