Cats shouldn’t consume any caffeine, Cornell professors point out, when pets consume 14 milligrams of caffeine per pound of body weight. More serious and potentially fatal reactions can occur at doses of 23 to 27 mg per pound of body weight ingested.
Keep cats away from caffeine
It’s not just the sip of your tea or coffee cup that you need to be aware of . Pets can also poison themselves by swallowing uncooked coffee beans or tea bags, coffee grounds, filters, and bags found in litter. So, be sure to keep pets away from countertops, close cabinets and pantries, and secure lids over all trash cans. These simple precautions go a long way in preventing curious pets from poisoning themselves.
Many over-the-counter medicines also contain large amounts of caffeine. These include: diet pills, alertness aids, and even treatments for severe headaches. While liquid caffeine poisoning is relatively rare, some of these pills can be fatal. Therefore, do not leave medicine bottles or powders within the reach of unattended pets.
Signs of Poisoning in Cats
Even your best efforts are not enough to get a cat or dog out trouble. With so many potential dangers lurking in the average home, it’s important for you, the owner, to accurately identify the signs of caffeine intoxication, including:
1. Agitation
2. Ataxia (increased heart rate)
3. Emotional breakdown
4. Excessive panting
5. Hyperactivity
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6. Restlessness
7. Seizures
8. Vomiting
In most cases, symptoms will appear within an hour of taking began to appear within. Seek emergency veterinary care promptly if your cat exhibits any of these warning signs.
Treatment of cat poisoning
Prompt action is an important step in helping cats overcome caffeine poisoning. If the dog or cat is taken to emergency care immediately, the veterinarian may induce vomiting, which stops its absorption of caffeine. And in more severe or advanced cases, IV therapy can help flush out your pet’s digestive system. Treatment can take up to 48 hours, but is usually successful if started early.
As with all types of poisoning, preventing caffeine poisoning is always preferable to treating it.
