a cat putting its paw under running water

Cats & Persistent Organic Pollutants: The Hidden Toxins in Water

Cats are curious creatures, but some of what they consume may quietly harm their health. A 2024 study in Science of the Total Environment revealed that cats can accumulate persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—including PCBs, PBDEs, and organochlorine pesticides—especially in their kidneys. These lipophilic compounds collect in fatty tissues, potentially leading to cellular damage and an …