Cat lovers would never knowingly harm their pets and even those who wish to deter neighbouring cats from visiting their garden would not wish them ill. But sometimes the most well-intentioned actions can cause sickness, sometimes severe, in cats. A number of cases have recently come to light where cats may or have been ill as a result of coming into contact with substances which people may not realise are dangerous.

A worthy memorial for Harry
The death of her much-loved cat prompted Frances Green to campaign successfully for warning labels to be included on one of Britain 's best known household disinfectants.

Mrs Green, from Welwyn Garden City, lost Harry in July 2002 but it was not until a year later when she watched a television programme on household cleaning that she discovered some disinfectants can be dangerous to cats. Coincidentally that information had been given to the programme by FAB.

Having used Dettol throughout Harry's illness and around her home for many years previously, Mrs Green was concerned that her attempts to maximise hygiene may in fact have had an adverse effect on Harry. Disinfectants containing phenols – those that turn cloudy when mixed with water - are of particular concern because cats are unable to eliminate the toxins following ingestion. A cat may swallow the product by licking his paws after they have come into contact with it.

Last summer Frances launched a one-woman campaign to have a warning included on every bottle of Dettol. Supported by the vet who had treated Harry and by her local MP, she contacted Reckitt Benckiser, the manufacturers of Dettol and outlined her concerns. In October she heard that her lobbying has been successful and the company promised that warning labels would be included 'within six months'. Frances hopes that Reckitt Benckiser's positive attitude will also be adopted by other manufacturers of products containing phenols.

Frances said:'‘Any positive eventual outcomes are a memorial to Harry, a very special cat.'

Alex Campbell of the Veterinary Poisons Information Service commented: 'We very much welcome the news about additional label information for these products. Phenol and some phenolic compounds and coal-tar acid derivatives used in some disinfectants, specialist soaps and wood treatments, such as creosote, are potentially problematic in many animals especially if the exposure is significant. Cats, birds and some reptiles are known to have a particular sensitivity to these compounds. As acid derivatives phenolic compounds are potentially corrosive and prolonged skin exposures can cause severe skin irritation or burns. If the animals ingest or groom material off contaminated skin they may develop irritation or burns of the mouth and tongue as well. They may therefore vomit or salivate excessively. In severe exposures such substances could be absorbed across damaged skin and cause systemic signs such as breathing difficulties, hyperthermia or even shock. Luckily severe cases are very rare, but so are animal specific warnings on such products and therefore this commitment by a major manufacturer like Reckitt Benckiser is most laudable.'

A multi-purpose spray, but not a cat deterrent
A reader's letter was printed in the Daily Mail suggesting that WD40 could be sprayed on hard surfaces in gardens – for example, bricks, walls, flowerbed edging - to deter cats. The letter writer said:'‘It really works and is more plant and animal friendly than the caustic oven cleaner I once tried.'

Unfortunately, the Daily Mail failed to check the validity of this statement or to publish the letter FAB submitted after consulting the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). Alex Campbell of the VPIS told FAB that WD40 contains petroleum distillates which can be a considerable irritant to the skin and particularly foot-pads of cats and dogs. Exposure to the liquid could result in blisters, inflammation and burning. Subsequent grooming of the fur and skin may then result in severe irritation to the mucous membranes of their mouths. The letter writer may also find that his plants suffer over a period of time and WD40 is not particularly environmentally friendly as it is flammable, quite volatile and does not mix well with water.

Chocolate ban for cats
It is generally well-known that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. Cocoa mulch used on gardens can also cause problems as it contains significant quantities of the methylxanthine alkaloid theobromine, which is particularly toxic to dogs. Although it appears that cats do not find chocolate or cocoa mulch as attractive or appetising as their canine counterparts, the Veterinary Poisons Information Service reports that some cats have experienced gastrointestinal discomfort after eating chocolate. Reaction has been much less severe than in dogs but as only a few cases have been reported it is too early to state categorically that exposure to these products is less problematic for cats. The VPIS manager, Alex Campbell, offers this advice:

'As anything can be toxic in excess it is probably good policy to avoid feeding cats foods intended for human consumption and one should limit access to gardening materials such as cocoa mulches if you have a cat that is more inquisitive and less fastidious than average.'

Pretty deadly
A vase of lilies may look pretty standing on your table, but if you have a cat, beware!

The plants of the lilium species are among the most dangerous for cats. These include day lily (hemerocalis species), Easter lily, stargazer, rubrum, tiger and Asiatic lilies (all of the Lilium family). Symptoms of poisoning from these plants include protracted vomiting, anorexia and depression and ingestion can cause severe, possibly fatal, kidney damage.

If your cat shows signs of possible poisoning, seek veterinary help immediately. For more information on potentially poisonous plants for cats, click here