Bella: Cats can develop glaucoma, a buildup of pressure inside the eyeball, which can also lead to blindness. And that can of tuna can be just as dangerous. Large fish, like other predators at the top of the food chain, accumulate organic mercury and other toxins from their dietary sources. When poisoning is suspected, concentrations >6 mg/kg (blood), 10 mg/kg (kidney), 0.5 mg/kg (brain), and 4 mg/kg (feed, dry wt) are consistent with a diagnosis of mercury poisoning. Mercury exists in a variety of chemical forms, including elemental mercury (eg, thermometers, light bulbs), inorganic mercurial (mercuric or mercurous) salts (eg, batteries, latex paints), and organic mercury (aryl, methyl, or ethyl). The Benefits of Tuna for Cats. They may be submitted either digitally (at 300dpi) or as prints or slides along with your manuscript. RELATED: Best Cat Food and Treats for Senior Cats. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Common neurologic manifestations include blindness, ataxia, incoordination, tremors, abnormal behavior, hypermetria, nystagmus (cats), and tonic-clonic convulsions. Both the EPA and FDA release fish advisories (see sidebar) for people due to health concerns about mercury, denoting that this health risk is very real. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include: Goat milk why its so good for your dog or cat. While mercury in fish and shellfish is a widespread problem, it doesnt mean you have to eliminate it entirely from your cats diet. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. As a result, consuming even small doses with each meal can add up quickly. Kitties are generally more prone to chronic (long . 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. It is usually diagnosed by a blood test or a test of the hair/fur. As a predatory species that eat other fish, tuna tends to accumulate higher levels of heavy metals and toxins and should not be consumed too frequently. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. Siouxsie: Please keep in mind that this information is not in any way intended to be a diagnosis. It is often referred to as arsenic metal, and for toxicological purposes read more , thallium, or cadmium; insecticides Overview of Insecticide and Acaricide (Organic) Toxicosis in Animals Insecticides are any substance or a mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate insects. Now my cats immediate symptoms are resolved, but he is left with what seem to be neurological problems including balance disturbance and pupils oddly dilated. Those foods include shellfish, tuna, king mackerel, and swordfish. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. Occasional tuna treats are probably safe, but weadvise against feeding your cat tuna-based foods on a daily basis. Ive never seen a report of mercury poisoning in a cat fed tuna-based commercial cat food. They will likely want to review your cat's dietary history in depth to rule out possible sources of infection. 160 Charlotte Street, Suite 202 A Dead Cat's Brain Revives Discussion of 1960s Mercury Poisoning Disaster in Japan . Some other foods that are poisonous to cats include alcohol, raw or undercooked eggs, meat or fish, and yeast dough. My cat demands tuna and has been eating it every day for some time in addition to James Wellbeloved dry food. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. 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 information at Paws and Effect is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease and is intended for educational purposes only. Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result can be digestive upset with diarrhea. I recommend that you examine cat food labels for the type and quantity of fish used. Do you have any other ideas of what may be going on with him? . And they can be deadly for your cat. Mercury poisoning is a big issue, especially when it comes to fish and shellfish. Until veterinarians know more, limit your cat's tuna consumption to occasional treats of canned chunk-light tunanot. 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. It's quite rare for cats to get sick due to food poisoning. As for a little bit of cooked salmon skin (or tuna!) Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. Cats can and do survive being poisoned if they're treated early and appropriately. Both fat and bones may be dangerous for cats. Ive called poison control ive called animal poison control ive tried angel memorial. They both died within about 3 months of their first symptoms of weight loss. Lethargy A poisoned cat will be lethargic and present general weakness. Similarly, acaricides are substances that can destroy mites. 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. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. The diagnosis may be made on the basis of analysis of tissue specimens with appropriate histopathologic and clinical pathologic testing, history, and clinical signs. Over my 30 years in practice, as mercury levels in fish have exponentially increased, I have noticed that issues like hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure and kidney disease in cats have also skyrocketed. Cats can also be poisoned by the food they eat, not due to bacteria but because they are intolerant or allergic to the substance. Consequently, these forms of mercury cause severe inflammation, ulcers, and tissue necrosis in the gastrointestinal tract. The only way to tell what is making your pet sick is to take your cat to the veterinarian. Other tests, including to detect proteinuria, azotemia, or a nonregenerative anemia, may provide useful evidence to support a diagnosis of mercury poisoning. Limiting the consumption of mercury-contaminated food such as fish products or water will reduce exposure. