cat ate grass sprayed with pesticide

My Cat Ate Grass Sprayed With Pesticide – Now What Should I Do?

As a devoted cat owner, one of my biggest concerns is keeping my furry friend safe both inside and outside our home. Cats are naturally curious creatures who love to explore, which can sometimes get them into trouble. One potential hazard that many cat owners may not think about is lawn pesticides and weed killers. If your cat has ever eaten grass sprayed with these chemicals, you may be wondering what to do next and how to prevent this scary situation in the future.

In this article, we’ll cover why cats eat grass, the dangers of pesticide exposure, signs of poisoning, first aid steps, diagnosis and treatment, plus tips to keep your cat safe around pesticide use With some awareness and precautions, you can help protect your feline companion while still enjoying a lush, weed-free lawn

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

It’s quite common to see cats happily munching on grass. In fact, studies show roughly 25% to 33% of cats eat grass regularly. But why do cats have this peculiar grazing habit? There are a few different theories:

• Cats lack the enzyme needed to digest plant matter, so grass may induce vomiting to expel hairballs or other irritants from their stomach.

• Grass provides fiber to support healthy digestion

• Eating greens may provide supplemental nutrition, vitamins, and minerals.

• Grass chewing satisfies cats’ innate need to chew, nibble, and fulfill their predatory instincts.

Whatever the reasons behind it, cats eating grass in moderation is normal. But there are risks when they ingest grass recently treated with potentially toxic pesticides.

Dangers of Pesticide Exposure in Cats

Many common weed killers, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides intended for use on lawns and gardens contain chemicals that can be extremely hazardous to cats if ingested, even in small amounts. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, pesticides and herbicides account for around 10% of all feline poisoning cases.

Some examples of popular home and garden chemicals toxic to cats include:

• Glyphosate (Roundup)
• 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)
• Permethrin
• Cypermethrin
• Imidacloprid
• Carbaryl (Sevin)
• Metaldehyde

When wet chemicals get on cats’ paws and fur, they ingest them during grooming. Cats may also lick pesticide residue directly from plant surfaces and soil. Since their liver is not efficient at detoxifying chemicals, cats are extremely sensitive to pesticides.

Signs Your Cat May Have Ingested Pesticides

Look for these common symptoms of pesticide poisoning in cats:

• Excessive drooling and vomiting
• Diarrhea or bloody stools
• Loss of appetite, dehydration
• Lethargy, depression, or weakness
• Dilation of the pupils
• Panting, coughing, or difficulty breathing
• Tremors, stumbling, seizures
• Coma, death

Immediately contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital if your cat shows any concerning signs after potential pesticide exposure. Quick action is critical!

First Aid Steps for Pesticide Poisoning

If you catch your cat ingesting chemicals or notice symptoms shortly after exposure, quick first aid steps can potentially reduce the toxicity.

• Safely confine the cat to avoid further contamination.

• Check product labels for first aid direction. For example, prompt decontamination is advised for organophosphate poisoning.

• Contact your vet or poison control hotline for guidance. They may recommend inducing vomiting if ingestion just occurred.

• To induce vomiting, administer 3-5ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide per 5 lbs body weight using a syringe or turkey baster. Repeat once if vomit is not produced in 15 minutes.

• Never induce vomiting if the cat is unconscious or convulsing.

• Follow with activated charcoal to absorb toxins if recommended by your vet.

• Rush for veterinary evaluation and treatment ASAP.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Pesticide Poisoning

At the vet clinic, you’ll be asked for details about the product, amount ingested, and timing of exposure. Be prepared to provide the packaging, name, and active ingredients if possible.

Your vet will examine your cat for symptoms like excessive drooling, pupil dilation, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, or neurological abnormalities to assess poisoning severity.

Initial blood work, urinalysis, and biochemistry profile can reveal issues like anemia, electrolyte imbalances, liver or kidney damage. Toxin screening tests may be done on blood, urine, or stomach contents depending on the poison suspected.

Treatment focuses on identifying and controlling clinical signs while preventing continued pesticide absorption. Steps may include:

• Decontamination wash if skin exposure occurred

• Inducing vomiting if ingestion was very recent

• Activated charcoal to bind toxins in the GI tract

• Aggressive IV fluid therapy to flush toxins and support kidney function

• Medications to control vomiting, diarrhea, seizures

• Oxygen therapy and respiration support as needed

• Intensive monitoring and supportive hospital care for 2-7 days

With aggressive veterinary therapy started promptly, many cats fully recover from pesticide poisoning. However, in severe cases damage can be irreversible and even fatal. Avoidance is by far the safest approach for our pets.

Keeping Cats Safe Around Pesticides

Here are some tips to protect curious cats from the dangers of lawn and garden chemicals:

• Always read labels thoroughly and follow all safety precautions.

• Confine cats indoors during application and until products are completely dry.

• Pick up any granules spilled on soil promptly. Cats may ingest them when grooming.

• Avoid spot-on flea treatments if you have both cats and dogs. Use oral or injected products instead.

• Ventilate areas very well before allowing cats back inside after indoor pesticide use.

• Offer safe grass alternatives like wheatgrass, catnip, or parsley to satisfy chewing urges.

• Securely store all chemicals out of pets’ reach. Properly dispose of old products.

• Ask neighbors to notify you of any recent pesticide applications so you can keep cats away.

By taking a few easy precautions, we can keep our cats healthy and avoid tragic pesticide poisoning accidents. Being vigilant and informed about chemical dangers allows us to tackle weeds and pests in our yard without putting our feline family members at risk. With some common sense and care, our gardens can be both cat and pest-free!