Mary Allen
Cats are choosy – and therefore less at risk of eating specially designed poisoned baits than dogs. However, cats are not completely immune to poisoning.
According to the Swiss Animal Welfare STS, poisoned baits are the number one fear for dog owners. In fact, there are always media-related deaths after dogs have devoured pieces of meat prepared with rat poison or razor blades. While dog owners draw each other’s attention to such fatal finds on various platforms, free-roaming cats remain unmentioned as possible victims. And this, although there is a high probability that cats will also stumble upon such dangerous treats on their long walks. The research shows: Whether and, if so, how many cats fall victim to poison attacks each year cannot be determined with certainty. According to the STS, even for dogs, there is a lack of statistical data on poisoned bait incidents.
“Permethrin poisoning is probably the most common in cats. If left untreated, this can quickly lead to an agonizing death. We often experience such cases,” says Esther Geisser from NetAP – Network for Animal Protection. Contained in parasiticides permitted for dogs and cats and in plant protection products, these are usually not targeted attacks, but almost always accidents – which can, however, be fatal. Just cuddled once with the dog, which had previously been given his anti-flea remedy, and it happened and the cat got poisoned. Sometimes owners mean it too well and administer painkillers from human medicine to their house tigers. This is a serious mistake. Also common in winter: poisoning due to antifreeze deposited in puddles cats drink from.
For cases of poisoning in cats, the “Tox Info Suisse” foundation refers to a survey from 2015, which examined the effects of agricultural products and pesticides on cats. Accordingly, most cats poison themselves with insecticides and rodenticides, i.e. chemical agents used to control rodents. Of 50 cases, three were fatal and 18 were serious. 17 animals suffered from slight symptoms of poisoning.
Total Protection for Outdoor Cats is Impossible
Furthermore, the foundation publishes annual cases of poisoning in humans and animals in general. In 2018 there were 2183 cases involving different animal species. 1634 times it was about dogs, 409 times about cats, and 61 times about horses and ponies. The main triggers for poisoning with mild to severe courses were drugs (24.7%), followed by food and beverages (17.5%), agriculture and horticulture with insecticides, snail killers and fertilizers (15.3%), plants (14 .2 %), and veterinary medicinal products (10.3 %), which include agents against parasites.
“Cats are less easy to poison than dogs. They are more careful, weigh better, »says Esther Geisser, explaining the rather small number of likely poisoned bait victims. The cantonal veterinarian of Basel-Stadt, Michel Laszlo, also says: “Cats seem to be more selective than dogs, which catch everything possible when playing or walking and then poison themselves at best.” And the Zurich animal rescue service also gives the all-clear. Cases of poisoning are rare among the almost 500 cats that are taken in every year. “We estimate the number at two to three cases per year,” says Jana Bauer, spokeswoman for the foundation. The fact that it is actually poisoning is clear from the symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, increased salivation, cramps, tremors, and lying on one side. But you rarely know what specific substance is behind it.
It is impossible to generally protect your cat from this – at least when it is outdoors. However, if you live near a popular area for walking the streets, it is advisable to explore roadsides and bushes from time to time. Keep an eye out for hamburgers or meatballs or slug pellets in the neighboring gardens. In addition, first-aid courses and anti-poison bait workshops can prepare for emergencies. In an emergency, the only thing that helps is going to the vet immediately.