What should be done if a cat eats a poisoned mouse, and what are the symptoms? - briefly
If a cat ingests a rodent that has been treated with poison, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic immediately and follow their instructions, which may include inducing vomiting only under professional guidance and administering activated charcoal. Watch for signs such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, and report any of these to the vet promptly.
What should be done if a cat eats a poisoned mouse, and what are the symptoms? - in detail
If a cat ingests a rodent that has been poisoned, act without delay. Remove any remaining bait or carcass from the cat’s reach. Prevent the animal from vomiting unless instructed by a professional, as uncontrolled emesis can cause aspiration. Contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately; provide details about the suspected toxin, the amount possibly consumed, and the time elapsed since ingestion.
While awaiting instructions, gather the product label or any information about the poison (e.g., anticoagulant rodenticide, bromethalin, zinc phosphide). This data enables the veterinarian to select the appropriate antidote or supportive therapy. Do not administer over‑the‑counter medications, fluids, or home remedies unless explicitly advised.
Potential clinical manifestations vary with the toxic agent but commonly include:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting, possibly with blood
- Diarrhea, sometimes hemorrhagic
- Tremors, seizures, or uncontrolled muscle activity
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Pale or bruised gums
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Unusual bruising or bleeding from nose, gums, or urinary tract
- Disorientation, stumbling, or inability to stand
If any of these signs appear, convey them to the veterinary team promptly. Early intervention, such as administration of vitamin K₁ for anticoagulant poisoning or specific antidotes for other rodenticides, dramatically improves prognosis. Continuous monitoring of temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate is essential until professional care is obtained.