Mister Kitty Died 2/11/05, Vet Explanation Options

[Mistergoose]

Hi Everyone,
Please help me with this. I spoke with my Vet at length and talked about Mister. Every sign of his problems, and the quickness of his death, points to toxicity. She said that it had to be either a very heavy duty prescription or weed killer, rat poison in a large quantity. This is so so hard. We have not found anything in our house remotely close to this type of description. What could it be. Shoud I bear this myself? And can I, considering that the vet is telling me that he was poisened? I mean how am I supposed to be safe in our house. How can I bring another kitten if I dont know what killed him?
Help please

[wittley]

Oh good grief Jason I'm so sorry. That really is terrible. You must be in pieces. If I were you I would be tempted to share this with your girlfriend - yes, she'll be upset, but if your keep the burden to yourself it will be very stressful. (Obviously I know you're sharing it with us, but it always helps to actually physically talk to someone, especially a close partner). If you've ruled out carpet cleaner etc (which could be unlikely if they found the poison in large quantities), is there any chance a neighbour may have (innocently I HOPE) left out some rat poison? Sorry to be so useless, I don't know much about poisons, but I really do feel for you, I know this must be a nightmare for you.
Big hugs
Elsie

[DJ - Edgar, Jess...]

First of all, the "large" quantity for a feline could be a "small" quantity in OUR minds - depending on the chemical and the way it was ingested.

Secondly - there are so many many things that are toxic to cats - oven cleaners, carpet cleaners, etc..

Lastly - this is NOT your fault. Things like this happen - to blame ourselves is natural, but in order to ensure the safety of the things we love to the point where they are never at risk would be to smother than and stifle what little life they have. So here's what I think you should do.

Do a room by room audit. Take a full Saturday. Make a list of each room, then go through that room and rule out all toxins.

Then - realize that even a couple of old, dropped pills - or something of that nature - could be the cause. Nothing in life is perfectly safe, mistakes and accidents happen. I know that is not a comfort, but you need to see that blaming yourself or feeling guilty isn't the answer. It won't fix the problem and will only give you a concrete "something" to blame for your loss.

Take some time, instead, to mourn the loss of your friend in a way that pays your respects. Blaming yourself or driving yourself into a frenzy of guilt won't do that.

My heart is with you.

[Ann H]

Dear Jason, Do you have flea powder, chocolate, plants such as poinsettia, and aspirin, or nerve pills. Or anything like that he could have gotten into. Do you have any insecticides killers for ants, wasp, etc that he might have got the cap off from.

Did you use bleach to wipe the counters he may have been on. How about toilet bowl cleaners that may have splattered that he may have licked? Could he have eaten and cigarettes, fabric softener sheets, or anything like that. When I almost killed my daughter's cat with the carpet cleaner I became more aware of things that might harm cats. Melting salt walked in on your shoes is also harmful. You would be amazed at how many things are harmful.

Yes, you should tell your girlfriend what the vet said. Then she can help you search your home from top to bottom. You said Mister was an inside cat only. So if he was poisoned then you must find the source. You need to do so before you bring another fur kitty in the house.

Check under and in all cupboards to check for missing lids, spills, old food, and anything like that that he could have licked. Move all your furniture (beds too) and look under them, maybe you will find some clue.

In other words go through your home and search every inch of it. You will have an extremely clean house when you are done. Leave no part of your home unchecked, no stone unturned, you must find the enemy.
Ann