Can Cats Get Food Poisoning? Explaining Symptoms and Prevention

As temperatures rise, cases of heatstroke and dehydration in cats increase. This is the time of year when we need to be clever about using air conditioning and ensuring they get enough hydration.

Something that is surprisingly easy to overlook is "food poisoning." Cats can get food poisoning just like humans can. Beyond symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, in the worst cases, it can be fatal...

We will explain in detail the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for feline food poisoning, which you need to be careful about during the rainy season and summer.

Causes of Food Poisoning in Cats

Food poisoning is a condition where symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever occur after eating food contaminated with bacteria, mold, or other germs, or toxic food.

You might associate "food poisoning" with "eating something rotten," but food poisoning symptoms are actually caused by germs entering the body along with the food. The Japanese rainy season and summer are especially hot and humid, creating an environment where germs thrive in food and drinking water, leading to a high risk of food poisoning.

Also, some foods that are harmless to humans can cause toxic symptoms when eaten by cats.

Since cats have smaller bodies than humans, even a small amount can lead to serious illness. To protect your cat's health, learn the correct causes of feline food poisoning.

Eating moldy cat food

Dry food is resistant to spoilage, but if it is not stored properly in a humid environment or is left out for a long time and absorbs moisture, "mold" will grow. Mold can contain toxins called mycotoxins, which can cause gastroenteritis.

Leaving unfinished food out

A cat's saliva is full of germs. If you leave food out after your cat has started eating it, bacteria such as "Salmonella" and "Staphylococcus aureus" will multiply. If ingested, these can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

In particular, wet food often contains no preservatives and spoils very easily. Leaving food out ("free-feeding") increases the risk of food poisoning.

Drinking stale water

Germs also multiply easily in a cat's drinking water. If you touch the bowl and it feels slimy, that is a sign that germs have multiplied.

Using unhygienic bowls

If you keep topping up your cat's food or water, their bowls tend to become unhygienic. Bacteria can multiply and mold can grow. Additionally, automatic water fountains and feeders require regular maintenance.

Eating undercooked food

Eating raw meat or fish carries a high risk of food poisoning from "Salmonella" or "E. coli." Also, raw pork can contain a parasite called "Toxoplasma," which can sometimes be transmitted from the cat to the owner.

Eating things they shouldn't

There are foods that are toxic to cats if eaten, such as onions, chocolate, avocado, raisins, squid, and shellfish. Other things like houseplants and medications can also cause food poisoning.

Symptoms of food poisoning in cats

Bacteria and mold that enter a cat's body multiply and produce toxins, causing changes in their physical condition. In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, symptoms such as fever and convulsions may also be seen.

If you suspect your cat has food poisoning, be sure to visit a veterinary clinic. It is dangerous for the owner to try to induce vomiting.

If you are unsure whether you should see a vet, you can start by calling for instructions. Try to provide as much detail as possible about what they ate, when they ate it, and what symptoms they have.

Vomiting

If they vomit immediately after eating, it may be simple "regurgitation," but if they vomit after some time has passed, it may be food poisoning. They may vomit repeatedly, and it can last for several days.

Diarrhea

Stools that are softer than usual or watery indicate diarrhea. Sometimes they may be unable to make it to the litter box and have accidents. There is also a risk of dehydration.

Lack of appetite / Lethargy

When your cat isn't eating much, they may be experiencing abdominal pain. Other illnesses, such as heatstroke, are also possible, so visit a veterinary clinic early.

Fever

Fever can occur when bacteria enter the cat's body. If their ears or paw pads feel hot to the touch, there is a high possibility they have a fever.

Foaming at the mouth

If poisoning from accidentally consuming food, plants, or medication becomes serious, symptoms such as foaming at the mouth can occur. This can lead to convulsions or difficulty breathing, so take them to a veterinary clinic immediately.

Drooling

When food poisoning manifests as neurological symptoms, drooling may occur. Like foaming at the mouth, it can be accompanied by convulsions or respiratory distress.

Convulsions

Acute poisoning can cause convulsions, where the whole body or parts of the body tremble or twitch. If a seizure occurs, do NOT shake or restrain the cat. Wait for it to calm down and visit a veterinary clinic.

How to prevent food poisoning in cats

To prevent food poisoning in your cat, it is important to thoroughly manage their food. These are all things you can do immediately, so take another look at them.

Store food in airtight containers

Once the bag of dry-type food is opened and exposed to air, "oxidation" begins. It is also susceptible to "humidity," so be sure to store it in an airtight manner.

There are specialized cat food storage containers available, but standard airtight plastic containers or vacuum containers work just fine. We also recommend buying smaller portions rather than large bags.

For wet food, have them eat it immediately after opening. If they cannot finish it, store the remainder in the refrigerator and finish it within 48 hours at most.

Don't leave food out

A hot and humid environment accelerates food degradation. Since free-feeding increases the risk of food poisoning, aim to remove the food after about 30 minutes.

Cats are known for "grazing" or "fussy eating," but these habits can cause not only food poisoning but also obesity. It is important to try to set meal times to make it easier to manage your cat's health.

Keep bowls clean

Plastic bowls scratch easily, making them prone to hosting bacteria and mold. After each meal, wash them with dish soap, rinse well, and let them dry.

The detergent doesn't have to be pet-specific, but avoid citrus scents, as cats dislike them. Also, use a separate sponge from the one you use for human dishes.

Additionally, disinfect them regularly with alcohol or boiling water, and replace them if they are scratched. Ceramic bowls are recommended as they are resistant to scratches and grime.

Ventilate and clean frequently

Improve airflow in the room to avoid letting humidity build up. It is also effective to use your air conditioner to dehumidify.

Furthermore, Salmonella and Toxoplasma can be transmitted to owners through cat feces. Keep your cat's litter box clean at all times, and be sure to wash your hands and sanitize thoroughly after cleaning the box.

Do not give human food

To ensure your cat doesn't accidentally eat dangerous items, don't leave food or medicine lying around. No matter how much they beg, you should never give them human food.

Summary

Food poisoning can happen at any time of the year. However, the hot and humid rainy season and summer significantly increase the risk.

The cause of food poisoning is the ingestion of bacteria or mold alongside food. Germs can easily multiply in cat food and drinking water.

To prevent food poisoning, it is important to thoroughly manage their food. Always store it in an airtight container to protect it from humidity and oxidation.

It is also unhygienic to leave food out for long periods or to keep adding new food on top of old. Aim to remove it after 30 minutes and wash the bowl clean. Changing drinking water frequently also helps prevent food poisoning.

Because cats have small bodies, even diarrhea and vomiting can become life-threatening. Observe your cat's condition carefully on a daily basis, and if you notice even the slightest change, please visit a veterinary clinic.

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