can cats get mercury poisoning from cat food

As always, ask your trusted veterinarian about the addition of supplements to your cat's diet. Try replacing tuna-based foods with those made from fish that have lower concentrations of mercury, such as salmon. Just limit special treats to no more than ten percent of your cat's regular diet and rotate protein sources. It is important to point out that there are other diseases and conditions in cats which can lead to similar symptoms to salmonella poisoning. It can also depend on the kind of food: A Brazilian study evaluating 88 local dog and cat foods found that mercury concentrations were significantly higher in canned pet food than in dry pet food. Cats that are over ten years of age experience complicated side effects that could lead to total kidney failure. In food-producing animals, considerable mercury accumulation in tissues intended as food and profound effects on reproduction limit treatment options. Arthritis in Cats: Signs and Treatment Options, Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements). 2. Even if we were licensed vets, wed never make a diagnosis without seeing your cat and performing diagnostic tests! Sadly, I just lost both otherwise healthy cats (12 and 9 y/o) within a period of 4 months. This highly toxic form of mercury produces corrosive bronchitis and interstitial pneumonia. Symptoms of methyl mercury poisoning are many. Ive never seen a report of mercury poisoning in a cat fed tuna-based commercial cat food. Photographs, where applicable, are also encouraged. Mercury and methylmercury build up in the body over time. Further research tells me that in June 2005, she killed two of her neighbor's cats by mixing the rodent poison, d-Con, into a can of cat food and dolloping it out in the yard. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result can be digestive upset with diarrhea. Most poisons do not have antidotes; rather, the usual procedure is to give the cat supportive care until the toxins are metabolized out of his system. Some cat parents believe that the bones and raw food (B.A.R.F.) Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us: You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. But our feline friends tend to be a lot more discriminating than your average Labrador with their consumption, both in type and quantity. As the kidney is the main target organ in which mercury accumulates, I can easily extrapolate that the high fish content in many cat foods is contributing to the large number of cases of renal disease we are now seeing in felines. From dangerous plants to household cleaners, many everyday items can lead to poisoning. These rare indulgences should account for no more than 10 percent of your cats daily calories. Neurologic manifestations may eventually develop at lower levels of exposure. Most of the time, the symptoms are due to another illness or disease. Such diseases include metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, neoplasms or a variety of the many infections from which cats can suffer. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. RaiseACat.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. If tuna is fed occasionally, its not a big deal but if you feed him tuna every day, you could be risking mercury poisoning. At high levels, aflatoxins . That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. Food poisoning, a type of foodborne illness, is a sickness people get from something they ate or drank. In small quantities, there's nothing wrong with that for cats, but in high quantities, it can lead to a depletion in Vitamin E, causing deficiencies. A brief biographical sketch of yourself is also recommended. Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. o [ canine influenza] We pay for unlimited rights only. This recipe is also veterinarian formulated and made in the USA, making it a top choice of Dr. Barnette. Siouxsie: For more information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics and side effects, check out this page on noted veterinarian Dr. Eric Barchass website. Poisoning is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. Chocolate can be lethal for cats. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your cat's coat. Get your cat to a well-ventilated area. As you can see, we dont use ads on this site. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. Use OR to account for alternate terms Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties: A couple of months ago, my 9-year-old male cat became quite ill. His symptoms were primarily lethargy and decreased appetite. Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. The lipid-soluble chelator dimercaprol (3 mg/kg body wt, IM, every 4 hours for 2 days, followed by four times on day 3 and twice-a-day treatment for 10 days) may be beneficial. However, it seems reasonable to assume that when a cat eats tuna as its main diet, it ingests far more mercury on a body-weight basis than a human doeseven a person who eats a lot of tuna. "Toxic effects tend to develop after prolonged ingestion of seafood that causes a buildup of mercury in the body.". In moderation, tuna can be a healthy treat for most cats. Im upset that I never was warned about feeding them canned tuna after routinely reporting what I was feeding them. Because these compounds are not corrosive, gastrointestinal signs do not occur. Subscribe to our email list to be instantly notified when we make a new post. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. Cats are also susceptible to mercury poisoning, so consider choosing a cat food made with other kinds of fish. Cats with vomiting and diarrhea can also suffer from dehydration, weight loss, and fever. Pick up a childhood picture book and you'll probably find a cat happily lapping up a saucer of milk. Do not, however, send book-length manuscripts. Cats can be exposed to poisons not just by eating them; toxic substances can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin also. Receive weekly health info straight to your inbox. Onion in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can break down a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Consequently, bioaccumulation is extensive in tissues such as the brain, kidney, and fetus. Its going to be hard to get him off the tuna habit as he is very vocal but I think I need to cut down to maybe one day a week treat and see if he becomes more agile. A human