Is Castor Oil Safe for Cats? Read on to find out the answer and much more in this short yet informative article!
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor plant. It has many health benefits for humans, but is castor oil safe for cats? Let’s find out below.
Is Castor Oil Safe for Cats?
Castor oil is not safe for cats due to the ricin and ricinoleic acid. It can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Also, this oil is a potent laxative, which can lead to dehydration or other complications. Therefore, don’t try any remedy for cats that mention castor oil.
What to Do If Your Cat Licked Castor Oil?
If your cat has been exposed to castor oil, keep calm and follow the below steps carefully:
- Keep castor oil out of reach: First, place the bottle of castor oil far away from your feline friend.
- Find out the amount: Secondly, determine how much castor oil your furball ingested.
- Check for symptoms: Look for signs like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, lethargy, or dehydration.
- Provide Fresh Water: Encourage your cat to drink fresh water to prevent dehydration, but avoid forcing fluids.
- Avoid Home Remedies: Do not use any home remedies without vet approval.
- Monitor Closely: Observe your cat’s behavior and health closely until you visit the vet.
When to Consult a Vet?
After following the above process, talk to an expert veterinarian immediately to avoid severe complications. Make sure to strictly follow the instructions given by the vet. After the treatment, continue to observe your feline friend for any delayed symptoms or signs of betterment and report back to the vet.
Note – Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless directed by your cat’s vet.
