Cats are exposed to numerous household toxins that cause severe suffering and death. Understanding the most dangerous toxins and preventing exposure protects cat welfare effectively.
Cat toxin exposure causes acute suffering through a range of mechanisms including acute kidney failure, liver failure, neurological seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Many exposures are preventable through awareness of common household dangers. Lilies deserve special attention as even small amounts cause irreversible acute kidney failure in cats with no antidote. Antifreeze garage spills are a common cause of fatal poisoning. Dog-specific insecticides including permethrin are frequently applied to cats by unaware owners with fatal consequences. Cat-proofing the home environment through plant selection, secure storage of toxins, and careful product selection prevents the vast majority of poisonings.