If you are a cat owner, you might have known that you are the owner of a highly curious animal. The cat will jump everywhere and poke her nose in every place. As a foody creature, nothing will be secured. In this extensive piece, we are going to tell you about their licking habit of salt lamps and whether it is safe for cats or not. Himalayan salt lamps have gained worldwide fame for their unique design and marvelous health benefits. These salt lamps are beneficial for humans but can be havoc for pets, especially cats.
Some people have shared their cat’s worst experience due to licking salt lamps. While there is little scientific research that addresses the impact of the salt lamp on the health of cats. We all are aware of the properties and positive effects of salt lamps on health.
As Himalayan salt lamps emit a soft, warm amber glow when the internal incandescent bulb is turned on. The lamp releases negative ions into the air that works to clean the air and improves its quality. However, there is no solid evidence to prove the claims that say that these lamps are the best for either humans or pets.
When it comes to cats, there are many concerns because we all are well aware of the habits and nature of cats. There is always a query are Himalayan salt lamps safe for cats? One of the potential concerns is that cats might be attracted to the salt lamp. This pet is always in the mood to lick and chunk and similarly here tries to lick it. The experiment states that excessive intake of salt can lead to sodium poisoning. Too much ingestion of sodium ions causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures.
Are salt lamps bad or toxic for cats?
Undoubtedly, the Himalayan salt lamp is the most aesthetic décor item but it can be dangerous for the cat. Usually, cats are habitual of licking objects. If there is a Himalayan salt lamp beside them, they may start licking. The surface of these lamps is shiny and pink in color which makes them attractive. Due to its unique shape, cats always tend to lick and taste it. But now the question is whether pink Himalayan salt is good or bad? The only reason is the huge amount of sodium that is hard for cats to digest. Cats are sensitive animals with weaker digestive systems. They cannot handle the digestion of sodium as humans do.
Now the question arises, what happens when a cat takes many licks or few? A few licks of salt are okay for cats but too much licking can be troublesome. It can affect the organ as well as the overall functions of the pet. Rather than benefiting, salt lamps become toxic to cats. Are Himalayan salt lamps safe for cats? If they ingest salt of it? Is salt toxic for cats’ organs? The answer is a big yes.
The kidneys are the main station for processing the salt. These adjust the amount of salt in blood as necessary for the functions and needs. If your lovely cat licks plenty of salt, kidneys will be unable to perform m job. Due to this intake, too much fluid will make entry into the blood to increase the cat’s blood pressure. High blood pressure causes cause severe breakdown of health.
Other than kidneys, salt intake could be equally toxic for muscles. More sodium intake increases blood pressure. With an increase in blood pressure, dysfunction in muscles and nerves would take place.
Due to muscles problem, cats will fail to move muscles properly which leads to twitching and cramps. Moreover, the brain also leaves function with a rise of sodium in the blood. Whenever sodium intake increases nervous system seizes its working. Study reveals the first sign of salt toxicity is neurological. These health issues manifest that too much licking of Himalayan salt lamps is not safe for cats.
Can cats lick salt lamps?
By nature, cat is s highly curious and quirky animal that always surprises its owner with its moves and actions. It shows different behavior than any other pet. Recently, it is revealed that cats have an interest in salt lamps. This interest is not for enjoying the amber glow but to taste and lick the salt lamps. Himalayan salt lamps have gained name and fame for their health benefits. Salt lamps are hand carved with natural pink salt crystals that are mined from the Himalayan regions of Pakistan. This natural salt emits negative ions that have positive effects on human health.
On one side, it is full of fruit for humans, but when it comes to cats, a salt lamp is a danger. Primarily, cats are naturally inclined towards unique textures and surfaces. Similarly, the rough and uneven surface of a salt lamp make them interested in it. Himalayan salt is enriched with trace minerals, which is one of the reasons that attract them to taste nutrients. It is common for animals to lick salt blocks, but for cats, it is not the healthiest choice at all. Excessive intake of Himalayan salt isn’t safe for cats.
How to keep the cat away from a salt lamp?
If you have a salt lamp and a cat in the same home then anytime you can encounter severe worry about the cat. Cats lick salt insanely. Too much ingestion of salt can increase sodium ion levels in the body, which can increase blood pressure. To cats away from salt lamps, it is important to take some precautions. By following some measures, you can make Himalayan salt lamps safe for cats.
1. Placement of lamp
Cats walk everywhere. Even the jump from low to high and vice versa. Then what to do? Try to keep your salt lamps at much top or less area shelves where items are inaccessible for cats.
2. Alternative Distraction
To divert the attention of cats from lamps, you must provide alternative items as a source of entertainment. It could be some toys or food. It is necessary to keep any alternative for cats to engage them in some activity to keep them away from the Himalayan salt lamps.
3. Spraying detergents
Cats usually lick the surface and keep licking! There is an easy way to keep your naughty and curious cat away from the lamp. There are some bitter detergents available in the market that can be the best repellent for pets. You can spray a pet-safe bitter deterrent on the surface of salt lamps to keep your cat ay from licking it.
