If you have a child whos taking ADHD medication, and you have a cat, you'll want to store the medication as far out of feline reach as possible. The National Animal Poison Control Center has found that the ADHD drug Adderall has become one of the most common household causes of feline poisoning:

Most poisoning cases that the ASPCA's center learns about involve dogs, [Sharon] Gwaltney-Brant says, because they're fairly indiscriminate about what theyll eat.

Not cats. Out of curiosity, they might sample a pill or capsule -- but seldom finish it, she says. As soon as they bite in and discover its bland or even objectionable flavor, they tend to walk away.

Except when it comes to Adderall XR. Cats not only bite in but readily finish every bit. [Source: Science News]

Vets don't know what makes the medication so enticing to felines, but just one 20-milligram capsule can be deadly to a curious kitten. Signs of medication poisoning include distressed meowing, anxiety, agitation, pacing and disorientation. A cat that's exhibiting these signs needs to be taken to a vet immediately.

Labels: dangers, safety, adderall

Posted By: Aspen/CRC