While chemotherapy can be effective in treating various types of cancer in cats, it also comes with responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of not only your pet but your household as well. Here are some key safety precautions and tips to help you go through this process safely.
1. Handling Medications Carefully
Chemotherapy drugs are potent, and while they help fight cancer, they can also be hazardous to humans and other pets if handled incorrectly.
- Use Gloves: Always wear disposable gloves when handling any cytotoxic medications. This prevents direct contact with the chemotherapy agents, which can be harmful if absorbed through the skin.
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: Even with gloves, it’s a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after administering any medication. This reduces any risk of accidental exposure to lingering residues.
- Store Medications Properly: Keep cytotoxic medications out of reach of children and other pets in a secure, labeled container in a designated area. Follow any specific storage instructions, such as refrigeration, to maintain the medication’s effectiveness and safety.
2. Handling Your Cat’s Waste
Chemotherapy drugs can remain in your cat’s system for a few days after treatment and may be excreted in their urine, feces, or vomit. This means that extra care is needed when cleaning up after your cat.
- Use Disposable Litter Liners: For cats using litter boxes, consider using disposable litter box liners and change them frequently to minimise the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals in their waste.
- Wear Gloves: When cleaning the litter box or handling any of your cat’s waste, always wear gloves. This reduces the risk of absorbing chemicals through the skin.
- Use Disposable Wipes or Paper Towels for Clean-Up: If your cat has an accident outside the litter box or vomits, use wipes or disposable paper towels to clean the area. Be sure to clean the area afterward to remove any lingering traces of the medication.
3. Limit Close Contact After Treatments
While snuggling with your cat is one of the joys of being a pet owner, during chemotherapy treatment, it’s important to limit very close physical contact, especially in the first 48 hours after a chemotherapy session.
Here are a few tips to reduce risk:
- Minimise Face Contact: Avoid kissing your cat or allowing them to lick you, especially around your face, after chemotherapy. This can be challenging, but it’s an important safety step.
- Limit Access to Certain Areas: Consider restricting your cat’s access to bedrooms, kitchens, or areas where food is prepared for the first few days after treatment. This reduces the risk of accidental contamination.
Don’t hesitate to contact use with any questions or concerns. If you’re unsure about any safety measures or notice unusual behaviours in your cat please let us know so that we can offer tailored advice based on your cat’s specific treatment plan.