Is Mold Dangerous to Cats? How to Tell if Your Pet is Sick

Written By Holly Richards-PurpuraPublished on 07/18/2024

Mold growth is common, but it’s sneaky and can be a significant health hazard.

In a previous article, we explained Types Of Dangerous Mold In The Home And How To Protect Against It.

In this article, we will answer the question, “Is mold dangerous to cats?”

Let’s explore this issue and what to look for to protect your furry friends.

Is Mold Dangerous To Cats?

Cats are strong and resilient animals, but that doesn’t mean they actually have nine lives. They are susceptible to illnesses and injuries just like we are. The same goes for mold. If mold can harm humans, it can be equally dangerous to cats and other animals if they are exposed to it.

Mold loves nothing more than a damp basement, and it can grow on furniture, fabric, paper, wood, and other materials. It may appear fuzzy, pink, white, or even worse, black. Black mold is toxic to anyone—human or feline.

Cats are curious and like to explore, often playing with objects around the house they shouldn’t disturb. If they are around or come into contact with mold by touching or ingesting it, the effects can be deadly.

What Are Signs of Mold Exposure in Cats?

Mold exposure can result in different symptoms in your cat, including:

Lethargy
Runny nose
Itchy, runny eyes
Ear and skin infections
Sneezing, coughing, and wheezing
Loss of fur

Bleeding from the nose or mouth
Excessive scratching or chewing
Loss of appetite
Digestive issues
Agitated or anxious
Seizures and tremors

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What to Do Next

In this post, we answered your question about whether mold is dangerous to cats.

There’s a lot more to know about mold and how it affects your home and loved ones. Stay tuned for additional resources!

If you need help with moisture management to prevent basement mold growth, you can benefit from a quick, easy, and totally free inspection from Ohio Basement Authority. Simply click on the button below to get started.

Schedule Free inspection

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for over 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

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