Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound to Cats
Chemical Structure & Breakdown
Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound that can exist in different forms, such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN), sodium cyanide (NaCN), or as part of naturally occurring cyanogenic glycosides in certain plants. Structurally, cyanide consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom (-C≡N), which gives it the ability to disrupt vital cellular functions.
At the cellular level, cyanide inhibits the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which prevents cells from using oxygen to produce ATP (cellular energy). This leads to cellular asphyxiation and rapid systemic failure, particularly affecting organs that rely on high oxygen consumption, such as the heart and brain.
Toxin Metabolism
In cats, cyanide is absorbed quickly through the gastrointestinal tract or inhaled as a gas if exposed to substances like burning plants or smoke. Once in the bloodstream, cyanide interferes with oxygen utilization at the cellular level, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and cell death. Cats are highly sensitive to cyanide, and ingestion of even small amounts can lead to rapid onset of symptoms.
Symptoms of cyanide toxicity in cats include rapid breathing, drooling, vomiting, weakness, seizures, and collapse. In severe cases, cyanide exposure can result in cardiac arrest and death within minutes to hours if not treated. Immediate veterinary intervention is critical, and treatment typically involves administering antidotes like sodium thiosulfate or hydroxocobalamin, which bind with cyanide to neutralize it.
Additional Plants or Items Containing the Toxin
- Prunus spp. (Cherry, apricot, peach seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides)
- Linum usitatissimum (Flax)
- Sorghum spp. (Sorghum)
- Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
These plants contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion and are highly toxic to cats.
