Sometimes cats eat the strangest things! They may go after non-food items, as well as eating bugs, buttons, and more! There are even cats who love to eat candle wax! This seems to be a common problem, at least according to information on the Internet.
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Has your cat eaten candle wax? Are you worried the candle wax will make your cat sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at candle wax and whether or not it can make your cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Candle Wax?
Most of today’s candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct formed from the refining of petroleum. Paraffin is the most common type of wax for candles; however, some candles may be made from beeswax, gel, plant waxes, or even microcrystalline wax.
Candles are made of more than wax, however. They often contain scents, which are produced by essential oils or perfumes. Candles also require a wick, which is a cotton-type fabric woven into a string. This is what is lit when lighting the candle with a match or lighter. Wicks usually include a metallic end, which holds them within the candle wax.
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What happens if a cat eats candle wax? Can candle wax make a cat sick?
Candle Wax & Cats
The good news is that candle wax, by itself, is not toxic to cats. However, wax can act as a laxative. Even a small amount of laxative could cause digestive problems in a cat. These could include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If these symptoms last longer than 24 hours, then it’s time to call the vet. The concern is that prolonged vomiting and diarrhea could dehydrate your cat. The vet has treatments for these problems, which can help your fur baby feel better in no time.
Another problem that a candle could cause is an intestinal obstruction, which is a very dangerous medical issue. If a cat eats a large amount of wax, the wax could ball up anywhere in the cat’s digestive tract. This can lead to an obstruction. An obstruction could also develop if the cat eats the wick and its base.
One more problem with candle wax is that it may contain perfumes or essential oils. These may be toxic to cats and can lead to poisoning.
So, if your cat has eaten a large amount of a scented candle and has eaten the wick and the metallic base, then it’s time to call the vet. This may be a medical emergency.
Most cats who receive prompt medical attention will go on to make a complete recovery. But it’s essential your cat receives medical care as soon as possible.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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