What should be done if a cat ate a poisoned mouse at home? - briefly
Contact a veterinarian immediately and follow their guidance; meanwhile, keep the cat calm, prevent further ingestion, and monitor for signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or abnormal behavior. If advised, bring the cat in for examination and possible treatment without delay.
What should be done if a cat ate a poisoned mouse at home? - in detail
If a cat has swallowed a rodent that was treated with poison, act without delay.
- Call an emergency veterinary clinic or a pet‑poison control hotline immediately. Provide details about the cat’s age, weight, and any known health problems.
- Ask the professional whether inducing vomiting is appropriate. Do not attempt this on your own unless instructed, because some toxins can cause additional damage when expelled.
- If vomiting is recommended, use a safe, veterinarian‑approved method such as a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (1 ml per 5 lb body weight). Follow the exact dosage and timing given by the expert.
- Supply the veterinarian with information about the type of poison used (e.g., anticoagulant rodenticide, neurotoxin, metal phosphide). If the product packaging or label is available, note the active ingredient, concentration, and amount ingested.
- Bring the cat to the clinic promptly for assessment and possible treatment, which may include activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, antidotes (e.g., vitamin K1 for anticoagulants), or supportive care.
- Keep the animal under observation for signs such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, tremors, or difficulty breathing. Record the onset time of any symptoms and report them to the veterinarian.
After emergency care, implement preventive measures:
- Store all rodenticides in locked containers out of reach of pets.
- Use bait stations that are inaccessible to cats, or choose non‑chemical rodent control methods.
- Regularly inspect areas where rodents may hide and remove potential sources of poison.
Prompt professional intervention, accurate information about the toxin, and vigilant monitoring are essential to minimize health risks after accidental ingestion.