Pet foods designed to be fed on a regular basis are required to provide the vitamins and minerals cats need, so they will be getting the right nutrients . It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. This chicken-based recipe features lean protein to help your cat build muscle mass and it also contains essential taurine to support heart health. 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. Also, it can be absorbed by the soil, which can result in crop contamination. The information at Paws and Effect is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease and is intended for educational purposes only. 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. 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. The final verdict on, "Can cats eat tuna?". 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. Winners will be notified by phone or email and winning photos will appear in a future issue of Animal Wellness. Symptoms of methyl mercury poisoning are many. I went onto tuna as an alternative to prawns as they were expensive but they might be a more satisfying once a week treat. Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links; we will earn a commision, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of our links. The vet prescribed antibiotic prophylactically. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. Chronic exposure in fish and wildlife species associated with the bioaccumulation of mercury in the environment remains a problem. But just like milk isn't the best option when it comes to your cat's diet (they are obligate carnivores, afterall), fish has its limitations, too. 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. Alcohol. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished. 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. For that reason, many pet owners are forced to avoid feeding their beloved cats fish altogether. 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. Food Poisoning In Cats Symptoms. These symptoms are typically sudden and signal that a trip to the vet is necessary. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Yes, I would like to subscribe to your newsletter for information on natural health, products, and great deals! We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Food poisoning symptoms can last for days to weeks. Only your veterinarian can determine the cause of symptoms with diagnostic testing. 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 . The damage done to the neural system is irreversible through treatment. "Modern cats may develop organic mercury poisoning over time if they primarily eat cat food containing tuna, mackerel, and other types of seafood," says Jenna Stregowski, RVT and Daily Paws' health and behavior editor. Cats can consume albacore tuna if it is fed to them in a small portion. Patricia Jordan DVM is a 1986 graduate of the North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. Perform any additional tasks (liking a Facebook page, captioning a photo, submitting a story, etc.) And, a small amount can make a cat ill. Compromised kidney function in cats over ten or 12 years of age is epidemic. Grapes and raisins can kill your cat. There are two problems with giving your cat raw eggs. 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. ", PetWare web site: "Lactose Intolerance in Cats. Even if we were licensed vets, wed never make a diagnosis without seeing your cat and performing diagnostic tests! 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. It is very rare for a cat to get mercury poisoning from eating tuna. An occasional taste of cooked boneless beef or brown rice can be an OK treat. That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. Cats are especially more liable to that danger, as their diet normally carries a huge amount of fish. You may submit articles either by our online contact form, or by mail to: Animal Wellness Magazine CAN: 202-160 Charlotte St., Peterborough, ON K9J 2T8. Chronic exposure to mercury causes two major problems: Mercury from human pollution ends up in the air, but eventually settles into water, or onto land where it can be washed into water. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. Abstract. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. If youre still concerned about mercury poisoning, read on to learn more about the symptoms of mercury poisoning in cats and how you can protect your pets from the toxicity of food products that contain high levels of mercury. While cats in the wild hunt their food, indoor kitties rely on their cat parents to provide lunch. Encephalomalacia, the loss of myelin, and necrosis of axons may also be evident. It's a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find them in an emergency. All that just from tuna! Can cats get mercury poisoning? 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. Treatment depends on the type of poisoning but may include . On the bright side, the concern doesnt come directly from the occasional consumption of wet or dry fish-based food, seeing as most of these food products are tested for low levels of mercury contamination and are safe for cats in moderate amounts. Severe Neurological Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning in Cats Cats could develop severe symptoms of mercury poisoning after getting exposed to foods with high levels of mercury for a long period. You may submit a maximum of two photos of each animal in your home. