Nicotine poisoning is rare in cats but can be very dangerous. It can develop when cats ingest things like cigarettes, nicotine patches, nicotine gums, chewing tobacco or e-cigarette liquid. This intoxication develops very quickly, so it’s essential to speak to a vet straight away if you think your cat has ingested any products or objects containing nicotine.

Signs of intoxication develop within one hour, often as fast as 15 minutes. Vomiting is usually the first symptom. This often helps eliminate much of the nicotine and prevents further issues. In severe cases, nicotine goes on to affect the brain, nervous system and sometimes the heart. Getting your cat to a vet to start decontamination treatment as soon as possible is essential.

What causes nicotine poisoning in cats? 

• Nicotine is poorly absorbed from the stomach, but is very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream once it reaches the intestines.

• Liquid forms are especially easy to absorb, but even cigarette butts can be dangerous to cats if they nibble on them while playing.

• Once in the body, nicotine starts interfering with nerve function:

  • Initially, nicotine works as a stimulant, causing anxious behaviour, faster breathing and increased heart rate.

  • In more severe cases, the nervous symptoms start getting blocked, causing abnormal movement, lethargic behaviour, seizures and possibly coma.

  • The heart rhythm is also affected in severe cases, causing arrhythmias that may lead to other heart problems.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning in cats

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

• Drooling

• Agitation or anxiety

• Uncontrolled shaking and trembling

• Fast and shallow breathing

• Fast heart rate and abnormal rhythm

• Incoordination and trouble walking

• Weakness, lethargy or dull behaviour

• Seizures

• Coma

Cats at higher risk for nicotine poisoning

• Intoxication can affect cats of any age, but younger cats are more likely to play with inappropriate things.

• The more exposure a cat has to nicotine-containing products, the higher the risk of an accident.

How do vets diagnose nicotine poisoning in cats?

• In many cases, there will be recognisable material in the vomit (like packaging or cigarette butts), or there will be a distinct smell (tobacco or flavourings).

• In cases where the ingestion is not known, the symptoms can help, but many other common toxins produce similar symptoms. Fortunately, the treatment plan is very similar in most instances.

• Specialist lab tests can measure the levels of nicotine in the blood, but in most cases these take too long.

• The level of nicotine can also be measured in vomit samples, but this doesn’t always reflect absorption into the body.

Veterinary treatment of nicotine poisoning in cats

The first and most important step in treating intoxication is stopping the poison from entering the blood and organs. If nicotine ingestion is suspected, take your cat to see a vet immediately so the stomach can be emptied as quickly as possible, ideally within 30 minutes. This can be safely done with an injection or by pumping the stomach under anaesthesia. 

• The vet will also administer activated charcoal every few hours to prevent absorption of any product still in the gut. 

• Other treatments will be focused on managing the symptoms of intoxication, to give the body a chance to eliminate the toxin:

  • Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure.

  • Anti-epileptic medications (diazepam, phenobarbital, midazolam) to manage tremors and seizures.

  • The heart rhythm will be carefully monitored, and anti-arrhythmia medication will be administered if a problem is detected.

Home treatment of nicotine poisoning in cats

Always contact a vet for advice immediately if you think your pet has ingested a nicotine-containing product. Immediate decontamination is almost always the best option. Additionally, many of the consequences of intoxication are not visible, such as heart problems. A detailed examination and close monitoring are crucial.

Prevention of nicotine poisoning in cats

• Make sure any nicotine-containing products are safely stored and out of reach of your cat. This is especially important for flavoured products like nicotine gums and e-cigarette liquids.

• Keep a close eye on your cat when outside, and make sure there is nothing dangerous around before letting them roam.

Living with nicotine poisoning in cats

Most cats that survive the first 4 hours will recover fully from nicotine poisoning within 24 hours. Lingering effects are very rare.

When to worry about nicotine poisoning in cats

Always speak to a vet immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested nicotine products, so the risk can be assessed and treatment advice given. If your cat develops any of the following symptoms, see a vet as soon as possible:

• Severe vomiting or drooling

• Constant shaking or trembling

• Wobbliness or seizures

• Weakness or collapse

• Excessive panting or shallow breathing