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Kidney Disease in Cats & Sweet-Smelling Urine. In small quantities, there's nothing wrong with that for cats, but in high quantities, it can lead to a depletion in Vitamin E, causing deficiencies. Mainly, too much fish over a long period of time could lead to mercury poisoning in cats. Dahlia: Mercury poisoning is pretty rare in cats, and in people. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. You might be wondering if there's a safe way to include omega-3 fatty acids in your cat's meals without sacrificing one of your cat's nine lives to mercury poisoning. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. If cats are eating these foods regularly, they could be eating high levels of mercury and methylmercury. If you are sending your submission by regular mail, please also enclose a SASE and keep a copy of the article for your own files. Symptoms were lethargy and weight loss with slight imbalance toward the end. The townspeople called this mysterious illness the "dancing cat disease." They also noticed that there were dead fish floating on the sea and dead . Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of 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. Turn the page and he's probably moved on to the next coursea whole fish. Cats are prone to the following foodborne illnesses: Raw meat, decomposing food, and unwashed or unpasteurized food, including canned products, can contain these unhealthy bacteria. All rights reserved. Botulin is a toxin produced by the bacterium that affects the nervous system, causing a range of symptoms that can be hard to diagnose. Grapes and raisins can kill your cat. Chelation therapy may be useful if treatment is started soon after exposure, before nephrotoxic effects become severe. The Most Common Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning in Cats, Severe Neurological Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning in Cats, Symptoms of Kidney Disease Caused by Mercury Poisoning in Cats, Protection Against Mercury Poisoning in Cats, Bug Spray Poisoning Signs You Should Know, 5 Symptoms of Nasal Polyps in Cats You Should Know About, 8 Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Cats You Should Know, Top Low Residue Cat Food Options on The Market, Best c/d Cat Food Alternatives on The Market. You may be familiar with food poisoning, the nasty sickness that starts after ingesting something containing harmful bacteria. Because the neurologic and renal damage resulting from mercury poisoning is irreversible, treatment may be ineffective. 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. Im upset that I never was warned about feeding them canned tuna after routinely reporting what I was feeding them. They contain a cyanide-type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, and shock. Yes, cats can get Salmonella. Cerebellar atrophy or hypoplasia and Purkinje cell degeneration are seen. Dahlia: The fluoroquinolones are powerful antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for pets. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. If you believe your cat has ingested mercury, contact your vet and call the Pet Poison Control Hotline at (855) 764-7661. I would like to know after reading this article and searching for days just exactly where I can find anyone in the Boston area who can help my cat resolve what I know is mercury poisoning because of me his stupid owner..couldnt resist giving him albacore tuna every time I ate it not knowing the hazard behind it. This site collects information via the use of cookies and through our email subscription form. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine. While cats in the wild hunt their food, indoor kitties rely on their cat parents to provide lunch. chemical plant fed food mixed with wastewater to cats. Although cases of mercury poisoning in animals have declined, bioaccumulation and food safety concerns related to mercury ingestion remain a priority worldwide. And, that's exactly what it would do in your cat's stomach if your cat ate it. Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. Our turnaround response time for submissions is four weeks. The second is rare problem in which a protein in raw egg whites, called avidin, could interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. When choosing fish as a rotating treat or a portion of a completed and balanced meal, small fish like sardines in spring water or freeze-dried minnows are a good choice. 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. As the kidney is the main target organ in which mercury accumulates, I can easily extrapolate that the high fish content in many cat foods is contributing to the large number of cases of renal disease we are now seeing in felines. So its possible that mercury poisoning happens, but is not diagnosed. