The Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control based in Minneapolis, has listed the top five cat toxins of 2010.

Human/veterinary medications: 40%
About 40 percent of feline cases at Pet Poison Helpline in 2010 involved cats that improperly ingested human or veterinary drugs. Cats have difficulty metabolizing certain drugs, especially as compared to dogs and humans, according to Pet Poison Helpline.

Poisonous plants: 14% 
Poisonous plants represented about 14 percent of feline-related calls in 2010. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.), including the Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies, are among the most deadly and cause kidney failure in cats. Small ingestions of two or three petals or leaves — even pollen — can result in severe, potentially irreversible kidney failure, according to Pet Poison Helpline.

Insecticides: 9% 
Nine percent of feline-related calls in 2010 were for cats exposed to household insecticides or inappropriately treated with a topical flea and tick medication meant for dogs. Pet Poison Helpline urges cat owners to always read labels carefully before using any kind of insecticide and ask their veterinarian about appropriate topical flea and tick medications for cats.

Household cleaners: 6% 
About six percent of feline-related calls in 2010 were for cats exposed to household cleaners, such as kitchen and bath surface cleaners, carpet cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners. After cleaning, Pet Poison Helpline suggests making sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up or eliminated, and ensuring the products are stored out of a cat’s reach.

Other toxins
The remainder of feline-related calls during 2010 involved less obvious toxins such as glow sticks and liquid potpourri. Most of these cat poison exposures can be managed at home, according to Pet Poison Helpline. For instance, offer (but do not force) the cat chicken broth or canned tuna (in water, not oil) to help remove the bitter taste from the mouth. Clean up any remaining liquid to prevent re-exposure to cats, who may continue to groom it off their fur. If there are any signs of redness to the eyes, squinting, continued drooling or not eating, a trip to the veterinarian may be necessary, according to Pet Poison Helpline.

Pet Poison Helpline is a division of SafetyCall International. The fee-based service is available by calling (800) 213-6680.