by Nomi Berger
 
With the increasing popularity of electronic cigarettes, commonly called E-cigs, comes an increased risk of toxicity to cats whose owners use them.
 
Marketed as smoke-free substitutes for traditional cigarettes, they’re shaped like a long cigarette, battery operated, and filled with a replaceable cartridge of E-liquid that contains a mixture of ingredients such as nicotine, flavorings, glycerin and propylene glycol. An atomizer heats the liquid, turning it into a vapor that is then inhaled while creating a cloud that resembles cigarette smoke (a practice colloquially referred to as “vaping”).
 
Although their safety for humans hasn’t yet been determined, each E-cigarette cartridge contains 6 to 24 mg of nicotine, the equivalent of one to two regular cigarettes, while their enhanced flavoring and aroma make them highly attractive to cats.
 
The dangers of ingesting E-liquids include gastrointestinal obstruction and nicotine toxicity, while chewing on the sharp plastic can cause oral trauma. According to petpoisonhelpline.com, “the ingestion of a single cartridge can result in clinical signs and potentially death for a dog less than 10 pounds.” The same level of toxicity would also apply to a cat.
 
While many cats will vomit naturally after ingesting E-liquids, the signs of toxicity are dose-dependent and usually begin within 15 minutes to one hour of ingestion. When large amounts are consumed, the effects can be life threatening, but even small amounts can induce symptoms. Without treatment, nicotine toxicity can cause paralysis of the breathing muscles and cats may die, sometimes within hours.
 
If you’re a “vaper”, contact your vet immediately if your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms: tremors, weakness, stumbling and/or loss of coordination, depression, hyperactivity, lethargy, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, drooling, dilated pupils, diarrhea, seizures, collapse, slow or fast heart rate and/or cardiac arrhythmias.
 
Of primary importance is reducing the amount of nicotine in her stomach while keeping her alive until her body breaks it down. You may be instructed to induce vomiting if you saw your cat ingest the E-liquid and she’s alert. Do NOT use antacids as the stomach acid helps decrease the absorption of the nicotine. If her exposure was dermal (her paws or fur came in contact with any spilled liquid), bathe her promptly using a mild dishwashing soap.
 
If however, her symptoms are severe, bring her to your vet or to the nearest emergency clinic where her stomach may be pumped (gastric lavage) and repeated doses of activated charcoal or intravenous fluids used to reduce further nicotine absorption and enhance its elimination. A ventilator may also be used to assist with her breathing until the toxins are cleared from her system. If needed, other supportive care may include oxygen and seizure control medications such as diazepam (valium.
 
It’s said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and if you’re a pet parent who “vapes”, paw-lease do so responsibly. Besides cartridges, there are also E-juice bottles, and while childproof, your cat’s needle-sharp teeth can pierce the packing. To prevent any mishaps, when not in use, all supplies and accessories MUST be locked safely away and out of reach. It’s also best to “vape” in another room or in one that’s properly ventilated – for your sake as well as hers.

by Nomi Berger

For years, certain essential oils were considered safe for cats and were often recommended for use in treating everything from stress and ear mite infestations to upper respiratory problems.
 
But recently, some studies have shown that essential oils can be toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to their skin or simply inhaled. The liver is the organ most negatively affected, and unlike ours, cats’ livers lack the ability to properly metabolize the various compounds found in essential oils.
 
Toxicity in cats can either occur very quickly, following a single internal or external application or over a longer period of time -- through repeated or continuous inhalation of the essential oils. Either way, it can cause serious damage to the liver and, and in some instances, even lead to death.
 
Although using essential oils on cats is now generally discouraged, they may, however, still be used – if diluted -- to treat certain ailments under the close supervision of a veterinarian.
 
A partial list of the essential oils to be avoided include peppermint oil, lemon oil, lavender oil, melaleuca oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon bark oil, wintergreen oil, thyme oil, birch oil, and any oil containing phenol. If ingested or applied directly to the skin, these essential oils can damage your cat’s skin and even induce seizures. Should yours accidentally ingest ANY oil, rush her to the vet immediately.
 
