As any cat owner knows, cats are known for being curious creatures. They like to explore every nook and cranny of their home, and they’re not afraid to sample anything they find, no matter how strange it may seem.
So, it’s not surprising that many cats end up eating things they shouldn’t, including human medications. One of the most common medications that cats ingest is birth control pills. While this may not seem like a big deal, birth control pills can be very dangerous for cats.
In this article, we look at the potential consequences of a cat eating birth control pills and offer suggestions to prevent this from happening. We also discuss the various types of birth control that cats can take. Continue reading to discover more.
Table of Contents
How Will the Birth Control Affect Your Cat’s Health?
The effects of birth control on a cat’s health will depend on the type of birth control pill ingested and the amount consumed.
Progestin-only pills are generally considered to be the safest type of birth control pill for cats. However, they can still cause problems if your cat ingests a large enough quantity.
The effects of birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone can be more dangerous. Estrogen can cause several health problems in cats, including bone marrow suppression.
The severity of the symptoms will also depend on how much birth control your cat ate. A small amount is unlikely to cause any serious problems, while a large amount could be fatal.
The most common side effect of progestin-only pills:
- Vomiting usually occurs within a few hours of ingestion.
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
The most common side effects of estrogen and progestin pills:
- Liver Disease
- Cancer
- Seizures
- Coma
What To Do If Your Cat Eats a Birth Control Pill
If your cat ate a birth control pill, don’t panic. The first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. They will likely tell you to bring your cat in for a check-up, but they will also be able to give you specific instructions on what to do next.
In most cases, the pill will pass through your cat without any problems. However, it is important to monitor your cat closely and make sure they are drinking plenty of water. Birth control pills can cause some side effects in cats, so it is important to watch for any signs of discomfort.
If you have any concerns, or if your cat shows any signs of illness, please call your veterinarian immediately.
Tips For Preventing Cats from Eating Birth Control Pills
There are a few things you can do to prevent your cat from eating birth control pills.
- The first, is to keep all medications out of reach. If you have a cat that likes to climb, you may want to store your pills in a safe place, like a locked cabinet.
- Second, pay attention to your cat’s behavior. If you notice that they are acting strangely or seem to be interested in your medications, make sure to keep a close eye on them.
- Third, if you are using birth control pills, consider using another form of birth control that is not as easily accessible to your cat.
- Finally, if you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to call your veterinarian.
Birth Control for Cats
There are several reasons why you might want to use birth control for your cat. The most common reason is to prevent pregnancy.
If you have an indoor cat that doesn’t go outside, there’s no need to worry about them getting pregnant. However, if your cat does go outside, it could get pregnant if they mate with another cat.
Birth control can also be used to regulate a cat’s heat cycle. This can be helpful if your cat is spraying or becoming too vocal during their heat cycle. Birth control can also be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as pyometra (an infection of the uterus).
The Most Common Type of Birth Control for Cats
The most common type of birth control for cats is Megestrol Acetate (MA) injections. These injections are given every three to six months and are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
MA injections work by thickening the lining of the uterus, which makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. They also increase the thickness of the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix.
MA injections can also be used to regulate a cat’s heat cycle. However, they are not as effective at this as they are at preventing pregnancy.
The Most Effective Type of Birth Control for Cats
The most effective type of birth control for cats is GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) implants. These implants are placed under the skin and release a small amount of GnRH into the cat’s body.
GnRH works by suppressing the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which is responsible for the release of eggs and sperm. This prevents the cat from being able to reproduce.
GnRH implants are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can last for up to six months. They can also be used to regulate a cat’s heat cycle.
Conclusion
Birth control for cats is a big decision, but it can help keep your feline friend healthy and safe. If you’re thinking about using birth control pills on your cat, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first and follow their instructions closely.
All in all, while birth control pills for cats are generally safe, there is always a small risk of side effects. And remember, if your cat does eat a birth control pill by accident, don’t panic! Just call your veterinarian and they’ll walk you through the next steps.
And as always, keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits – if they start gobbling down their food faster than usual or seem to be trying to eat something they shouldn’t, it might be time to give the vet a call.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article; we hope it was helpful!
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.