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. Large ranges in mercury concentrations in pet foods have been reported previously, with cat diets often being higher than those for dogs. It is important to point out that there are other diseases and conditions in cats which can lead to similar symptoms to salmonella poisoning. Government of Canada: Mercury in the Food Chain, Risk Assessment Information System: Formal Toxicity Summary for Mercury, World Health Organization: Water Quality Guidelines, Environmental Protection Agency: Basic Information about Mercury. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. They may not be interested in playing or eating. There are a lot of fish in the seabut which are safe for your cat to eat and how . Try replacing tuna-based foods with those made from fish that have lower concentrations of mercury, such as salmon. Sinad had to take it a few times for UTIs, and she never had any neurological problems as a result. 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. Dr Jordan found holistic medicine in 2000 at the AHVMA American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Conference. 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. 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. DonateSponsor Adopt a cat Find a cat Choosing a cat Preparing for a cat Buying a kitten Adopt a cat FAQs What is our adoption fee? The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. diet is the way to go because it resembles cats' natural feeding pattern. . It would subject the cat to malnutrition as fish carry multiple important vitamins for cats wellbeing. A lot of common household products are toxic to cats, too. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. So it's possible that mercury poisoning happens, but is not diagnosed. The initial signs of mercury poisoning are usually less noticeable and could be very similar to vitamin B deficiency symptoms. The volume of carbamates used now exceeds that of OPs because carbamates are read more , or organochlorine compounds; oxalates; vitamin D; and mycotoxins Overview of Mycotoxicoses in Animals For discussion of mycotoxicoses in poultry, see Mycotoxicoses in Poultry. Although thoroughly researched, articles are not written or edited by a veterinarian. There are a lot of fish in the seabut which are safe for your cat to eat and how often? Albacore tuna also has a high amount of fat, which can cause your cat to gain unnecessary weight. Neurologic manifestations, including CNS depression or excitation similar to that which occurs in cases of organic mercury poisoning, may develop after chronic exposure. Even if we were licensed vets, wed never make a diagnosis without seeing your cat and performing diagnostic tests! For that reason, its safer to carefully examine the labels of certain canned foods before feeding them to your cat. Can cats get mercury poisoning from tuna cat food? Thomas: So what are the symptoms of mercury poisoning? In fact, the kidneys are the primary organ in which inorganic mercury is taken up and accumulated. Differential diagnoses may include conditions that produce gastrointestinal distress, renal disease, or neurologic dysfunction manifested by tremors, ataxia, or convulsions. RELATED: Arthritis in Cats: Signs and Treatment Options. Mercury and methylmercury build up in the body over time. 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. The general consensus from vets is that there is no problem with feeding tuna based cat foods. We try to help you understand your cat and what may or may not be going on with him or her, but please discuss your concerns about your cat with your veterinarian! She lectures internationally and is a professor at the British Institute of Homeopathy. April 13, 2021 -- Two lots of 30-pound bags of Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food have been recalled by the J.M. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. Cats can also eat it to the point of getting sick of it and then you'll have to find something else for your pet to eat. Please view our privacy policy for details on how we use your information. This should alarm you if your playful cat suddenly turns into a quiet one. Many commercial cat foods have minimal levels of fish as part of their recipes, either for flavoring or perhaps because people like to feed their cats food with some fish in it, thinking its tastier for them. Alcohol. Please let us know how things turn out. If you think your cat has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. Like human food poisoning, cat food poisoning occurs when harmful bacteria make their way into your cat's food. All Rights Reserved. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Because of the potential for exposure of humans, attempted treatment in food-producing animals is not recommended. Cats are carnivores and need meat. Poisoning is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus that can grow on pet food ingredients such as corn, peanuts, and other grains. 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. Fossil fuels represent an important environmental source of mercury. PMB 155, Centennial, CO 80122 The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. An email will be sent to you with each new issue that is published. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. In the environment, inorganic forms of mercury are converted to methylmercury under anaerobic conditions in the sediment of most bodies of water. One study from a few years ago found that mercury levels in cats were five times those usually found in people! These human foods can cause serious illness in your cat. As Veterinary and Human Toxicology explains, mercury poisoning can lead to glomerulonephropathy or nephrotic syndrome, which are kidney diseases. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. I went onto tuna as an alternative to prawns as they were expensive but they might be a more satisfying once a week treat. Tuna also provides the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can contribute to overall skin and coat health and may also help . Quickly assess your cat for signs and symptoms of illness. That said, you must take your cat to the vet the moment you suspect cat poisoning. Mercury irreversibly inhibits selenium-dependent enzymes. CAN: 202-160 Charlotte St., Peterborough, ON K9J 2T8. Use to remove results with certain terms Please include your name, address and telephone number or email address, along with your animals name, sex and age (if known) and a short description of the photo. 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. Historically, mercury poisoning was a common occurrence in both humans and animals. Detecting the signs of poisoning can save your pet's life. Learn more about how to keep your cat safe from toxic substances. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Common poisons include human medications, insecticides, household cleaners, plants and rodenticides. The best way to treat cat poisoning is to prevent it entirely. Training your dog to follow basic commands builds a positive relationship with her and helps ensure her safety. Thomas: However, we hope weve helped you to know what questions to ask your vet when you take your cat back to the clinic. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Patricia Jordan DVM is a 1986 graduate of the North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine. Poisoning associated with various forms of mercury has declined in recent years. Consider topics you know well and/or that will offer special interest and appeal to our readers. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And there is no antidote. This chicken-based recipe features lean protein to help your cat build muscle mass and it also contains essential taurine to support heart health. ", ASPCA: "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. Sadly, I just lost both otherwise healthy cats (12 and 9 y/o) within a period of 4 months. Please do not send multiple submissions (articles that have been sent to more than one publication) unless you have received confirmation that the story will not be used by another magazine. P.S. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Are there diagnostics and treatment for that? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. At high levels, aflatoxins . Although some cats show no ill effects, it's best not to give your cat any grapes and to keep grapes and raisins off countertops and other places accessible to your cat. They limit the damage done by mercury and increase metabolism and thyroid function. For that reason, many pet owners are forced to avoid feeding their beloved cats fish altogether. Those symptoms are the reason mercury poisoning is also called the dancing cat disease. 1. In food-producing animals, considerable mercury accumulation in tissues intended as food and profound effects on reproduction limit treatment options. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. The physical, chemical, and kinetic properties of the various forms of mercury play an important role influencing the clinical manifestations, the extent and nature of lesions, and the tissue distribution of mercury. A common culprit is none other than your cat's favorite snacktuna (deep breath, tuna is okay in moderation). A good rule of thumb is to feed your kitty fish a maximum of two times a week to avoid unnecessary mercury exposure. In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat. Interested in a print subscription? In contrast, organic mercury compounds, which bioaccumulate in soft tissues, are most appropriately assessed in liver, kidney, or brain tissues. Cats that are over ten years of age experience complicated side effects that could lead to total kidney failure. Currently, the Food and Drug administration only has recommended maximum tolerable limits for non-reproducing cats, which is 267 nanograms of mercury per gram of food, and reproducing cats, which is 67 nanograms per gram. 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. Depending on the level of exposure to organic mercury compounds such as methylmercury, clinical manifestations may take days to develop. Click here to view our current issue of Animal Wellness Magazine. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. Lucky for us and our pets, mercury poisoning is less common than it once was. Further research tells me that in June 2005, she killed two of her neighbor's cats by mixing the rodent poison, d-Con, into a can of cat food and dolloping it out in the yard.