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. I recommend that you examine cat food labels for the type and quantity of fish used. From dangerous plants to household cleaners, many everyday items can lead to poisoning. Signs of mercury poisoning in catsloss of coordination and balance, difficulty walkingcan mimic other illnesses, including thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency. Is it ever too late to learn an instrument? The inhalation of corrosive elemental mercury vapors at high concentrations produces severe dyspnea and compromised respiratory function that is usually fatal. Unlike organophosphates (OPs), carbamates are not structurally complex. Please ensure that any health facts or statistics that might appear in your article are accurate and come from an accredited source. At high levels, aflatoxins . Methylmercury is mutagenic, carcinogenic, embryotoxic, and highly teratogenic. In domestic animal species, clinical signs of nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive systems involvement are typical and influenced by the form, dose, and duration of exposure. It's important to note that kittens and older senior cats are especially prone to poisoning due to their weakened immune systems. In fact, the kidneys are the primary organ in which inorganic mercury is taken up and accumulated. Ive never seen a report of mercury poisoning in a cat fed tuna-based commercial cat food. This is a serious condition that can affect your cat's bones. pls let me know if this is a possibility. The most concerning part when it comes to severe mercury poisoning is that it could lead to diverse neurological symptoms that could be permanent for your cat. 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 Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. She has almost 30 years of experience in holistic modalities. In the surviving cats, no long-term complications were reported four months after discharge. Before submitting to Animal Wellness, we ask that you familiarize yourself with our publication so that you have a strong sense of the type of articles we publish. The nervous system of young, developing animals is particularly susceptible to organic mercury exposure, and is frequently manifested as cerebellar ataxia associated with cerebellar hypoplasia and death. PMB 155, Centennial, CO 80122 While mercury in fish and shellfish is a widespread problem, it doesnt mean you have to eliminate it entirely from your cats diet. For example, certain additives can cause excessive amounts of specific nutrients that can trigger gastrointestinal upset. Like many other types of fish, tuna has large amounts of mercury as well. But it's best to keep it small and infrequent. And they can be deadly for your cat. The best treatment is by preventing mercury poisoning in the first place, so be sure to keep dangerous products locked away out of your cat's reach and limit the amount of fish they consume. There are many ways that cats can get poisoned by ingesting things commonly found around the home. Lucky for us and our pets, mercury poisoning is less common than it once was. Symptoms of food poisoning can include any appetite change such as over- or under-eating or drinking, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), coughing, excessive saliva production, abdomen pain and panting. Overview of Insecticide and Acaricide (Organic) Toxicosis in Animals. If you believe your cat has ingested mercury, contact your vet and call the Pet Poison Control Hotline at (855) 764-7661. 1. (5) Jupiter Images Unlimited and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, (9) Jupiter Images Unlimited and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, (14)Dorling Kindersley / Getty and iStockphoto, (16)Cultura / Getty and Jupiter Images Unlimited, (17)Jupiter Images Unlimited and Photlibrary, (18)FoodPix and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, , PetEducation.com: "Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Cat. They may exhibit distress by pacing, using vocal calls, or generally acting irritated. Mercury and methylmercury build up in the body over time. If you submit an outline for a story, please also send samples of your work. We make no pretense of being veterinarians and we don't know anything about your specific cat's health or behavior history. 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 advice@paws-and-effect.com. But it's not a good idea. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. Not all poisonings are fatal. Fossil fuels represent an important environmental source of mercury. Symptoms were lethargy and weight loss with slight imbalance toward the end. Arthritis in Cats: Signs and Treatment Options, Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements). 2. ", Pets.ca: "Cat Treats table scraps Can I Give My Cat Treats. Click Here, Yes, I would like to subscribe to your newsletter for information on natural health, products, and great deals!No, Thanks, Thank You! A Dead Cat's Brain Revives Discussion of 1960s Mercury Poisoning Disaster in Japan . Keep hazardous foods, plants, and household products out of reach. They never showed signs of pain. https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/author/dkhalsa/, [gravityform id=7 title=true description=true ajax=true]. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Because cats are huge fans of fishtuna, in particulartheyre more susceptible to mercury poisoning than humans. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. Infectious diseases, including hog cholera Classical Swine Fever , erysipelas Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Infection , and feline parvovirus Feline Panleukopenia , may resemble mercury poisoning. The inorganic forms of mercury, including elemental mercury, are poorly absorbed after skin exposure. as a treat for your adult cat, Stregowski says that's a-okay in moderation. There are a lot of fish in the seabut which are safe for your cat to eat and how often? Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Siouxsie: If your cat didnt start showing neurological symptoms until after he began his course of antibiotics, the symptoms may be a side effect of the medicine. ", University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "Killer Grapes and Other Concerns in Animal Poison Control. This should alarm you if your playful cat suddenly turns into a quiet one. Siouxsie: For more information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics and side effects, check out this page on noted veterinarian Dr. Eric Barchass website. The organic forms of mercury, primarily methylmercury, are lipid soluble and well absorbed orally. If cats are eating these foods regularly, they could be eating high levels of mercury and methylmercury. Send a digital photo, scanned at a minimum of 5 x 7, at 300dpi resolution in a jpeg, tif or pdf format to info@animalwellnessmagazine.com, or send a good quality hard copy original photo (not a color photocopy) to: Photo Contest, Animal Wellness Magazine When these fish are eaten (by you, me, or our cats), the mercury is also ingested and absorbed into the body. 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. "It's best to avoid feeding kitten food with fish ingredients. ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". Those symptoms are the reason mercury poisoning is also called the dancing cat disease. However, it can contain high levels . 3 Things You Need to Know About a UTI in Dogs, Visiting a Cat Caf in the Happiest Country in the World, Top 3 Mushroom Extracts for Senior Dogs and Cats, Beyond Obedience: Why Your Dog Needs Behavioral Training Too, Senior Cats: Understanding the Changes that Come with Age, Learn What Ingredients Address Common Pet Health Concerns. Lethargy A poisoned cat will be lethargic and present general weakness. Researchers believe this adverse reaction is unlikely at lower doses, though. Cats show no such signs, but that doesn't mean they're immune to the toxic effects of mercury. But our feline friends tend to be a lot more discriminating than your average Labrador with their consumption, both in type and quantity. Siouxsie: The high levels of mercury in tuna can be dangerous, too. As they are obligate carnivores, their instinct is to eat meat. Receive weekly health info straight to your inbox. It may not be food poisoning but symptoms of another disease or infection. At the time, I also regularly fed my cat tuna. diet is the way to go because it resembles cats' natural feeding pattern. Cats will seek out antifreeze as they find its smell and taste appealing. Yet many of my clients who have cats in kidney failure entice them to eat by adding tuna to their meals. For larger animals, it might take more significant amounts to cause mercury poisoning; however, for cats, feeding them tuna without moderation will lead to mercury poisoning. Therefore, the vast majority of "food poisoning" episodes occur in dogs. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the abdomen and cause severe pain. Inorganic forms of mercury bind to sulfhydryl groups in enzymes and other thiol-containing molecules such as cysteine and glutathione. Subscribe to our email list to be instantly notified when we make a new post. Tilefish (listed on many commercial cat food labels as ocean whitefish) are among the worst, along with tuna, king mackerel, shark and swordfish. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients. Our turnaround response time for submissions is four weeks. Sinad had to take it a few times for UTIs, and she never had any neurological problems as a result. Excessive vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs that your cat might have taken . Inorganic forms of mercury are cytotoxic and highly corrosive. In contrast, organic mercury compounds, which bioaccumulate in soft tissues, are most appropriately assessed in liver, kidney, or brain tissues. 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. Stregowski says to keep an eye out for these signs of mercury poisoning in cats. Metals such as lead Lead Poisoning in Animals Lead poisoning in mammalian and avian species is characterized by neurologic disturbances, gastrointestinal upset, hematologic abnormalities, immunosuppression, infertility, and renal disease read more , arsenic Overview of Arsenic Poisoning in Animals The chemical element arsenic (symbol As, atomic number 33) is a nonmetal or metalloid in group V on the periodic chart. If it seems fishy that commercial cat foods and treats include fish, Stregowski says extra precautions can be taken. Im upset that I never was warned about feeding them canned tuna after routinely reporting what I was feeding them. If your cat is experiencing any of the above symptoms, taking immediate action is necessary to prevent further complications. Predator species considered to be near the top of the food chain, such as fish, seals, polar bears, and various bird species, bioaccumulate considerable quantities of mercury from dietary sources. Skin rashes can also be a sign of food poisoning . Thomas: So, if your cat is suffering from mercury toxicity, it can be treated. In short: Don't take our word as gospel. fda.gov/food . 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. As a result, consuming even small doses with each meal can add up quickly. In the brain, histologically, neuronal degeneration and perivascular cuffing are evident in the cerebrocortical grey matter. Albacore tuna also has a high amount of fat, which can cause your cat to gain unnecessary weight. It could take up to four days of continuous treatment to get rid of most of the toxins circulating in the blood. As you can see, we dont use ads on this site. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition. Mercury poisoning is a scary issue that puts the life of our pets in danger. Can cats get mercury poisoning? Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. Alcohol is not safe for your cat. Does your dog have recurring ear infections? The Benefits of Tuna for Cats. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. It's also in some cold medicines and painkillers. They both died within about 3 months of their first symptoms of weight loss. However, they may persist for days to weeks. It is usually diagnosed by a blood test or a test of the hair/fur. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms. Many illnesses can mimic cat food poisoning. So it's possible that mercury poisoning happens, but is not diagnosed. 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. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. Most cats are lactose-intolerant. Here's what you should know about mercury poisoning in cats. This highly toxic form of mercury produces corrosive bronchitis and interstitial pneumonia. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, FAX number and/or e-mail address on your manuscript. The water guidelines in most countries for mercury are 0.001 mg/L and 0.003 mg/L for humans and animals, respectively. Commercial fish food products such as tuna have been associated with chronic poisoning in humans and cats. Composer John McDonald, professor and chair of the Department of Music, offers his advice, Katie Peterson, professor of the practice of poetry, suggests some heartfelt approaches. Consider topics you know well and/or that will offer special interest and appeal to our readers. If your cat has ingested too much mercury over a prolonged amount of time, he may begin to exhibit certain symptoms. Mercury poisoning is a big issue, especially when it comes to fish and shellfish. Increased heart rate, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and cardiac arrest are possible. In humans, symptoms of methylmercury poisoning may include peripheral vision impairment, sensory disturbances (pins and needles), lack of coordination, muscle weakness, and problems with speech, hearing and walking. Marine mammals and fish often contain substantially increased concentrations of mercury that may not be associated with clinical disease (vs for ruminant or companion animal species); however, they may be a potential source of exposure for more susceptible species, particularly the fetus or younger animals. The replacement of mercury products used for medicinal, agricultural, or industrial purposes with alternatives has resulted in a decline in acute and chronic poisoning cases; although many wildlife species remain at risk. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. The considerable variation associated with the clinical manifestations related to the various forms of mercury and the duration of exposure underscores the need for repeated tissue analyses. Additionally, certain plants like rhubarb are toxic to felines, as are a handful of household products. It was in May 1956, that M. d. was first officially "discovered" in Minamata City, south-west region of Japan's Kyushu Island. Those foods include shellfish, tuna, king mackerel, and swordfish. Just limit special treats to no more than ten percent of your cat's regular diet and rotate protein sources. What they eat; How long they live; How high they are in the food chain; In a given water body, the highest concentrations of methylmercury are generally found in large fish that eat other fish. This veterinarian-reviewed article goes over the causes and symptoms of food poisoning in cats. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." Dahlia: Good luck, Jane. Minamata disease (M. d.) is methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning that occurred in humans who ingested fish and shellfish contaminated by MeHg discharged in waste water from a chemical plant (Chisso Co. Ltd.). You should always check the quality of your cat's food to ensure it is not spoiled or under recall. If you find that the food has a large amount of shellfish or tuna, you wouldnt want to regularly feed it to your cat. Click here to view our current issue of Animal Wellness Magazine. The causes are germs or other harmful things in the food or beverage. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Are there diagnostics and treatment for that? In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat. That kind of treatment aims to remove as many toxins as possible and help your cat get back on its tiny feet quickly. They can get cat food poisoning. The symptoms of botulism in cats can vary depending on the gravity of the condition and the exact type of toxin involved. It's also possible for a cat to develop mercury poisoning from eating too much canned tuna. 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. 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. Chelation therapy may be useful if treatment is started soon after exposure, before nephrotoxic effects become severe. These rare indulgences should account for no more than 10 percent of your cats daily calories. Symptoms usually start within hours or several days of eating the food. Tuna is a saltwater fish eaten all over the world. As Veterinary and Human Toxicology explains, mercury poisoning can lead to glomerulonephropathy or nephrotic syndrome, which are kidney diseases.