4. Drying the moisture
Salt has hygroscopic properties that make it ideal for absorption. This lamp absorbs moisture and condensation causing leaking of it. Cat loves to lick moisture from the surface. As early as you notice the leaking of the f lamp, hurriedly clean and dry it.
5. Consultation with Vet
Licking the salt is not always due to curiosity. It also has some reasons that link to pet diet and cravings. If your cat seems obsessed with licking, it is best to consult a veterinarian. According to veterinarians, extreme licking behavior could be an indication of a nutritional deficiency in the cat. They also warn about the too much exposure of salt to cats. Licking sodium can cause salt toxicity that results in health breakdown. After licking, salt cat shows symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsy, ness, and seizures as well. In many cases, death occurs when cats are not provided medical assistance timely.
To prevent accidental salt toxicity, the only way to keep your cats and dogs away is to make salt lamps inaccessible for them.
How long does salt poisoning take in cats?
When it comes to poisoning, the effects appear instantly or in some cases after hours. The effect depends upon the type of poison and body parameters. You have heard about poisoning through pills, liquid, or gas but have you ever heard about salt poisoning?
Salt poisoning takes place when a cat ingests a huge amount of salt. Excessive salt leads to an imbalance of sodium and overall electrolytes in the body. It usually happens due to eating salty human foods like potato chips or spicy roast. Moreover, accidental intake of products with high salt or exposure to the salty atmosphere. When cats ingest salt usually, some symptoms indicate salt poisoning. Some symptoms are a must-watch out to combat the poisoning. The key symptoms of salt poisoning in cats vary. Primary symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, and lethargy. In some cases, serious, tremors, seizures, and even coma cases come out
If your cat is giving such signs, you must hurriedly reach out to the veterinarian. Salt poisoning timelines vary. The timeline for the effects of salt poisoning in cats varies based on factors like the amount of salt ingested. Additionally, all the factors of the cat ranging from size, weight, and overall health also count. Some cats show early symptoms and some take hours after ingestion. If the cat is left untreated, the situation can escalate rapidly and leads to the death of your companion.
Salt poisoning mainly attacks the neurological system and paralyzes the whole body. In such cases, the timeline shrinks to just a day or two. It is important to act as soon as possible if you suspect your cat has taken a huge amount of salt.
Does Himalayan salt have a lead?
Himalayan salt known as pink salt was excavated from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. It gets its spellbinding color from the presence of trace minerals, like iron, magnesium, and calcium.
A new concern is in hype regarding the existence of lead in pink salt. The concern that Himalayan salt constitutes lead is rooted in a total misconception. As this salt contains over 82 trace elements. While it is true that in the list of minerals trace amounts of lead also exist. Also, no need to worry! Because the level of lead is so low.
Too low levels of lead do not pose any health risks to humans and pets as well. Above all, regulatory authorities around the world, like US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have framed safety limits for lead in food products, including salt. The good news is Himalayan salt perfectly meets the safety standards. Whenever you are on the way to pick any salt for eating, grab the pink Himalayan salt because it is a real health partner.
Salt lamp negative side effects
Himalayan salt and specifically salt lamps are synonymous with benefits. Salt lamps are appealing to humans. Recently, a few potential concerns are addressed that pose negative side effects to cats. Let’s take a bird eye view of those effects
1. Sodium ingestion
When it is salt, there is sodium. The salt lamp has an appreciable amount of sodium. Cats are always to eat and taste something new. Experiencing the new taste allows them to ingest excessive sodium. Too much intake leads them to health issues that include electrolyte imbalances and nervous breakdown.
2. Electric Threat
Cats are naturally curious animals that are always up to experience new things. Cats usually tempt to play with hanging cable or chew that lamp cable. In case of any ruptured cable, this poses severe electrical shock that could be life-threatening for cats as well as for kids in the lounge.
3. Extreme warmth
On cold days, cats find their place near the stove or heater. Salt lamps become warm when it glows for hours. Cats being cozy lovers, reach near the lamp to enjoy the comfort. Too much warmth can burn the hair of the cat. So, try to keep your pet away from the warm salt lamp.
4. Salt Licking
Salt licking leads to sodium imbalance in Cats. This animal licks whatever is available around. Too much licking poses damaging health effects to pets.
Conclusion
A Himalayan salt lamp is discouraged to place near the cats. Cats being curious animals are attracted to these lamps. The shiny and moist surface of the lamp allows the cat to lick. Does this arise the concern; are Himalayan salt lamps safe for cats? Licking increases the sodium level in cats, which poses a risk for high blood pressure, kidneys, and muscles. Too much intake of salt cause salt toxicity in cats, which is bad for their health.
It leads to salt poisoning that shows its deleterious effects within hours. It causes vomiting, tremors, seizure, and most probably the death of a pet. Some precautions such as keeping lamps away from the cat, spraying bitter detergents on the surface, and regularly cleaning can help to deal with this unusual problem. If you want to keep your naughty companion safe and sound then keep that away from the salt lamps.
