Pet owners are always looking for ways to ensure the safety and health of their beloved animals.
However, there may be everyday items in your home that pose a risk to your pet cat. ViralTikTok vet Amir Anwary has highlighted some common dangers in a recent video.
Amir warned: “These are four extremely common cat toxicities that every cat owner should be warned about. Number one is Acetaminophen, or Paracetamol – all versions of it are toxic to cats.
“So, for us, this is like your standard day to day pain medication. We assume it to be very safe. For cats, this is not at all the case.
“A tiny bit for them is extremely toxic. It can cause breakdown of the red blood cells, they can become lethargic, they can even die in severe cases.”
He added: “Next is garlic and onions. So, this is going to be quite controversial, because I know a lot of people use garlic as a natural tick and flea repellent and, yes, it can be used as that but, at higher doses, just like with onions, it can cause breakdown of red blood cells. I would avoid using both these ingredients in cats and dogs.”
Additionally, he pointed out that anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, while safe for humans, can lead to “severe reactions” in cats. He highlighted the risks, saying that in severe cases, it could even cause kidney failure, so caution is paramount.
He also cautioned pet owners about lilies, noting that people often use them in floral arrangements, but “every bit” of the plant is toxic to cats. This includes both the pollen and the water they are kept in, which can be “deadly” so it’s safer to keep them out of the house.
Since the video was posted, it has racked up over 4,000 views, with viewers sharing their thoughts. One person commented: “All flowers belonging to the lily family are toxic to cats.”
Another shared their experience, writing: “My cat got lily pollen on her chin. A night at the vet’s, and a £1,000 bill later, thankfully she is fine now.”
A third thanked Amir, saying: “Thank you. Keep educating us on cat safety.”
Are these things really toxic to cats?
Indeed, paracetamol is lethal to cats, with just one tablet capable of being fatal. Medications like Ibuprofen are also hazardous for cats, potentially causing serious health issues such as gastrointestinal problems.
Ibuprofen can also irritate the stomach and intestinal lining, possibly leading to stomach ulcers. Experts further advise pet owners to keep garlic and onions away from cats, as they should never be fed to them.
These belong to the Allium plant family, which can destroy a cat’s red blood cells, potentially causing anemia if consumed. Lilies pose a serious threat to cats, with the potential to cause deadly kidney failure.
Every part of the plant is hazardous, encompassing the leaves, flowers, pollen and even the water in the vase.