On 10 May 2005 02:42:02 -0500, Da Beav wrote:

My cat evidently tracked through a puddle of latex paint outside
today. The white pawprints in my room tell the tale.

I assume she licked the paint from her paws and ingested some of it.
Unfortunately, she's an adopted feral who refuses to be handled, and
it takes two people to give her a bath, so washing her paws is not an
option tonight. She has not vomited, as far as I can tell, but she
hasn't eaten or lapped any water for several hours, either, so she's
obviously not feeling too chipper.

Anyone have any advice/anecdotes to relate (without turning this
thread into a never-let-your-cat-outdoors discussion)?

Thanks!

I don't think the latex base itself will hurt her, but cadmium and
other metal salts are considered toxic. Cupric salts especially
nasty, as are any other chemicals added to inhibit algae growth etc.
Read the label. Don't worry about the titanium dioxide; it is used in
food as well as white paint.

I had a cat once who got into some artists' oil paint, including the
cadmium red, and licked if off her paws, and she was fine.

Friends kind of disappear when it's time to bathe the cat, eh?

Charlie

Charlie,

Thanks for the reply. No ingredients on the unlabeled paint can, but
I assume its acrylic latex because it washes off easily with water,
even when dry. My cat ate and drank a bit this morning, and seems to
be improving. Thanks again for your help.