Concern about cats eating mice

This information from the ASPCA

Welcome to ASPCA News Alert, the weekly newsletter of the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
PET HEALTH ALERT: RAT AND MOUSE BAITS ARE POISONOUS TO DOGS AND CATS,
TOO
In 2004, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) received more
than 8,500 calls involving animal exposures to rodenticides—a nearly
twenty percent increase from 2003. The most common active ingredients
found in rat and mouse baits are anticoagulants, which interfere with
blood clotting processes. Other formulations include ingredients such as
zinc phosphide, bromethalin and strychnine, which are designed to kill
rodents by affecting the critical systems of the body. Some baits
contain inactive ingredients meant to attract rodents—and these
ingredients can also be attractive to companion animals.
"If a pet ingests a rodenticide, potentially serious or even
life-threatening problems can result, such as bleeding, seizures, or
damage to the kidneys and other vital organs," says APCC Senior Vice
President, Dr. Steve Hansen. When using any rodenticide, it is important
to place the product in areas that are completely inaccessible to
companion animals.
"Poisonings resulting from the consumption of rats or mice who have
ingested a rodenticide are not typically a concern in companion animals,
unless their staple diet consists mainly of rodents," adds Hansen.
"Generally, the greater concern with the ingestion of rodents or other
wildlife involves the potential risk of disease transmission or
bacterial gastroenteritis. Because of this, we would still advise pet
owners to contact their local veterinarian if they suspect their pet may
have ingested a rodent or other wild animal." (P.S. This is also another
good reason to keep your cats indoors, and to never let your dog roam
unsupervised.)
If you think that your pet has accidentally been exposed to rodenticide,
you can also call the APCC*at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock
emergency assistance. If you know the type of rodenticide involved,
please have the container or package information on hand so that a
proper identification of the ingredients can be made for appropriate
treatment


---MIKE---
In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
(44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')