Poison Ivy in Cats

Did you know that your cat can pick up or be a carry of poison ivy? Your cat may not necessarily break out in a rash of her own or even start itching excessively. However, she could have the poison ivy toxins on her coat and if you pet her then you could get poison ivy. It’s important to keep poison ivy cleaned up and cut down around your property to prevent your cat from getting into it. Poison ivy is common in wooded areas and can grow as shrubbery, groundcover or climbing tree vines. The plant is identified by three almond shaped leaves and its hairy vine. It is often light to dark green in the summer or a bright red or yellowish orange in the fall. Your cat may be just a carrier or she could develop a rash around her underarms or on her belly. If you see a red rash on her, please call your vet Glen Ellyn IL .