Cat symptom
Ate something toxic in cats
If your pet may have eaten something poisonous, act fast — many toxins do the most damage before any symptoms appear. Call for help right away.
Common causes of ate something toxic in cats
- Human foods (chocolate, xylitol/birch sugar, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic)
- Medications (human or pet, in the wrong dose)
- Plants (lilies are deadly to cats), rodenticides, antifreeze
- Cleaning products and other household chemicals
Who's most at risk
- Curious pets, and puppies/kittens
- Homes with chocolate, xylitol, grapes, or lilies
- Access to medications, rodenticides, or antifreeze
- Cats (lilies and household chemicals)
What you can do at home
- Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately — have the product/label ready
- Do NOT make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to
- Do not give home antidotes such as milk, oil, salt, or hydrogen peroxide unless a veterinary professional specifically directs it
- Note what, how much, and when — and bring the packaging
When to see a vet
- Any known or suspected ingestion of a toxin — don't wait for symptoms
- Vomiting, drooling, tremors, seizures, weakness, or collapse
- A cat exposed to any part of a lily, or any pet exposed to antifreeze
When it's more serious
- Active symptoms after a toxin are an emergency — go now and bring the packaging.
- Lilies (cats) and antifreeze are rapidly fatal — emergency care immediately.
- Don't wait for symptoms — call your vet or a poison line and act now.
What your vet may do
- Identify the toxin, the dose, and the timing
- Induce vomiting or give activated charcoal if appropriate
- Specific antidotes and IV fluids where available
- Bloodwork and monitoring for organ effects
Questions to ask your vet
- Is what they ate actually toxic, and at what dose?
- Should vomiting be induced — or is it too late?
- What organ damage should we watch for?
- What follow-up testing is needed?
Frequently asked questions
What causes ate something toxic in cats?
If your pet may have eaten something poisonous, act fast — many toxins do the most damage before any symptoms appear. Call for help right away. Common causes include: Human foods (chocolate, xylitol/birch sugar, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic); Medications (human or pet, in the wrong dose); Plants (lilies are deadly to cats), rodenticides, antifreeze; Cleaning products and other household chemicals.
Is ate something toxic in cats an emergency?
Emergency — get veterinary help right now. See a vet right away if: Any known or suspected ingestion of a toxin — don't wait for symptoms; Vomiting, drooling, tremors, seizures, weakness, or collapse; A cat exposed to any part of a lily, or any pet exposed to antifreeze.
What can I do at home for a cat with ate something toxic?
Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately — have the product/label ready Do NOT make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to Do not give home antidotes such as milk, oil, salt, or hydrogen peroxide unless a veterinary professional specifically directs it Note what, how much, and when — and bring the packaging
Sources
Related reading from Webvet
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.