Second-hand smoke 'harms cats'

Posted : 07-09-2007

Apart from making other people breathe in second-hand smoke, pets in the home may also be affected by toxic cigarette clouds, it has been claimed.

The Globe and Mail newspaper recently cited a number of studies which found that the fumes can present a range of health risks for cats as well as humans.

Tufts University in the US discovered a connection between felines that developed oral cancer and breathed in second-hand smoke, the paper continued.

Oklahoma State University vet Carolynn MacAllister said this could be due to carcinogens which accumulate on cats' coats and are ingested when the moggy licks itself while grooming.

"This grooming behaviour exposes the mucous membrane of their mouth to the cancer-causing carcinogens," she added.

Cats who do develop illnesses and diseases may often require medical treatment, which could be made more affordable through a pet insurance policy.


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