Antifreeze Poisoning In Cats

Sadly, antifreeze is hugely toxic to cats, and every year cats across Britain are seriously ill or die from antifreeze poisoning.

Why would my cat drink antifreeze?

The toxic component of antifreeze is called ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste, which means animals and even children can be drawn to it. Cats do not taste ‘sweetness’ in the same way we do, but still find drinking ethylene glycol attractive. Ethylene glycol can be found after leaks of water coolant or brake fluid, after spillage of anti-freeze containing products when filling up cars, and if products are left uncapped. Uncleaned spillages can also get on cats’ paws, meaning they ingest the antifreeze as they clean themselves.

More about antifreeze poisoning in cats

How much ethylene glycol will cause a problem?

Sadly, cats only need to drink a teaspoon of antifreeze to receive a lethal dose. This means that all spillages, no matter how small, should be cleaned up quickly and thoroughly. The ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed into the body after drinking, and triggers signs to appear from as little at 30 minutes to up to 8 hours after ingestion.

What are the signs of antifreeze poisoning in cats?

Ethylene glycol, the toxic component of antifreeze, causes severe kidney damage. Signs include:

Vomiting
Depression/lethargy
Incoordination and unsteadiness
Seizures (fits)
Difficulty breathing

Damage develops from as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion, and worsens over several days until the kidneys fail. Intensive and rapid veterinary treatment, as soon after the antifreeze has been drunk as possible, may improve chances of survival. Tragically for most cats, even with prompt veterinary care, drinking ethylene glycol is fatal.

What should I do if I think my cat has drunk antifreeze?

If you believe your cat may have drunk antifreeze, take them to your local vet immediately. With a clinical exam, blood testing and urine analysis your vet can suggest if ethylene glycol poisoning is likely. Clinical signs can mimic other medical conditions so a range of tests may be required. These are important as if your pet has ingested any ethylene glycol they will need to be treated as soon as possible, and treatment can be very specific.

How is antifreeze poisoning treated?

Cats with antifreeze poisoning may be induced to vomit, if the suspected ingestion of antifreeze was recent enough. They will be given intravenous fluids (a drip) to support the kidneys, and either ethanol or a drug called fomepizole. These work in the same way, by blocking the chemical route of ethylene glycol-induced kidney damage. Blocking the ethylene glycol will only work if the damage already done is not too extensive, so rapid treatment is vital. Do not be surprised to see vodka at the vets – this is the most common way to give ethanol to pets with ethylene glycol toxicity!

What can I do to prevent antifreeze poisoning? What can I do to prevent antifreeze poisoning?

Although it is impossible to eradicate the risk for an outdoor cat, making sure you and your family use antifreeze safely is really important. The safest route is to not use an ethylene glycol-based antifreeze at all. Propylene glycol-based antifreeze is more expensive, but safe for pets and other wildlife. If you do use ethylene glycol-based anti-freeze products, then spillages must be cleaned up immediately, the bottle kept in a secure place, and cars checked regularly for leaks.

There are also many other common household foods and products that can cause

If you think your cat may have ingested antifreeze, please contact your local Companion Care vets.