by Jessy Hudson

Created on: October 01, 2009

Cats are wonderful pets, known for their curiosity and inquisitive natures. This means that, at times, you may find your cat in places where he or she should not be. This can be frustrating, but sometimes it can also be dangerous for your pet. There are many things around your house that may be toxic to your cat, and one that you may not know about is citrus oil.

Citrus oils are found in many household products, ranging from fragrances to food additives. Insecticides, such as yard sprays or even flea dips or shampoos, may also contain these oils. Poisoning can occur through ingestion as well as through high levels of skin contact. For this reason, be sure that any flea treatments you use on your pet do not contain high levels of citrus.

The signs of citrus oil poisoning are relatively easy to see. Cats that have come into contact with citrus oils will have a strong citrus smell to their skin. Affected animals may drool excessively. They may also appear weak and listless or appear depressed, and may not be able to stand. Hypothermia is another common sign, meaning that your pet may feel colder to the touch than usual.

If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, immediate action is necessary. If your pet has gotten the oil on their skin, bathe them repeatedly with liquid dish soap and warm water until they no longer smell of citrus. Dry them completely and be sure to keep them warm. This is only first aid, however, and veterinary attention should still be sought to ensure that there are no hidden symptoms and that all of the oil has been removed.

If your cat has ingested citrus oil, see a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Once at the vet's office, your cat will most likely have their stomach pumped and be given activated charcoal. The vet will ensure that your pet is kept warm and may also put them onto IV fluids to keep them properly hydrated. Once treated, most cats will recover from citrus oil poisoning within 6 to 12 hours.

Citrus oil poisoning can be very serious, but if treated immediately and by a professional your pet should recover relatively quickly. To keep your pet safe, it is always best to keep chemicals in a locked cupboard and to be sure that fragrant oils are kept out of their reach.

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