Fireworks are poisonous to cats if ingested

It had never occurred to me but if a cat or dog ingests a used firework thats lying around after having been set off (there are many) then it could poison them. It doesn’t surprise me to be told by the Pet Poison Helpline that fireworks contain hazardous chemicals such as potassium nitrate.

Fireworks Terrify Cats

Fireworks Terrify Cats. Main photo by Amani Hasan

I’m also told that they contain charcoal or sulphur and colouring agents which are potentially dangerous heavy metals.

The list of symptoms for a cat or dog poisoned by a firework is as follows:

  • Acute kidney failure
  • Jaundice
  • Shallow breathing
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Bloody diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Bone marrow changes

It’s the 4th July tomorrow. More fireworks. More blasted noise. Mose distress for cats and dogs and other companion animals. And perhaps some poisonings. We are not provided with information about the numbers. I hate everything about fireworks. I am sure most people like them.

It is ironic that a major supplier of fireworks is called ‘Black Cat’. The company is owned by the Chinese, incidentally. It proves a lack of sensibility towards cat welfare.

Useful tag. Click to see the articles: Cat behavior

Note: sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified.
Useful links
Anxiety - reduce it
FULL Maine Coon guide - lots of pages
Children and cats - important

Michael Broad

Hi, I'm a 74-year-old retired solicitor (attorney in the US). Before qualifying I worked in many jobs including professional photography. I love nature, cats and all animals. I am concerned about their welfare. If you want to read more click here.

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