It is very important to realize that as a smoker and having a pet, you are probably not aware of how such smoke affects your poor cat. Cats are most prone to smoke because they are typically grooming themselves as well as having quite unique respiratory systems. While cats groom, the toxic residues deposited on their fur by cigarette smoke are swallowed in, with their harmful chemical constituents being ingested. This not only increases their risk to develop respiratory issues but also exposes them to serious risks such as oral cancers and lymphoma.
How Cigarette Smoke Affects Your Cat
Both secondhand smoke-the smoke the smoker exhales and that diffuses from the burning tobacco itself-and thirdhand smoke-residual nicotine along with other substances left on various surfaces, which cats can pick up on their fur and take in while grooming-bring your cat into risk of many different kinds of health problems. These range from asthma and chronic respiratory conditions all the way to severe forms of cancer. It has been documented that cats in a smoking environment experience a much higher risk of developing malignant lymphomas and other types of cancer compared to cats in a smoke-free home.
Clearly, your cat needs protection from these dangers. If quitting cold turkey is not in the cards just yet, consider smoking outdoors and well away from your cat. Be aware of the residue that settles on your clothes, and wash your hands before handling your feline. Cleaning your house regularly to remove thirdhand smoke residues will also help minimize your cat’s exposure to these noxious substances.
Note: All photos used in this blog post are AI Generated, no pet was forced to have any cigarette or cigar in their mouth.