Can Cats Get Food Poisoning? Explaining Symptoms and Prevention

When temperatures rise, there is an increase in heatstroke and dehydration in cats. This season, it is important to use air conditioning effectively and ensure your cat stays well-hydrated.

What often goes unnoticed is "food poisoning." Cats can get food poisoning just like humans. In addition to symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, it can, in the worst cases, be fatal.

We'll thoroughly explain the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for cat food poisoning, which you should be aware of during the rainy season and summer.

Causes of Cat Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness that causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever due to eating food contaminated with bacteria or mold, or toxic food.

You might associate "food poisoning" with eating spoiled food, but food poisoning symptoms are caused by germs entering the body along with food. Especially in Japan, the rainy season and summer are hot and humid. This environment makes it easy for germs to multiply in food and drinking water, increasing the risk of food poisoning.

Additionally, some foods that are harmless to humans can cause poisoning symptoms if eaten by cats.

Because cats are smaller than humans, even small amounts can lead to severe illness. To protect your cat's health, it's important to understand the causes of cat food poisoning.

Eating Moldy Cat Food

While dry food is less prone to spoilage, if it's not stored properly in a humid environment, or if it's left out for too long and absorbs moisture, "mold" can grow. Mold can contain toxins called mycotoxins, which can cause gastroenteritis.

Leaving Leftover Food Out

Cat saliva is full of bacteria. If food that has been licked is left out, bacteria such as "Salmonella" and "Staphylococcus aureus" can multiply. If these enter the body, they can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

In particular, wet food often contains no preservatives and spoils very easily. Leaving food out can increase the risk of food poisoning.

Drinking Stale Water

Bacteria can easily multiply in your cat's drinking water. If you touch the dish and it feels slimy, it's a sign that bacteria have multiplied.

Using Unsanitary Dishes

If you continuously add more food or water to your cat's dishes without cleaning them, the dishes tend to become unsanitary. Bacteria can multiply, and mold can even grow. Automatic water dispensers and feeders also require regular maintenance.

Eating Undercooked Food

Eating raw meat or raw fish carries a high risk of food poisoning from "Salmonella" and "E. coli." Additionally, raw pork can contain a parasite called "Toxoplasma," which can be transmitted from cats to their owners.

Eating Things They Shouldn't

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

Symptoms of Cat Food Poisoning

Bacteria and mold that enter a cat's body multiply and produce toxins, leading to physical abnormalities. In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, symptoms such as fever and convulsions may also be observed.

If you suspect your cat has food poisoning, you must take them to a vet. It is dangerous for owners to try to induce vomiting themselves.

If you are unsure whether to visit a vet, you can first call for advice. Be as detailed as possible when explaining what and when your cat ate, and what symptoms it has.

Vomiting

If your cat vomits immediately after eating, it might be regurgitation, but if it vomits after some time has passed, it could be food poisoning. Vomiting may occur repeatedly or continue for several days.

Diarrhea

Softer-than-usual or watery stools are symptoms of diarrhea. Your cat may not be able to defecate in the litter box and have accidents. There is also a risk of dehydration.

Loss of Appetite / Lethargy

If your cat isn't eating much food, it might be experiencing abdominal pain. Other illnesses like heatstroke are also possible, so you should visit a vet as soon as possible.

Fever

Cats can develop a fever when bacteria enter their bodies. If their ears or paw pads feel hot to the touch, it is highly likely that they have a fever.

Foaming at the Mouth

If poisoning from ingesting food, plants, or chemicals becomes severe, symptoms like foaming at the mouth may be observed. Seizures and respiratory distress can also occur, so take your cat to the vet immediately.

Drooling

When neurological symptoms appear due to food poisoning, cats may drool. Similar to foaming at the mouth, seizures and respiratory distress can also occur.

Having Seizures

Acute poisoning can cause convulsions, where the whole body or parts of the body twitch. If a seizure occurs, do not shake or restrain the cat. Wait for it to calm down and then take it to the vet.

How to Prevent Cat Food Poisoning

To prevent food poisoning in cats, it's crucial to thoroughly manage their food. These are all things you can do right away, so let's double-check them.

Store Food in Airtight Containers

When dry food bags are opened and exposed to air, "oxidation" begins. It is also susceptible to "humidity," so store it in an airtight container.

While specialized cat food storage containers are available, it's fine to store food in airtight containers or vacuum containers. Buying food in smaller, individually packaged portions is also recommended.

Wet food should also be eaten immediately after opening. Any uneaten portions should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 48 hours at most.

Do Not Leave Food Out

High temperatures and humidity accelerate food spoilage. Leaving food out increases the risk of food poisoning, so put it away after about 30 minutes.

Cats are known for "grazing" and "fickle eating," but these eating habits can lead not only to food poisoning but also to obesity. It's important to set meal times as much as possible to make it easier to manage your cat's health.

Keep Dishes Clean

Plastic dishes are easily scratched, making them prone to bacterial and mold growth. After meals, wash them with detergent, drain the water, and let them dry.

Pet-specific detergents are not necessary, but avoid those with citrus scents that cats dislike. Also, use a separate sponge from the one you use for human dishes.

Furthermore, regularly disinfect with alcohol or hot water, and replace dishes with new ones if they are scratched. Ceramic dishes are recommended as they are resistant to scratches and stains.

Ventilate and Clean Regularly

Ensure good ventilation in the room to prevent humidity buildup. Using air conditioning effectively for dehumidification is also beneficial.

Also, Salmonella and Toxoplasma can be transmitted from your cat's feces to you. Always keep your cat's litter box clean and wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly after cleaning it.

Do Not Give Human Food

To prevent your cat from accidentally eating dangerous foods, avoid leaving food or medicine exposed. No matter how much your cat begs, giving them human food is strictly forbidden.

Summary

Food poisoning can occur at any time of the year, but the risk significantly increases during the hot and humid rainy season and summer.

Food poisoning is caused by ingesting bacteria and mold along with food. Germs can easily multiply in your cat's food and drinking water.

To prevent food poisoning in cats, it's crucial to manage their food thoroughly. Always store food in airtight containers to protect it from humidity and oxidation.

Also, leaving food out for long periods or continuously adding food to the dish is unsanitary. Remove food after about 30 minutes and clean the dish thoroughly. Regularly changing drinking water can also help prevent food poisoning.

Cats have small bodies, so even diarrhea and vomiting can be life-threatening. Always observe your cat closely, and if you notice any unusual symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.

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