Nicotine poisoning in your cat can be caused by either ingestion or absorption of nicotine products, like cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarette juice, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum or candy.Symptoms will develop quickly when nicotine is in your cat's system.To ensure a successful recovery, you will need to take your cat to the vet immediately.The vet can respond to your cat's symptoms.Keeping tobacco products out of reach is one way to prevent nicotine poisoning.
Step 1: Look at symptoms.
There are early symptoms of nicotine poisoning.Within 15 to 20 minutes, this may occur.More advanced symptoms include twitching, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, coma, collapse, increased heart rate and cardiac arrest.Within 15 to 90 minutes, these symptoms can occur if you ingest a tobacco product.
Step 2: It is a good idea to avoid inducing vomiting.
If you think the poisoning is due to the ingestion of e-cigs, try to avoid doing this.Since the e-juice is absorbed through the cat's mouth, vomiting is not effective.
Step 3: Take your cat to the doctor.
If you are aware that your cat has been poisoned, then you should do this.Don't treat your cat at home first.Rapid medical treatment is needed for the successful recovery of your cat.The sooner your cat gets professional medical treatment, the better.If you don't have a vet, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline or go to the nearest veterinary hospital.You can bring the suspected source of poisoning to the vet if you want.
Step 4: Vomiting induces.
If your cat is not vomiting, the vet will give it a drug to make it vomit.If you think your cat has been poisoned by chewing tobacco, the vet can do this.
Step 5: You can give your cat charcoal.
Nicotine can be absorbed by activated charcoal in your cat's gastrointestinal tract.The elimination of nicotine from your cat's system is aided by this.
Step 6: Put your cat on IV fluids.
The vet will give your cat an IV to help flush out the nicotine in his system.No matter how your cat has been poisoned, this is a routine procedure.
Step 7: Provide oxygen to your cat.
The vet will give your cat oxygen if it is having trouble breathing.An oxygen mask will be placed on your cat.
Step 8: Administer drugs.
The vet will give your cat drugs to lower its blood pressure.If your cat is having convulsions or tremors, you will need to give them medication to control them.
Step 9: Take care of your cat.
The vet will want to watch your cat for at least four hours.The vet will watch your cat's blood work to make sure it doesn't have damage to its internal organs.If your cat's internal organs have been damaged, it may need to have surgery.Your cat should be free of nicotine after 16 hours.
Step 10: Tobacco products should be kept out of reach.
Nicotine gum and candy, transdermal patches, chewing tobacco, cigars, and cigarette packs can be placed in a cabinet or on a high shelf.Tobacco products can be kept in a locked drawer.If you keep some of your products in a purse or backpack, make sure to put your bag out of reach and secure them when you get home.
Step 11: Don't throw cigarette butt in the trash.
Once you are done smoking, do this.Don't leave cigarette/cigar butts on the ground outside.Once you are done smoking, make sure to empty your ashtray in the garbage or put it up high and out of reach.Make sure to clean the spills thoroughly if your cat can reach them.They can lick the spilled e-juice off their paws.
Step 12: There is a designated smoking room.
You can enjoy your tobacco products in a cat-free zone in one of the rooms in your apartment or house.It is possible to control your cat's exposure to tobacco products.The door should be closed when entering and leaving the room.If you are not at home, you may want to put a lock on the door.Smoking outside will lower your cat's exposure to tobacco products.
Step 13: Don't use tobacco products.
This is the best way to prevent nicotine poisoning in your cat.There are many ways to stop using tobacco products.If you want to quit the natural way, you can try commercial products.