would get some sort of signal that she was getting ill from exposure to this heavy metal - but a cat wouldn't exhibit any signs of sickness unless the exposure was much, much higher. In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat. Open a can from this Purina Friskies Oceans of Delight wet cat food variety pack, and watch your favorite feline come bounding to her dish. Differential diagnoses may include conditions that produce gastrointestinal distress, renal disease, or neurologic dysfunction manifested by tremors, ataxia, or convulsions. Thomas: However, we hope weve helped you to know what questions to ask your vet when you take your cat back to the clinic. And they can be deadly for your cat. We try to help you understand your cat and what may or may not be going on with him or her, but please discuss your concerns about your cat with your veterinarian! Cats are especially more liable to that danger, as their diet normally carries a huge amount of fish. Do not hesitate if you think something is wrong with your cat. Does your dog have recurring ear infections? Mercury poisoning wont appear after the consumption of a small amount of fish, so avoid constantly feeding your cat raw fish, canned tuna, mackerels, or other types of cat food that contain a large amount of mercury. Stick to no more than 1 tablespoon per week for a healthy, adult cat and opt for the light tuna vs white (albacore) as it contains much less mercury. An occasional bite of dog food won't hurt your cat. The general consensus from vets is that there is no problem with feeding tuna based cat foods. When choosing fish as a rotating treat or a portion of a completed and balanced meal, small fish like sardines in spring water or freeze-dried minnows are a good choice. She lectures internationally and is a professor at the British Institute of Homeopathy. Get the dog moms and dads in your life something unique this year. And there is no antidote. This chicken-based recipe features lean protein to help your cat build muscle mass and it also contains essential taurine to support heart health. A human would get some sort of signal that she was getting ill from exposure to this heavy metal but a cat wouldnt exhibit any signs of sickness unless the exposure was much, much higher. If youd like to help us pay for our hosting costs, please consider supporting our Patreon campaign or making a one-time donation through PayPal. It is very rare for a cat to get mercury poisoning from eating tuna. However, a lack of treatment can cause the symptoms to become more severe and life-threatening. Thomas: Too much tuna can lead to vitamin E deficiency, resulting in yellow fat disease, or steatitis. Some other foods that are poisonous to cats include alcohol, raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish, and yeast dough. Comprehensive guidelines reflecting the serious nature of the mercury poisoning have been established internationally by the World Health Organization and many countries for humans and animals. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. These symptoms necessitate a call or trip to an emergency veterinarian. chemical plant fed food mixed with wastewater to cats. Because inorganic forms of mercury are excreted in the urine, urinary mercury concentrations are the most reliable indicator of exposure. One study from a few years ago found that mercury levels in cats were five times those usually found in people! So it's possible that mercury poisoning happens, but is not diagnosed. Early detection can be the difference between life and death for your feline companion. Because cats are huge fans of fishtuna, in particulartheyre more susceptible to mercury poisoning than humans. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. Bella: Cats can develop glaucoma, a buildup of pressure inside the eyeball, which can also lead to blindness. Cats can and do survive being poisoned if they're treated early and appropriately. Siouxsie: They are used to treat infections of the skin, bladder, ears, kidneys, lungs (pneumonia), and prostate gland. Not all poisonings are fatal. Many commercial cat foods have minimal levels of fish as part of their recipes, either for flavoring or perhaps because people like to feed their cats food with some fish in it, thinking its tastier for them. Its the cause of most of the major kidney failures. Compromised kidney function in cats over ten or 12 years of age is epidemic. 1. We reserve the right to publish all photos in Animal Wellness Magazine, and on our website. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. Are there diagnostics and treatment for that? In fact, it has been found that many pet foods contain concentrations of toxic metals that far exceed the human limit values, calculated to animal-sized dosages. Among their numerous functions, selenoenzymes prevent and reverse oxidative damage in organs. Because mercury toxicity is not common in cats, it may not be the first thing a veterinarian suspects. It may not be food poisoning but symptoms of another disease or infection. Infectious diseases, including hog cholera Classical Swine Fever , erysipelas Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Infection , and feline parvovirus Feline Panleukopenia , may resemble mercury poisoning. They can easily develop immune-system deficiency and suffer severe symptoms. They never showed signs of pain. Containing 10 cans each of four delectable flavors, this 40-count variety pack gives her the seafood flavor she craves at mealtime. They'll be able to assess your cat's symptoms, run lab work on their blood or feces if necessary, make a diagnosis, and start treatment. Over my 30 years in practice, as mercury levels in fish have exponentially increased, I have noticed that issues like hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure and kidney disease in cats have also skyrocketed. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Lethargy A poisoned cat will be lethargic and present general weakness. Small amounts of seafood can be given as an occasional treat and should make up no more than ten percent of your kitten's regular diet," Stregowski explains. Can my cat get mercury poisoning from fish? Advanced cases may be characterized by depression, anorexia, proprioceptive defects, total blindness, paralysis, with high mortality. Interested in a print subscription? When these fish are eaten (by you, me, or our cats), the mercury is also ingested and absorbed into the body. In fact, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of methylmercury. Consequently, these forms of mercury cause severe inflammation, ulcers, and tissue necrosis in the gastrointestinal tract. The volume of carbamates used now exceeds that of OPs because carbamates are read more , or organochlorine compounds; oxalates; vitamin D; and mycotoxins Overview of Mycotoxicoses in Animals For discussion of mycotoxicoses in poultry, see Mycotoxicoses in Poultry. Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pets. And my cat was only 2 years old when its all teeth fell out. Mercury poisoning poses a serious health risk to your cat. Please do not send multiple submissions (articles that have been sent to more than one publication) unless you have received confirmation that the story will not be used by another magazine. However, while some illnesses like Salmonella get better with time, others, such as botulism, can be fatal if they're not quickly given antitoxin. My own severe symptoms included seizures, heart arrhythmia, severe fatigure, fainting, irritability, hand tremors, burning red hands and feet, pain in my lower jaw and teeth, and peeling skin on my hands and finger tips. It would subject the cat to malnutrition as fish carry multiple important vitamins for cats wellbeing. If cats are eating these foods regularly, they could be eating high levels of mercury and methylmercury. Botulism, in particular, can cause concerning symptoms. When it comes to dry cat food, it's hard to beat Hill's Science Diet. Just as you would do for your children, put all medicines where your cat can't get to them. Only your veterinarian can determine the cause of symptoms with diagnostic testing. And, that's exactly what it would do in your cat's stomach if your cat ate it. If you find that the food has a large amount of shellfish or tuna, you wouldnt want to regularly feed it to your cat. About Cats Protection Our vision Our history Annual Review Mainly, too much fish over a long period of time could lead to mercury poisoning in cats. However, if you catch the symptoms early on, your vet will prescribe charcoal tablets and other medications that will limit the absorption of mercury. Signs of mercury poisoning in cats include: Loss of coordination Unsteady gait Abnormal behavior Tremors or seizures Involuntary body and eye movements Central nervous system depression Vision loss Death According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, signs of mercury poisoning in cats may include over-excitement, irritability, incoordination, convulsions, stiff hind legs, tremors and blindness. Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it is good for your cat. December 15, 2021, 12:43 PM. At the time, I also regularly fed my cat tuna. Chelation therapy may be useful if treatment is started soon after exposure, before nephrotoxic effects become severe. Many illnesses can mimic cat food poisoning. "Cats should not eat chocolate, caffeine, xylitol (the sugar-free agent in gum), macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, chives, grapes and raisins ," Dr. Irish said. Conclusion. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. Although most cats won't eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. In the rare case that your cat recently ingested a large amount of inorganic mercury, for example by ingesting a button cell battery, your vet can administer activated charcoal and other agents that can prevent absorption by the body. This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated and biomagnified in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea, which, when eaten by the local population, resulted in mercury poisoning. Can cats get mercury poisoning from tuna cat food? Lucky for us and our pets, mercury poisoning is less common than it once was. But now were going to tell you about one of our favorite axioms, the Horses, Not Zebras Theory. And my cat also developed bizarre symptoms: within the space of a few months, every one of its teeth became loose and fell out, and it produced excessive saliva. Although we prefer to use original material only, we do sometimes publish book excerpts. Stregowski says yes, and many cat-specific omega-3 supplements and fish oils are typically tested for dangerous compounds to ensure safety. cat eating tuna from a plate, mercury poisoning in cats. Human Foods That Are Harmful for Cats to Eat. Interesting. Cats can not only get drunk, but it can also easily cause severe liver . And a cat can choke on a bone. They can get cat food poisoning. Behavior changes can include lethargy or over-activity such as pacing or increased anxiety. Botulin is a toxin produced by the bacterium that affects the nervous system, causing a range of symptoms that can be hard to diagnose. It's important to note that kittens and older senior cats are especially prone to poisoning due to their weakened immune systems. Recently I was diagnosed with mercury poisoning, probably from my having eaten 7-8 cans of tuna per week over a period of nine months (I was exercising vigorously, but didnt want to include red meat in my diet, so tuna seemed a good alternative). Antifreeze is a common cause of poisoning in small animals. Mercury poisoning: the real threat for dogs and cats Remember that your pets can get poisoned if they actually absorb mercury and the easiest way for this to happen is through food and water. They may not be ready to beat you in a game of chess, but these brainy dogs are easy to train and generally eager to please you. These symptoms can appear within hours or days. Therefore, the vast majority of "food poisoning" episodes occur in dogs. (2018). Acute or chronic toxicoses in animals can result from exposure to feed or bedding contaminated with toxins produced read more such as T-2 toxin or thiamine deficiency should be considered. Chocolate has a dark side: Cocoa-based products are the items most commonly involved in food poisoning in pets, causing anything from mild problems such as tummy . No matter how cautious you are, it's possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn't. Ive mostly recovered now (with patially numb hands and tinnitus that may never go away); but as I look back I realize that 15 years ago, my then also serious health issues were caused by excessive tuna consumption. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs.

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