Pet owners naturally want to keep their furry friends safe and healthy.
However, there could be common household items that pose a threat to your pet cat. TikTok vet, Amir Anwary, recently highlighted some of these dangers in a video.
He 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.”
Amir explained that, while we consider this everyday pain medication safe for humans, it's not the case for cats. He added: “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.
“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.”
Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, while safe for humans, can cause “severe reactions” in cats, according to Amir. Even a small dose can be extremely hazardous, and potentially lead to kidney failure in severe cases.
He also cautioned pet owners about the risks associated with lilies, which are often used in floral arrangements. According to him, “every bit” of the lily plant is toxic to cats, including the pollen and the water they sit in, posing a “deadly” threat.
Since posting the video, it has attracted over 4,000 views and sparked a discussion among viewers. Comments ranged from personal experiences to gratitude for the information shared.
One viewer remarked: “All flowers belonging to the lily family are toxic to cats.” Another shared their costly vet experience after their cat encountered lily pollen, adding: “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 him for raising awareness, commenting: “Thank you. Keep educating us on cat safety.”
Is there truth to these warnings?
Indeed, paracetamol is lethal to cats, with even one tablet capable of being fatal. Medications like Ibuprofen are also risky for felines, as they can cause serious health issues such as gastrointestinal problems and stomach ulcers due to irritation of the stomach and intestinal lining.
Additionally, experts recommend keeping garlic and onions away from cats, as they are part of the Allium plant family, which can destroy a cat's red blood cells and potentially result in anemia if consumed.
Lilies pose a significant threat to cats, with the potential to cause deadly kidney failure. Every component of the plant is hazardous, encompassing the leaves, flowers, pollen and even the water in which it sits.
