Top 10 Items in a London Flat That Send Cats to the Emergency Vet

While your cat may be safe from the dangers of traffic and wildlife when kept indoors, there are hidden dangers lurking inside most UK households. This article explores the most common items in London flats that pose serious risks to pet cats.

Key takeaways

• Many everyday items found inside your home could be dangerous for your cat
• Prevention is the key, so being aware of what the risks are is half the battle
• If you suspect your cat has accessed something toxic, seeking veterinary advice promptly is key
• The biggest risks for cats in flats are lilies, human painkillers, dog flea treatments, string and hair ties, open windows, cleaning products, essential oils and rodent bait

1. Lilies in Bouquets and Vases

While lilies look elegant and brighten up any room, they are highly toxic for cats. True lilies are the most dangerous and include varieties such as the Asiatic, Oriental and Tiger lilies. Every part of the plant is dangerous, including the petals, pollen and bulbs.

Signs of lily toxicity don’t show immediately, and it can take 2-3 days before the obvious signs of kidney failure appear. These include excess thirst, nausea and lethargy. With any suspected exposure, immediately wash away visible pollen and head to your vet for decontamination.

2. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Other Human Medications

While we may take pain relief for a headache without giving it a second thought, many of the medicines we use can be fatal for our cats, even in small doses. Never purposefully give your cat human medicine, and be sure to keep it out of their reach.

If your cat does manage to ingest any sort of human medicine, contact your closest emergency vet right away. They may induce vomiting and provide supportive care such as intravenous fluids, oxygen and/or activated charcoal.

3. Dog Flea Treatments

Some flea treatments are risky for cats, particularly those that contain Permethrin. It affects the nervous system and cats lack the specific enzyme (glucuronyl transferase) needed to break down this insecticide.

Signs of toxicity can include drooling, twitching, wobbly walking, and seizures. If you have applied Permethrin to your cat, wash away any of the product using warm, soapy water and call your vet right away.

4. String, Thread, Ribbon and Hair Ties

These seemingly nondescript items can wreak havoc within your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Long, thin items are what we call 'linear foreign bodies' and the danger is that the gut can wrap around them, leading to an obstruction.

Over the course of a few days, your cat may start to show signs including vomiting, food refusal and diarrhoea or constipation. Once a blockage has occurred, they may require abdominal surgery. If the cat is seen before this point, the vet might be able to safely induce vomiting or to remove the offending item using a small camera (endoscope).

5. Open Windows and Balconies

While you may assume your cat has the common sense not to jump from a high building, this is not always the case. Falling from a height can cause serious injuries including fractures, internal bleeding, hernias, and lung contusions.

Even if your cat has not shown much interest in windows or balconies before, you must ensure they are fully cat-proof and that there is no way your cat is able to jump off them.

6. Other Toxic Houseplants

Lilies are not the only bad guys, and other toxic plants include Sago Palms, Daffodils, Carnations, and Holly. Indeed, many plants are not safe to have around cats, so it is wise to check every plant that comes into your home. The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of the safe and non-safe plants.

7. Cleaning Products and Disinfectants

Cats can be especially sensitive to certain cleaning products. Phenols, bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds are some of the most notorious within the vet community. The most common route of exposure is when the cat stands on or rubs against a recently cleaned area and then grooms themselves.

Symptoms vary but can include drooling, oral pain, vomiting, and weakness. To minimise risks, stick to pet-safe cleaning products and always ensure surfaces have dried before allowing any contact.

8. Essential Oils, Diffusers and Reed Diffusers

Cats sometimes have difficulty metabolising certain chemicals present in essential oils. We can see toxicity after they inhale them, touch them or ingest them. Some of the more concerning oils include tea tree oil, eucalyptus and clove.

If your cat has been exposed to a toxic essential oil, you may notice they are shaking, weak, or have laboured breathing. There is also the risk of liver damage developing within a few days. When cats are in the home, it is generally safest to avoid the use of these products.

9. Onions, Garlic and Other Kitchen Hazards

Certain foods are toxic for cats, particularly if eaten in large quantities over time. If cats are fed onion or garlic repeatedly or in large amounts, they can develop haemolytic anaemia, whereby their red blood cells are broken down.

Stick to designated cat food where possible. If you do want to share a little human food, the best options include unseasoned lean meats like chicken or turkey, or a little boiled fish or egg.

10. Rodent Bait and Poisoned Mice

Rat bait is a real concern when it comes to our pets, and can even be deadly. Many rodenticides work by preventing the blood from clotting, which leads to internal bleeding over the course of several days.

If your cat has had exposure to rat poison or to poisoned vermin, contact the vet right away. The antidote to most rat bait is Vitamin K and, when caught in time, the exposure is highly treatable.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats or Swallows Something

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to something dangerous, time is usually of the essence.

Act Fast and Call a Vet

Once you have taken the offending item away or washed it off, contact your local emergency vet. Make them aware of what your cat has been exposed to, in what quantity and over what period of time. If it is night-time or the weekend, do not wait until morning, and call an out of hours vet provider.

What Not to Do

Never try to treat your cat from home, as many toxicities have the potential to be fatal if not dealt with appropriately.

Do not wait until morning to seek vet advice, as even an hour or two could make all the difference.

When to Call an Emergency Vet in London

Don’t hesitate to contact an emergency vet clinic if you are worried for your cat or there is a chance of poisoning. They are best placed to advise you on the safest and most appropriate next steps.

Get Emergency Veterinary Advice for Your Cat

24-7 vets are available at all hours, ready to advise you. In some cases they can provide reassurance that the exposure has not been toxic, while for other cats, they will arrange urgent vet care to ensure the best outcome possible.

London Flat Dangers for Cats: FAQs

What are the most common household dangers for cats?

Some of the more common household dangers include toxic plants, cleaning products and human medicine.

Are lilies really that dangerous to cats?

Lilies can be fatal to cats, even after small exposures. Cats can develop acute kidney failure after exposure to any part of the plant, including the pollen.

Can I give my cat paracetamol?

No, it is not safe to give your cat paracetamol. Paracetamol is highly toxic to cats and even small exposures could put their life at risk.

Can a vet come to my flat if my cat is poisoned?

Yes, it may be appropriate to request a home visit after toxicity. Contact your nearest emergency vet to discuss if this is an option, or if they would need to see your cat in the clinic.