Poisoning in cats and common toxins

There are common things around your house that can be toxic for cats. While cats are often more careful eaters than dogs, they can still ingest poison by licking things off their paws or coat.

Has my cat been poisoned?

It's not always possible to know if your cat has come into contact with toxins, so these are common signs of poisoning to look out for:

• lack of appetite
• staggering, shaking or other odd behaviour
• red, raw, swollen or blistering skin, mouth, throat or paws
• vomiting
• dribbling
• collapsing
• fits/seizures
• difficulty breathing

Some illnesses (such as kidney disease or severe gastroenteritis) can show similar symptoms to poisoning. If you spot any symptoms of poisoning, contact your vet immediately.

What should I do if I think my cat has been poisoned?

If your cat eats or comes into contact with anything that might be toxic, or you spot symptoms of poisoning, you should call your vet immediately.

See if you can identify the culprit and have any packaging to hand so you can tell the vet exactly what the substance is. If you’ve seen your cat chewing something, take samples  along to the vet (or a photo if it's not safe to touch) and make a note of the time they ate it and any symptoms they’ve had. 

In the meantime, if possible, wrap your cat in a towel or use a Buster collar if you have one to stop them from licking themselves in case the poison is on their fur.

Do not try to make your cat vomit without asking the vet and never give them medicines designed for humans. If your cat is staggering or having a seizure, clear obstacles out of the way and make the room dark and quiet.

Common poisons and toxins for cats

It's important to keep toxins and poisons out of reach to prevent your cat from getting ill. Here are nine common cat poisons to look out for:

Onions

Onions contain a substance that can be toxic for cats. Even when they're just used as flavouring in food, they can still cause problems. You should avoid giving your cat scraps from the dinner table to prevent them from eating onion. It's best to give your cat treats that are specially made for pets and treat them in moderation.

Human medication

Your cat's body is very different to yours, so you should never give your cat any drugs meant for people. Painkillers are particularly dangerous, especially paracetamol and ibuprofen. Although vets do sometimes prescribe human medicines for cats, the dosage is very complex so do not try it at home.

Mice and rat poison

Mice and rat poison (rodenticides) can be toxic for your cat, either by their coming into contact with the poison directly or eating a mouse that has been poisoned. Even if you don't have pets at home, you could be putting a cat's life in danger by using mice and rat poison. It's better to find an alternative way to get rid of pests.

Flea or tick products

Spot-on treatments, flea collars, powders and shampoos are a common cause of poisoning in cats. This is usually down to using a treatment that was meant for dogs, giving them the wrong dose or using two types of treatment together. It’s always better to buy your products from a vet but, if you do get a shop-bought product, make sure you follow the directions very carefully.

More on flea treatment for cats

Lilies

Even a dusting of pollen on a cat’s coat is enough to cause a reaction to many types of lily (including Easter, tiger and oriental lilies). To keep your cat safe, avoid having lilies in the house. 

While some cats will ignore plants, kittens and indoor cats are more prone to chewing them. So, if you have an indoor cat, you might want to consider avoiding houseplants all together.

More on plants poisonous to cats

Antifreeze

Even a small amount of antifreeze can be dangerous for cats. If you use antifreeze, make sure your cat is out of the way and store it safely and securely away from prying paws. Don’t forget to mop up any pools of spilled antifreeze so your cat won’t come into contact with it.

More on winter dangers for cats

Paint remover

Keep your cat out of the room when you’re using products like white spirit and turpentine and, if your cat does get paint on their fur, don’t try to take it off yourself. It's best to contact your vet for advice on removing it safely.

Slug and snail pellets

Slug and snail poison contains metaldehyde, which is highly toxic to cats. If you want to get rid of slugs, it’s best to either use a non-toxic form of slug control or cover treated areas with chicken wire so your cat cannot get to them.

Coal/tar-based products

This includes things like creosote and disinfectants that turn cloudy when mixed with water. Most diluted cleaning products are fine if the directions on the label are followed properly. But keep them out of the way to be on the safe side and contact your vet if your cat drinks a significant amount.