If the house cat has eaten something toxic, your first reaction may be to force him to vomit to rid his body of the poisonous substance. Unfortunately, this is not easy at all and is only useful if the toxin has been ingested less than two hours ago. The cats in particular are rather reluctant to the methods necessary to induce vomiting, which are instead effective for dogs - the only reasonably safe technique is in fact the administration by mouth of 3% hydrogen peroxide (but only on veterinary advice). If that doesn't work either or it's been more than two hours since the intoxication, you need to go to the veterinary clinic right away. WarningDo not give your cat salt in an attempt to make him vomit, as this could cause severe kidney damage.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Evaluating if the Cat Should Vomit
Step 1. Look for signs that the cat has eaten something dangerous
If you have a cat and you see signs that they have come into contact with a toxic substance, find them as soon as possible and assess their health as best they can.
Step 2. Look for the causes of sudden discomfort
Some specimens may ingest something poisonous without you immediately noticing; if he behaves as if he is ill, he inspects the house and garden for residues of what he has eaten.
This means that you also need to check for plants (outdoor or indoor) that are more toxic to felines, such as aloe, chrysanthemum, eucalyptus, dahlia, hostas and many others
Step 3. Call your vet or animal poison control center
You must do this before inducing vomiting on your cat. this is an important step because there are circumstances in which it is better not to reject the gastric contents, as the situation could worsen. Here's when to avoid it:
- when the cat has convulsions or has lost consciousness: immediately take him to the veterinary emergency room;
- when he has already vomited;
- when you have swallowed a sharp object (such as a needle) that could get stuck in the lining of the esophagus or stomach;
- when you have eaten any of these substances: acids, bases, household chemicals or petroleum-based products;
- when more than two hours have passed.
Part 2 of 2: Induce Vomiting
Step 1. Prepare a solution
You can make your cat vomit by giving it a substance that irritates the stomach without damaging it. obviously the animal does not ingest it voluntarily, so you have to force it.
- Use 3% hydrogen peroxide. Calculate 5 ml of peroxide for every 2.5 kg of the cat's weight and never exceed the dose of 15 ml. Give the cat every 10 minutes until he vomits; but be aware that you cannot give him more than three doses.
- If he does not reject after this treatment, take him to the vet.
- This is the best home remedy to get it to clear the stomach.
- You should notice some frothy drool at the mouth, but that's not a bad thing. Hydrogen peroxide stains or bleaches clothes and towels, so use an old towel and wear clothes you don't mind damaging.
Step 2. Hold the pet, for your own safety and yours
Use a thick, large towel, unfold it and place it on a table or kitchen counter. Take the cat and place it in the center of the cloth; lift the fabric on its paws and wrap its hips making sure the animal is well bandaged.
- Do this in a small room with the door closed so the cat can't escape or hide if you can't hold it back.
- Make sure the floor is easy to clean from vomit and other liquids.
Step 3. Give him the solution
The best way to proceed is to use a small syringe or a large dropper; in some cases you can also use a measuring spoon, but this wastes a lot of hydrogen peroxide. Ask a helper to hold the cat securely while you pour or administer the liquid into the corner of his mouth, into the crevice between his teeth. avoid in all ways that the cat can inhale the peroxide.
- Ask a person to help you; you should work with a friend or relative to hold the animal still while you administer the solution.
- After giving him a dose, hold him until he starts to gag and then release him to allow him to vomit on the floor.
Step 4. Collect all gastric contents and take them to the vet for evaluation
Take a scoop or paper towels to transfer the material into an airtight plastic bag and show it to the doctor at the next follow-up visit.
Call the vet's office and make an appointment for your cat to be examined and given appropriate care
Advice
You can buy syringes at drugstores or pet stores and should keep them on hand when needed. they are quite inexpensive and, if you keep them at home, they will last several years to administer oral medications
Warnings
- Store all household cleaners, garage chemicals, and other substances in locked cabinets that the cat cannot open or access.
- You should keep all needles, pins and yarns out of the reach of curious cats; kittens may accidentally swallow needles with embroidery floss or play with yarn.
- If you are not sure whether or not to make your cat vomit, call your vet or the number of the animal poison control center; either way, you will be given instructions to help your feline friend as much as possible.
