Cat Poisoning: What to Do, Common Toxins and Emergency Steps
Cats are curious, they groom themselves and they are sensitive to many chemicals that people and dogs tolerate. A small amount of the wrong substance can be dangerous. Knowing what to do in the first minutes can save your cat's life.
Signs of poisoning
Signs vary with the toxin, and may appear within minutes or after days. Look for:
- Vomiting or drooling
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Tremors, twitching or seizures. See seizures in cats.
- Wobbliness or collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale, blue or yellow gums
- Increased thirst or urination, or none
- Dilated or tiny pupils
- Burns or blisters in the mouth
- A sudden change in behavior
Some poisons, such as lilies and antifreeze, cause kidney failure days later, and early treatment is vital.
What to do right away
- Remove your cat from the source, and stop it from eating or licking more.
- Stay calm, and gather information: what, how much and when.
- Call for help immediately. Contact your vet, the nearest emergency clinic or an animal poison control service. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Pet Poison Helpline offer 24-hour advice, usually for a fee.
- Take the evidence. Bring the product container, plant sample or vomit sample, in a bag.
- Follow instructions. Professionals will tell you whether to head in and what to do on the way.
- Keep your cat warm and calm, and transport it safely in a carrier. See carrier training a cat.
Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and keep your emergency numbers handy. See cat first aid kit.
What not to do
- Do not induce vomiting unless told to. Vomiting can be harmful for caustic substances or when the cat is drowsy, and some home methods, such as salt, are dangerous.
- Do not give milk, oil or food unless instructed.
- Do not wait for signs. Treatment is often most effective early.
- Do not use human medications.
- Do not bathe in harsh soap unless told to. If a toxin is on the fur, ask for instructions, since cats lick it off.
Common household poisons
Plants.
- Lilies are extremely dangerous, and even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. See lilies and cats.
- Many other plants are toxic. See toxic houseplants for cats and cat-safe houseplants.
Human medications.
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, antidepressants and ADHD drugs are dangerous.
Flea and tick products.
- Dog products with permethrin can be fatal to cats. Always use cat-specific products. See fleas on cats and ticks on cats.
Foods.
- Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, xylitol, alcohol and caffeine. See is chocolate toxic to cats, are onions and garlic toxic to cats, is xylitol toxic to cats, are grapes and raisins toxic to cats, is alcohol dangerous for cats and is caffeine toxic to cats.
Chemicals.
- Antifreeze, which tastes sweet and is lethal in tiny amounts
- Rodent poison
- Cleaning products, bleach and essential oils
- Pesticides and lawn products
Treatment
Treatment depends on the toxin and may involve:
- Induced vomiting, activated charcoal or stomach rinsing, as appropriate
- IV fluids
- Antidotes, where they exist
- Anti-seizure medication
- Monitoring and blood tests
- Hospital stays
Early treatment greatly improves outcomes.
Prevention
- Keep medications, chemicals and plants out of reach. See cat-proofing your home.
- Use cat-safe products only.
- Store antifreeze and rodent bait safely, and clean spills promptly.
- Read labels carefully, and check with your vet before using new products.
- Keep emergency numbers on your fridge and phone.
- Be careful at holidays. See holiday hazards for cats.
Kittens
Kittens explore with their mouths, so extra care is needed. See kitten-proofing your home.
Be prepared
Save the numbers of your vet, the nearest emergency clinic and an animal poison control service in your phone. Keep a list of your cat's weight, medications and conditions. Take a photo of any product your cat has eaten. Preparation saves precious minutes.
After the emergency
Even after treatment, your vet may recommend follow-up blood tests to check kidney and liver function. Keep the product label and any notes, and think about how the exposure happened so you can prevent it. Tell family members and visitors about the hazards, and store dangerous items securely out of reach.
When to see a vet
If you even suspect poisoning, call now. See cat vet visit costs and the emergency warning signs guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make my cat vomit?
Not unless a vet tells you to. It can be dangerous with some poisons.
Is there a poison hotline?
Yes. In the US, there are 24-hour animal poison control services, which usually charge a fee.
What if my cat seems fine?
Call anyway. Signs of some poisons, such as lilies and antifreeze, appear late but are deadly.
Can I use human medication on cats?
Never without veterinary instruction.
Sources and further reading
Health information changes as research does. These organizations publish guidance worth reading alongside our articles.
- Cat Friendly Homes (AAFP and ISFM)Cat-specific care guidance and a finder for cat-friendly practices.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic plants and foods lists, plus a 24-hour helpline.
- Pet Poison Helpline24-hour poison advice staffed by veterinary toxicologists.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.