Why Does My Cat Like Cigarettes?
Do Some Cats Like Tobacco?
Cigarettes and pets, it’s worth knowing about why your cat may or may not want to be around these blazing tobacco sticks. If your cat has ever shown an attraction to a cigarette or your hands after smoking, it’s most likely due to the presence of minty menthol. The organic compound within menthol produces reactions akin to catnip, a natural high may ensue if a cat is exposed to enough of this chemical. Getting down with a little chemistry, the responsible chemical for making your cat high as a fluffy kite is called Nepetalactone.
Cats have a heightened sense of smell and there is a chance that they may be attracted to the smell of menthol. In most cases, cats will generally dislike the smell of smoke. Looking past this chance of minty attraction, limiting your cat’s exposure to anything containing tobacco or anything possessing carcinogenic properties is very important. If your cat does show signs of wanting some minty highs, pick up some catnip balls that are perfectly harmless and give the very best natural highs.
Can Cats Get Addicted to Tobacco?
Addiction of tobacco is caused by nicotine, continuous exposure can lead to high levels of addiction as the body seeks its regular dosage of dopamine that the substance induces. Your pet will build a similar dependence if they are left to consume tobacco in any form. Whether this is from chomping on leftover butts or ingesting tobacco leaves, addiction is sure to arrive over time. It’s important to mitigate this situation through careful monitoring and limiting exposure to tobacco.
Passive smoking is proven to be consequential to others in the household. Second hand smoke is no different for your pet inhabitants, cats run the risk of suffering from numerous diseases and even poisoning. It’s best to smoke in areas that are cat restricted and anything containing nicotine should be kept well out of reach of your cat. Using a lock and key system is not a bad idea either, cats have been known to gain access to some of the most profound places when left to their own devices.
Harmful Effects of Tobacco to Cats
Cats are at extreme risk when exposed to tobacco and cigarette smoke. Exposure to second hand smoke settles on their fur coats, leading to eventual consumption due to a cat’s habitual grooming regime. It’s for this reason that cats are deemed to be in a higher risk bracket in comparison to dogs, as they routinely lick the harmful substances away in total disregard. Every grooming session, for which there are many in a day, adds to the volume of harmful chemicals entering your cat’s body. Cigarettes contain various carcinogens, smoke and tar are all harmful to your cat as fumes settle on the surface of their fur coats.
Research suggests that in just twelve months of second-hand smoke exposure, the likelihood of developing malignant lymphoma doubles. Lymphoma is a form cancer and is linked to feline leukemia. Treatment for this condition is limited and prevention is an important part of cat caring. Ongoing exposure to cigarette smoke will continue to raise the likelihood of developing this disease. Smoking is harmful to all in the household and it’s important to be aware of the consequences that can arise when exposing pets to harmful chemicals. Careful consideration of cigarette disposal is essential, cats are known to rummage through trash cans and leftover ashtrays will only pique their interest. Chaos and a messy aftermath are sure to ensure, these mishaps ultimately convert to harmful ingestion as cats groom themselves.
Are E-Cigarettes Harmful to Cats?
Electronic cigarettes were invented over a decade ago and have gained traction over the years. While viewed as a healthier alternative for smokers, the inherent risks to your pets are still present and should not be taken lightly. E-cigarettes make use of liquefied nicotine, rapid heat supply on every tug vaporizes this liquid and the result is a gaseous fume. This form of nicotine vapor can be considerably more potent and could directly enter your cat’s bloodstream, completely bypassing liver filtration. Nicotine isn’t the only harmful chemical in E-cigs either, propylene glycol is present in vape, a chemical that a causes Heinz Body occurrence in cats, its suggested that this causes hemolytic anemia. It’s best to keep your cats from any form of cigarette, electronic or not. Meow!
Images used in this blog post are taken from sources with no attribution required
References:
http://www.illianaveterinaryhospital.com/locations/illinois/south-holland-illiana-veterinary-hospital/articles/how-pets-are-affected-by-second-hand-smoke-nicotine
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070831123420.htm
https://cloudridevapor.com/blogs/news/vaping-and-pets-how-to-safely-vape-around-your-pet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinz_body
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We had a cat here once that would eat cigarettes and it was strange... but only the ones that hadn't been lit yet. As far as discarded butts are concerned she was not at all interested in those, presumably because they smell really bad.
It's super important to keep an eye (or two) on curious cats, perhaps it was an old habit. Our cats dislike strong smells but seem to want to give anything a taste at least once....😺
@tipu curate
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