Dishwasher liquid

P
Princessexpanpan Icon representing the flag French
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Evening all,

I’ve just been filling up the liquid in the dishwasher dispenser. I left the flap open for a bit while the product was pouring in, and my cat was right behind me. I’m not sure if he got close to it and licked or breathed in the product.

He’s just had his dinner and everything seems normal for now.

If he has managed to get some, how long does it usually take for symptoms of poisoning to show up, please?

Thanks everyone!

Translated from French
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6 answers
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    • Yuna La Ficelle
    Yuna la ficelle Icon representing the flag French
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    On that note, washing-up liquid isn't really a "hidden" danger because it tastes so foul that it's hard to imagine a pet or a child swallowing enough for it to be toxic.

    There are things in our homes that are "traps", though; for example, car antifreeze is a deadly poison even in small doses, but because it tastes sweet, you have to be really careful and keep it locked away.

    Then there are plants. If I remember correctly, you have rabbits? Contrary to what people think, rabbits don't instinctively know which plants are dangerous and can easily end up poisoned (bulbs, oleander, etc.).

    There's also mushrooms; death caps are lethal, and yet everyone who has eaten them said they tasted delicious right before they died...

    What I'm trying to say is that regarding the washing-up liquid, if your cat just had a little taste, he would have found it disgusting but likely didn't swallow enough to make him ill, and he would have shown an immediate reaction of disgust. However, what would have been dangerous is if he'd dipped his paw in it, because then he would have tried to groom himself to get it off, and that's when he could have swallowed a much larger amount.

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    P
    Princessexpanpan Icon representing the flag French
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    I know I’m probably overreacting, but I’d rather ask questions and get some advice here for the little things; I don’t want to wait for a crisis before I start worrying.

    Unlike children, pets are much easier to understand. Sorry if that bothers anyone. I’m just looking for advice, not a lecture. But thank you for getting back to me and for taking the time to respond.

    Thanks all.

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    Schtroumphy
    Schtroumphy Icon representing the flag French
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    Stop driving yourself mad because, for one thing, a cat isn't stupid enough to drink washing-up liquid—it's hardly tasty—and for another, if there were going to be any signs of poisoning, you'd have noticed them ages ago!! I've kept Persians for over 30 years and I let mine go out. I can tell you, cats are naturally cautious and won't just eat or drink anything. You're always worrying about your cats when there's no need; what's it going to be like when you have toddlers who get their hands on everything!! Think about it—I'm not being mean, but you've got to put things into perspective!!! I'm not the first person to tell you this. Mind you, I'd take someone like Princessexpanpan who worries way too much a thousand times over all those threads about cats on death's door where people come here asking what to do instead of rushing straight to the vet. :)
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    P
    Princessexpanpan Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, Thanks for your reply. How long does it usually take for symptoms of poisoning to show up? Thanks.
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    Schtroumphy
    Schtroumphy Icon representing the flag French
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    If your cat doesn't have a habit of "eating everything in sight", it's unlikely they would have ingested that kind of unpalatable product.

    Hi,

    Sorry, but what exactly does it mean when a cat eats everything they find? Is it a sign of poisoning?

    Thanks.

    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    If a cat swallows detergent, such as washing-up liquid, the most obvious signs will be drooling and vomiting, and sometimes diarrhoea along with tummy pain. However, the biggest danger is foam getting into the airways, which causes coughing and breathing difficulties.

    If your cat isn’t the type to "eat everything they find", it’s quite unlikely they would have ingested something that tastes so unpleasant. In the meantime, keep a very close eye on them. If you’re at all worried, contact a vet immediately and, most importantly, don’t give them anything to eat or drink in this situation.

    Hope this helps,

    Paul

    Translated from French

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