My Cat Ate Toothpaste! What Now??

cat ate toothpaste

Toothpaste, while essential for our oral health, can do more harm than good for your cat.

If your cat consumes a large amount of toothpaste, it can be exposed to harmful ingredients like fluoride and xylitol. These compounds can lead to toxicity symptoms such as vomiting, a sudden drop in a cat’s blood sugar levels and even organ failure. Providing urgent veterinary care for your cat is very important. 

In this guide, we’ll delve into the potential implications of feline toothpaste ingestion and arm you with practical steps to ensure your cat’s well-being

Is Toothpaste Bad For Cats?

Toothpaste that is meant for human usage is bad for cats.

It can be highly toxic to cats and pet owners should always remember to cap their toothpaste tubes and keep them out of reach of their cats.

Two active ingredients in human toothpaste have been proven to be harmful to cats.

They are Xylitol and Fluoride and these compounds can be harmful when swallowed.

What Is Xylitol?

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is made from Xylose which is present in plants.

Given that many manufacturers are aware that people are more health-conscious these days, many food items contain Xylitol in them.

Xylitol is commonly found in these products:

  • Beverages
  • Candy
  • Baked products
  • Supplements
  • ‘Sugar-Free’ products

You should always read the ingredient label of human food before feeding it to your pet.

Is Xylitol Poisonous To Cats?

Recent research indicates that xylitol is not as toxic to cats as it is to dogs.

While xylitol causes severe hypoglycemia and liver damage in dogs, cats would need to ingest very large amounts to show any symptoms.

A published study tested large doses of xylitol on cats and found no significant changes in blood glucose levels or liver enzymes, indicating minimal toxicity.

Furthermore, cats tend to typically show little to no interest in sweet substances like toothpaste as they lack the tastebuds for sweetness.

Due to the potential for harm and the lack of precise information, any xylitol ingestion should still be considered dangerous.

If your cat ingests xylitol, seek veterinary advice promptly.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in bones and teeth.

It is also used in many dental products to strengthen the enamel which is the other layer of your tooth. Fluoride is also good in preventing cavities.

Flouride is primarily found in most toothpaste, mouthwashes and drinking water.

Is Fluoride Bad For Cats?

Fluoride is toxic to cats when ingested in large amounts.

Fluoride toxicity in cats can result in diarrhea, drooling, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss and even sudden death.

The lethal amount of sodium fluoride generally lies between 5-10 mg/kg for most cats.

But for cats that are very sensitive to this chemical compound, a concentration roughly equal to 1 mg/kg can already be toxic.

If your cat has been exposed to fluoride over the long term, it is at risk of developing bone cancer or osteosarcoma.

Fluoride is also been known to cause digestive upset, kidney problems and liver failure in cats.

What Should I Do If My Cat Ate My Toothpaste?

If your cat has unfortunately eaten some toothpaste, make sure to wipe its mouth clean of any remaining toothpaste and give your vet a call for advice.

The first signs of toothpaste toxicity are usually, weakness, vomiting, drooling, seizures and lack of coordination.

Anything that seems out of the norm should be taken seriously.

Rush your cat to the vet for a complete examination to determine the severity of your cat’s condition.

Remember to also bring the toothpaste or dental product to the vet to determine the fluoride and xylitol levels.

How Much Toothpaste Is Toxic For A Cat?

It isn’t possible to ascertain the amount of toothpaste your cat needs to eat for it to be toxic.

For some cats, it can just be one lick while for others, even a generous amount won’t do much harm.

Factors that can influence toothpaste toxicity include the weight of your cat and if it has any existing health issues.

A kitten ingesting toothpaste is a lot more serious than an adult with that same amount.

You need to check with your vet to see if it’s necessary to bring your cat in after it has eaten toothpaste.

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