This Old House

[M-A]

Hello Dana,
I recently moved into an older home, and I'm worried about lead toxicity and my cat. Are there specific symptoms for which I should be on the lookout? Thanks!

[Dana Farbman]

Hello M-A,

Depending on the remodeling history of the building in question, not all structures that are older than 29 years contain lead paint. If you are concerned, you may want to verify the presence of lead by having the paint tested. The Environmental Protection Agency offers information to tenants and home owners about the hazards of lead, testing to verify the presence of it and what can be done to reduce the risk of exposure: www.epa.gov/lead .

Depending on the circumstances of exposure, lead can be a significant threat to pets. Exposure to lead can occur through the ingestion of paint chips or inhalation of the dust produced when surfaces are scraped or sanded. Cats and dogs that have been exposed to large enough quantities of lead may exhibit gastrointestinal (GI) signs, behavior changes, signs of anemia, and/or neurologic effects. A blood lead test is helpful in making a diagnosis, but blood lead levels may not indicate the total body burden of lead. If you have not done so already, we would recommend speaking with your cat's veterinarian about your concerns, in order to get advice specific to your situation.