Companion Animals

Household Toxin Safety for Cats

Many common household plants, foods, and cleaning products are toxic to cats, and accidental poisoning causes significant preventable welfare harm.

Key Facts

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure from small exposures
Paracetamol is acutely toxic to cats at doses that are safe for humans
Many essential oils including tea tree and eucalyptus are toxic to cats through skin absorption
Permethrin-containing dog spot-on products cause severe neurological toxicity in cats
Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is highly palatable and lethal to cats in small doses

Welfare Considerations

Cats accidentally poisoned by household toxins experience acute suffering from neurological, renal, or hepatic failure. Many poisonings are entirely preventable through owner awareness of common household hazards. The stoic nature of cats means poisoning may not be recognised until it is advanced. Prompt veterinary treatment significantly improves outcomes for some toxins if presented early.

What You Can Do

Remove all lily species from homes and gardens where cats are present
Never administer human pain medication to cats without explicit veterinary instruction
Store antifreeze securely and clean up spills immediately
Use only products licensed for cats and never use permethrin products on or near cats
Familiarise yourself with common cat toxins and keep the Animal Poison Line number accessible