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poisoned cat


Sent to Health Experts March 21, 2004 6:25 p.m.

HELP! I put Hartz flea/tick medicine on my cat’s back about 8 hours ago -- PROBLEM IS - I didn’t even take into consideration that he is only AN 6 MONTH OLD KITTEN and I used my late cat’s dose (10 pounds +). I am so upset ... I think he’s going to die! He’s trembling and is having trouble walking and keeping his balance. I only now found him like this as he’s been out of my sight all day. I scrubbed his neck really well though I don’t know what good it will do now. What can I do?? My vet said all we can do is wait.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $5   
Answer
March 21, 2004 6:47 p.m. (21 minutes and 57 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

per this site: http://www.doctordog.com/catbook/catpoison.html

If your cat has a poisonous substance on the skin or coat, flush the area with copious amounts of water for five minutes. Wearing gloves, give the cat a complete bath in lukewarm, not cold, water, as described in the SKIN chapter. Even if not irritating the skin, the substance should be removed. Otherwise, the cat may lick it off and swallow it. Work in well. Then wash with a mild soap. Rub in cornstarch or flour.

A cat beginning to show signs of nervous system involvement is in deep trouble. At this point, get your cat to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Try to bring a sample of vomitus, or better yet the actual poison in the original container. Do not delay to administer first aid.

It does say on the site that if it ingested or came into contact with the poison LESS than 2 hours ago to induce vomiting.. but it sounds like your cat came into the substance much longer ago than that. Can you get a 2nd opinion? Call a different vet? If not.. there really isn't much else to do other than wait and see what happens.

I will tell you that I accidently poisoned 3 of my cats with a flea powder many years ago. They all became violently ill on a weekend.. at that time I did not have an emergency vet in the area. I sat with them all night.. and they eventually came out of it.. but it was very scary. One of those cats lived to be 21 years old! Please keep your kitten close and watch for vomiting.. and see if there is an emergency vet anywhere nearby where you can take your pet. I really hope this situation contains itself.. and your pet will be better soon. Please keep me posted if you can!
Pictureerthgoddss  -- Expert's Profile
Reply
Sent March 22, 2004 5:02 p.m. (22 hours and 15 minutes later)

Today Reuben seems better. He is playing, eating, even purring. But vet says we'll have to wait a few days to be sure he's okay.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 22, 2004 6:56 p.m. (1 hour and 54 minutes later)

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Pictureerthgoddss  -- Expert's Profile

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