Inducing vomiting in pets may be necessary to remove a hazardous substance from their system, but it should only be done by trained medical professionals. You can do more harm than good if you attempt to induce vomiting yourself. Vomiting is a traumatic event for your cat and can lead to damaging the lining of the esophagus and can cause the cat to inhale the vomit, leading to aspiration pneumonia. Some substances may cause more harm when decontaminated rather than when left in the stomach. Therefore, if your cat has ingested something potentially toxic, it is important to seek professional help.

Is It Safe to Give Cats Hydrogen Peroxide to Induce Vomiting?

If advised, administering hydrogen peroxide can be an effective way to induce vomiting in dogs. However, it is quite the opposite for cats. Giving your cat hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting is not safe and can even be fatal. Hydrogen peroxide can cause inflammation and ulcerations to the stomach and esophagus, as well as damage to epithelial tissue, leading to intestinal bleeding. Additionally, the internal damage can go unnoticed until external symptoms begin to appear, and by then the damage might already be severe, which can lead to shock or even death. It is not recommended to induce vomiting in cats unless done by a professional.

Steps to Take If Your Cat Ingests Something Toxic

If your cat has ingested something potentially toxic, it is essential to contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® (855) 764-7661 as soon as possible. Depending on what was ingested, your veterinarian may need to induce vomiting. It is not advised to attempt to induce vomiting yourself, as it can put your cat in further danger. Furthermore, you should monitor your cat for any other signs of illness, such as lack of appetite, lethargy, or diarrhea. If your cat is displaying any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian for appropriate evaluation and treatment.