My cat licked a chemical, now has mouth sores and won't eat.

Question

Hello. My cat had an injury in his paw which I treated with a solution containing Benzalkonium chloride. He licked the treated surface. He has been salivating a lot and has blisters on the tip of his tongue. He isn't eating and drinking.What do I do? There are no vets nearby. Please help!

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

It sounds like your cat has some chemical burns on his tongue, and I would be concerned he also have chemical burns on his esophagus. He needs to see a vet as soon as possible to have this treated, as he's not eating. Cats who won't eat or drink require a temporary feeding tube. Leaving him without eating and drinking will be fatal, and cats develop a fatty liver (which is also fatal without treatment) when they don't eat for longer than 72 hours. Because most chemical burns take up to two weeks to heal, he cannot be left without treatment. You need to take the trip to the nearest vet as soon as possible. Best of luck.

My cat licked a chemical, now has mouth sores and won't eat.

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