Aside from their toxic effects, the concentrated scent of essential oils can be very irritating, even overwhelming, to cats because of their extremely sensitive noses. If you’re a cat owner who diffuses essential oils throughout your home, ensure there’s good ventilation – for your sake and the sake of your cat -- that you only diffuse small amounts for limited periods of time, and that kitty can retreat to a “scent-free” zone if the smell becomes overpowering.
 
Hydrosols, also known as “flower waters”, are often promoted as a more natural and safer alternative to essential oils. Less saturated or concentrated than essential oils, hydrosols are basically what remain after steam-distilling fresh leaves, fruits, flowers or herbs in water. With properties similar to essential oils, their aromas are often softer and subtler.
 
While hydrosols may be safer for use on human skin, they are still dangerous for cats as the water can retain residual plant matter that can prove toxic if ingested or even inhaled. While some cats can tolerate hydrosols, others are more sensitive to them. To be on the safe side, limit your cat’s access or exposure to them to minimize the risk of any health issues arising.

Guest Blog Article by Jenny Spiers
 
Even if your cat is an indoor pet, it still needs exercise and stimulation. Not only do they keep your kitty healthy through ample movement, it also makes it happy. Cats love to hunt and to be challenged, and by introducing the right activities at home, you can continue to stimulate these instincts.
 
The great news is, you do not need a huge place or a lot of money to keep your cat entertained. Kitties love the attention and are happy when their humans play with them. They are not picky about toys and will play with anything they see around the house. Here are some tips to make sure that you are keeping your cat stimulated and active the whole day.

1. Invest In Cat Toys
   

 
There are toys specifically designed for kitties, like feathers on a stick or balls they can chase around. You can also keep your cat very happy by using a scratching post.  These are great because they can also sharpen their claws there instead of in your furniture. Buying ones with a place to sit on the top are something your kitty will love as well.
 
You do not need to invest in a lot of toys. A good idea is to rotate what you have, hiding some that your kitty is bored with and giving them back after a few weeks.

1. Let Your Cat Search for Food

 
Wild cats survived by foraging for their own food. You can keep your kitty active and stimulated by hiding some treats or dry food all over the house and let your pet search for it. Moreover, it is good because your cat will not eat too much at once, and instead, eat a few times during the day.

1. Stimulate the Senses

 
Cats have a wonderful sense of smell. They love pacing around the house and smelling around. You can stimulate this by spreading old socks with various scents all over the house. Simply dab a drop of perfume, extract, spice, or other aromatic things. Scatter them all over the house and your pet will have interesting things to smell as it walks around. You can also do a scent trail using some cheese and having a real piece of cheese to eat at the end as a treat.

1. Watch the Outside World

 
Cats love having a place in the window pane or somewhere beside the window to observe the world outside. Make it comfortable by putting a soft pillow or blanket and your kitty will enjoy hours of watching. You can also put a bird feeder outside the window so that birds will come and your feline friend has lots to see. Just make sure the window is closed to keep your cat from unexpectedly jumping out.

1. Recycle Old Cardboard

 
It is common knowledge that cats go crazy over old boxes, preferring them over the toys actually inside them. One cheap and easy way to keep your kitty occupied is to recycle old boxes. You can even connect them together with tape and design tunnels or mazes. You can also hang toys inside the boxes for some additional fun. If you have a cat, you will find yourself never throwing away any cardboard ever again.
 
There are many simple and very cheap ways to keep your cat stimulated at home. Hiding things or letting your kitty chase things will also give it the exercise it needs so it stays healthy. By installing some of these things you can keep your cat happy and avoid loneliness especially when you are at work. Moreover, these activities will trigger its instincts so that even if it is an indoor pet, it can still chase and hunt.