Can second hand smoke affect Tigger?

While this is still currently under investigation, we don't see why secondhand smoke wouldn't affect Tigger. On one hand, Tigger is lower to the ground, so may have less smoke toxicity from the air, but on the other hand the carcinogens in cigarettes may accumulate in the carpet where hes sleeping. I've seen some cases of lung cancer in both dogs and cats, and always ask owners if they smoke; while it may make the owners feel guilt-ridden, Fido and Fluffy don't have a choice about what air they get to breathe. Smoking definitely worsens asthma, and Ive had some clients quit smoking due to the severity of their cats asthma. If you have pets, wed recommend that you either (a) quit, (b) smoke outside, or (c) consider getting a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter) in your house. One research study showed that pets exposed to paint thinners and certain other chemicals had a statistically significant increase in the incidence of cancer. While smoking wasn't evaluated in this study, current studies are being performed and hopefully will give us the evidence we need to make you quit for your cat's sake, in case your spouse, children, wardrobe, coworkers, lungs, and wallet aren't enough of a reason.