It's not uncommon for gardeners to put slug and snail bait down in their garden in an attempt to protect their plants from being decimated. Most people wouldn't think twice about doing this on their own property, but they likely aren't thinking about the risk to other animals that may find their way into their garden. Most slug and snail baits contain an ingredient known as metaldehyde. This ingredient poisons slugs and snails, but it's also toxic to cats and can have a devastating effect on their nervous system. Unfortunately, curious cats can ingest this bait, so being aware of the signs of poisoning can save their life.
Signs Of Slug And Snail Bait Poisoning
If your cat has ingested slug and snail bait you can expect them to experience gastric upset and increased salivation. Rapid breathing, which can cause your cat to pant, is also common and as the poison affects their nervous system your cat will experience loss of coordination. This can cause them to appear clumsy and they may bump into objects or struggle to walk without losing their balance. Some cats will also have seizures, which can lead to loss of bowel control.
Diagnosing And Treating Slug And Snail Bait Poisoning
Slug and snail bait poisoning should be treated as an emergency. Provide your vet with as much information as you can about your cat's symptoms and their health history to help them form a diagnosis as quickly as possible. If possible, take a sample of your cat's vomit or excrement with you to the vet, as this will allow the vet to analyse it for a range of common toxins. They will also take blood samples to check for inflammation and organ damage.
Slug and snail bait poisoning can be treated in a range of ways, and the vet will make a recommendation based on the severity of your cat's symptoms. Emetics, which is a type of medication that stimulates the stomach to empty as quickly as possible, may be recommended if treatment is sought early. Intravenous fluids can also be used to prevent dehydration and help flush toxins out of your cat's system. Another possible treatment is activated charcoal. This is often given as a drink and clears your cat's gastrointestinal system of toxins by binding to them. The toxins are then carried out of your cat's body when they defecate.
Early treatment improves your cat's chances of making a full recovery and can prevent organ damage, so be vigilant and get your cat to the vet if they show any symptoms of poisoning.
Contact a veterinary service near you to learn more.