What to do if your cat eats something toxic

It can be frightening to see your cat suddenly start vomiting or showing signs of distress, especially if you suspect they’ve ingested something harmful. Although difficult, staying calm and taking the right steps could save your cat’s life.

But what should you do if your cat eats something poisonous? When your pet is in distress, there’s no time to search for answers — you need to be prepared in advance.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you recognize potential dangers, understand the signs of cat poisoning, and know exactly what steps to take if your cat ever eats something toxic.

What is toxic for cats?

You might already know that if your cat eats onions, grapes, and chocolate, they’re in for some trouble. If you need a reminder of what human foods are toxic to cats, read our previous article all about it.

What you might not know is that cats can ingest poison from their fur. Cats are fussy creatures and often won’t directly eat the toxic substance but rather consume it from their fur whilst grooming. That’s why it’s important to keep dangerous substances out of sight and out of reach.

This doesn’t just mean toxic food, there are lots of other cat hazards around the house you need to be careful with, including: ¹

Human medicines

• Antidepressants
• Cancer medicines
• Cold medicines
• Diet pills
• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)
• Vitamins and other supplement

These are just a few named medicines but of course, never give your cat any human medicine or vitamins without talking to your vet first.

Indoor and outdoor plants

• Aloe
• Azalea
• Chrysanthemum
• Hyacinths
• Lily
• Marijuana
• Mistletoe
• Rhododendron
• Sago Palm
• Tulip

Insecticides and other chemicals

• Antifreeze
• Bleach
• Detergents
• De-icing salts (which pets may walk through, then lick from their pads)
• Dog flea and tick medication (pills, collars, spot-on flea treatments, sprays, shampoos)
• Fertilizers
• Herbicides
• Insect and rodent bait

Additionally, be careful when leaving out traps and poison for rodents because a cat can die from eating a poisoned mouse.

More household hazards

• Chicken bones
• Dental floss, yarn, or string
• Holiday decorations, including lights and tinsel
• Toys with small or movable parts

How to tell if your cat has eaten something toxic

Many different foods and substances can cause cats trouble, so the signs of poisoning in cats vary. However, here are some common symptoms that your cat ate something bad:

• Salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Twitching and fitting
• Breathing difficulties
• Shock or collapse
• Inflammation or swelling of the skin
• Depression or coma
• Changes in drinking, urinating and appetite

What to do if your cat has eaten something toxic

If you suspect your cat has ingested something harmful, try to determine what it was. Check for signs of chewed plants, spilled chemicals, or missing food items, as identifying the toxin will help the vet determine the best course of action. 

Can I treat my cat’s toxicity at home?

Do not attempt home remedies, including inducing vomiting, unless instructed by a vet. Some substances can cause more harm if vomited back up. Instead, contact your veterinarian, poison Helpline, or a 24/7 animal poison control center and provide details on what your cat ingested, when it happened, and any symptoms they are showing.

Your vet may instruct you to bring your cat in for treatment or suggest first-aid measures at home. If possible, bring the container or label of the toxic substance with you to the vet. 

While waiting for professional help, keep your cat calm and in a quiet area, and monitor their symptoms.

What to do if your cat has something toxic on their fur

If a harmful substance has spilled onto your cat, you may be able to bathe or rinse the fur at home to prevent absorption through the skin or ingestion through grooming. It’s important to use lukewarm water and dish soap, but if possible, call the vet to double check it is safe to do so. If unsure how to bathe your cat or you cannot bathe them without getting injured, take your cat to the vet who can support you with sedation and proper handling. ²

Why is it difficult for cats to recover from poisoning?

While poisoning in cats is no more common than in other pets, they often have a harder time recovering due to their small size, which makes even small doses of toxins dangerous. Their unique metabolism processes chemicals differently, making it harder for them to eliminate toxins from their bodies.³ If a cat spends time outdoors, pet parents may not always know where they were poisoned or what substance was involved. Additionally, as mentioned, their grooming habits mean they can ingest toxic substances from their fur, even if they didn’t eat them directly. This again, makes it difficult for the cat parent to identify what the toxic substance is.

How to stop your cat from eating something toxic

Of course, the best remedy for your cat eating something toxic is prevention. Bear in mind, that cats are quite the acrobats and can access top shelves easier than their canine companions. Therefore, store all medications, household cleaners, and chemicals in cabinets that your cat cannot access. Keep human foods and drinks out of reach, and avoid feeding your cat table scraps without checking if they are safe. If you use pest control products, opt for pet-friendly versions or place them in areas your cat cannot access. Regularly inspect your home and garden for potential hazards, and if your cat spends time outdoors, keep a close eye on where they roam. Finally, be mindful of the greenery in and around your home — this doesn’t mean you can’t have some botanical decor, but do some research and ensure all plants are pet-safe. 

1. https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/top-10-cat-poisons ↩︎
2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/household-hazards-toxic-hazards-for-cats ↩︎
3. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/household-hazards-toxic-hazards-for-cats ↩︎