Your Smoking Can Cause Major Health Complications for Pets
The dangers second hand smoke poses to humans has been widely publicized, but its effects on animals, including our pet cats, has not. Second hand smoke can be just as dangerous to cats as it is to humans – and possibly even more dangerous. Since it is heavier than air, cigarette smoke sinks, settling on the walls, furniture, and flooring. When a cat brushes up against these surfaces, its fur gathers up toxins from the smoke. Not only do cats suffer from breathing in cigarette smoke, but also from ingesting the toxins while grooming.
Three major health problems arise in felines exposed to cigarette smoke:
1. Asthma - Like asthma in humans, feline asthma is the chronic inflammation of the lungs' small passageways. During an asthma attack, these passageways constrict a cat's ability to breathe. Mucus develops in the lungs as a result, and can lead to coughing and wheezing. Any cat with these symptoms should see a veterinarian.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - SCC is a type of feline cancer which can develop, appearing as growths or tumors in a cat's mouth. Symptoms can include difficulty chewing, drooling, or a bad odor from the cat’s mouth. Most cats diagnosed with SCC do not live longer than twelve months. Cats living in homes with cigarette smoke are much more likely to develop SCC.
3. Lymphoma - A cancer of the white blood cells, lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in felines. Cats living with smokers are two to three times more likely to develop lymphoma than those living with non-smokers.
Protect Your Cats from the Dangers of Second Hand Smoke
The only way to protect your cats from the risks of second hand smoke is to prevent them from being exposed to the toxins. The best method of prevention is good for felines and humans alike – to quit smoking. If you cannot quit or do not want to, limit your pets' exposure by only smoking outside and never smoking in the car with your cat present.
Have you ever considered the effects of cigarette smoke on pets?