Curiosity killed the cat - there is a reason for this well-known adage. Cats are notorious thrill-seekers - poking their noses where they shouldn’t, climbing into things they shouldn’t, and exploring their environments with zero fear (it’s a good thing they have 9 lives!)
That’s why as a responsible cat parent you will need to ensure that the environment your feline friend lives in and has access to is as safe as possible, and that includes minimizing their exposure to environmental toxins.
Welcome to the next installment of my series of videos about environmental toxins. Becoming aware of little known exposures that have an impact on animal health, can help to reduce the negative effects your cat might experience.
But have you ever considered that the medications you are prescribed can be harmful to your cat? Many medications that we use are now being manufactured in transdermal form - especially things like bioidentical hormones which are applied directly to the forearm.
These products are then accidentally transferred to our pets who absorb them through their skin. This is becoming a growing problem that I am starting to see more frequently than I would like. I have seen many cases over the last few years where a cat or a dog starts to develop strange hormonal symptoms and when they’re checked by a vet, it turns out that the parents were using medication that had been transferred to their pet.
Please be mindful if you are using any topical medications on yourself to ensure that the area is completely dry before you go and play with your pet. If you notice any signs of toxicosis (sluggishness, diarrhea, heavy breathing, drooling, unsteady gait, vomiting or seizures) please get your pet to an emergency vet immediately. Here is a great resource for you - simply input your zip code and you will be directed to the nearest emergency vet in your area.
