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Most pet parents understand the need to brush their teeth at least twice a day. They can choose from a vast variety of toothpaste products that are safe for humans. However, what happens if a cat eats toothpaste formulated for humans?
Has your cat eaten your toothpaste? Are you worried the toothpaste will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about toothpaste and whether it can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Toothpaste?
Toothpaste is a product that’s made to clean teeth. Depending on the brand, it may be made into a gel or paste. Human toothpaste usually contains the following ingredients:
- Abrasives
- Fluoride
- Surfactants
- Antibacterial ingredients
- Flavorings
- Remineralizing agents
- Xylitol
- And more
While human toothpaste is generally safe, what happens if a cat eats some? Can human toothpaste make a cat sick?
Toothpaste & Cats
Unfortunately, human toothpaste can make a cat sick due to the ingredients used in these products. For instance, fluoride and surfactants can make a cat sick if she eats enough of the paste. Fluoride is highly toxic to cats.
Can toothpaste kill a cat? It all depends on how much toothpaste she’s eaten and the amount of fluoride the product contains.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Toothpaste Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has ingested toothpaste:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Heavy breathing
- Restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive salivation
- Depression
- Lethargy
Treatment of Toothpaste Ingestion in Cats
The vet will try to decontaminate your cat’s system by inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal. After this, they will treat your cat’s symptoms as they arise. In some cases, your fur baby may require an IV for fluids and to administer medications.
Depending on the severity of her symptoms, your fur baby may need to remain hospitalized for a time. When she’s in stable condition, she’ll be able to come home again.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after eating toothpaste. Time is of the essence, especially if the toothpaste contains fluoride.
In the future, it’s best to keep all toothpaste out of your cat’s reach. We’re pretty sure you’ll both be happier for it!
However, if you’d like to brush your cat’s teeth to keep them in good shape, there are toothpaste products that are specifically formulated for cats. You may want to consider one of these to use with your fur baby!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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