Cats are very sensible creatures when it come to eating things which are not good for them. But vets still have to deal with cats that have ingested something harmful from time to time. Cat love to keep them selfs particularly clean so the answer lies here. They will clean anything on their coats or paws which should not be there. Because they do this they can swallow things like antifreeze ojr decorating products,  where they have walked through or brushed against. If at any time you are decorating or using antifreeze please be aware if your cat is near by.

Cat also love to nibble at grass and if your cat in an indoor cat and they don;t have access to the outside world, or they are young and inquistive, they may chew on indoor plants or cut flower such as lilies, and lilies are toxic to cat.

Here are some of the more dangerous poisons which cat owners should be aware of. 

Lilies

Any plants of the Lilum species including Ester, Stargazer, Tiger and Asiatic lilies cat are sensitive too.

All parts ofa lily are toxic, even the flowers and pollen (which can be groomed off its coat if the cat brushes past the flowers) Less than one leaf ingested by a cat can cause kidney failue.

Signs to look for are prolonged vomiting, not eating and depression.

Urgent veterinary treatment is reauired.

PLEASE CHECK FLOWER LABELS FOR WARNINGS OF TOXICITY TO ANIMALS

Paracetamol

Often given to cats in a caring but misguided attempt to relieve pain.

Highly dangerous for cats - just one tablet is enough to cause severe illness or death.

Signs of poisoning include depression, bomiting, swelling of the face and paws and a bluish discolouration of the skin.

An effectve antidote is available, but must be used very soon after the cat has taken the tablet.

NEVER GIVE CATS PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR PEOPLE (Unless instructed otherwise by your vet)

Antifree used in cars

Often contains ethylene glycol or methanol, which are toxic to cats. These chemicals can also be found in cars screenwashes and de-icers.

They can cause weakness, hupthermia, breathing difficulties, convulsions and kidney damage.

Treatment can be difficult an is rarely successful.

CLEAN UP ANY SPILLAGES CAREFULLY AND KEEP CATS AWAY.

Certain dog flea products

Permethrin is found in many spot-on preparations for dogs used for the control of fleas, biting flies and tice. And also the active ingredient in some ant powders).

Poisoning can arise when cats are accidentally treated with such dog flea products or where they groom themselves or other animals treated with the product.

Cats may salivate a great deal, be thirsty, have a high temperature and tremors or convulsions.

Urgent veterinary advice is essential.

NEVER USE DOG PRODUCTS ON CATS (unless instructed otherwise by your vet)

Some Slug Baits

Metalderhyde is the problem ingredient in some slug baits and any amount can be toxic for a cat
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Cats may become unsteady on their legs, salivate and twitch and can suffer convulsions.

Signs of poisning develop quickly so urgent treatment is needed.

AVOID PRODUCTS CONTAINING METALEHYDE IF YOU HAVE PETS.

Decorating Materials

Petroleum distillates found in solvents for paints, glass cleaners, varnishes, wood preservatives (such as creosote) and brush cleaners (eg, white spirit), can all cause problems.

They are irritants to the skin and footpads causing inflammation, blisters and burning. If the cat then grooms the product off the skin there may be severe irritation to its mouth.

Fumes from the products may also cause beathing difficulties.

CLEAN UP ANY SPILLAGES CAREFULLY AND KEEP CAT AWAY

Tips List

What to do if you think your cat has been poisoned

Remove your cat from the area where the source of poison is and isloate from other animals.

If possible prevent the cat from grooming itself futher.

Contact your vet for advice immediately, making sure you know when, where and how the poisoning occurred. If appropriate take the packaging, plant or substance with you to the vet.

Don not try to make the cat vomit, unless you are instucted to do so by your vet.

If the skin or fur is contaminated wash thoroughly with mild shampoo and water.