Secondhand Smoke is Bad for Cats

A recent study has uncovered the fact that cats living in the homes of smokers have more than double the rate of highly fatal lymphoma (cancer) than cats living with nonsmokers.  A study conducted at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine revealed that cats that lived with one smoker had 1.9 times the rate of lymphoma over those that lived with nonsmokers; cats that lived with two or more smokers had 4.1 times the rate; and those that were exposed in either case for more than five years had 3.2 times the rate.   In addition to lymphoma, cats that live with people who smoke have a higher incidence of asthma and other respiratory problems.

Indoor cats seem to have a greater disadvantage than humans in terms of exposure to environmental contaminants because human household members often leave the home, whereas cats face continuous exposure.  Furthermore, cats are exposed not only through inhaling but also by ingesting particulate toxins, which have settled onto their fur and household surfaces, when they lick their fur and paws.

Quitting smoking may not only reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes in smokers but also of cancer in children and pets.