What should be done if a cat has ingested mouse poison? - briefly
Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic right away and follow their guidance; do not attempt home treatment unless a professional explicitly advises it. If instructed, they may recommend safely inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal.
What should be done if a cat has ingested mouse poison? - in detail
If a cat swallows rodent bait, act without delay. First, remove any remaining poison from the animal’s mouth and keep the container for identification. Call an emergency veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately; provide details about the product, amount suspected, and the time of exposure.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional. Some poisons, such as anticoagulants, may cause additional injury if vomited. If a veterinarian advises safe emesis, use a recommended solution (e.g., 3% hydrogen peroxide at 1 ml per kilogram body weight) only under supervision.
Gather the following information for the veterinarian:
- Brand and active ingredient (common agents: anticoagulants, bromethalin, zinc phosphide, cholecalciferol)
- Approximate quantity ingested
- Time elapsed since ingestion
- Cat’s weight, age, and health status
- Observed symptoms (lethargy, bleeding, seizures, vomiting, drooling)
Typical clinical signs differ by toxin:
- Anticoagulants*: bruising, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, weakness.
- Bromethalin*: tremors, seizures, loss of coordination.
- Zinc phosphide*: difficulty breathing, frothing, abdominal pain.
- Cholecalciferol*: excessive thirst, vomiting, kidney failure.
Diagnostic steps performed by the veterinarian may include blood clotting tests, liver enzyme panels, kidney function tests, and imaging. Treatment varies with the toxin:
- Anticoagulant poisoning: administer vitamin K1 (phytonadione) orally or intravenously for several weeks; provide fresh frozen plasma if severe bleeding occurs.
- Bromethalin toxicity: deliver supportive care, control seizures with anticonvulsants, monitor neurological status.
- Zinc phosphide exposure: give activated charcoal to bind toxin, provide oxygen therapy, monitor cardiovascular function.
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) overdose: initiate intravenous fluids, administer diuretics, and use calcitonin or bisphosphonates to lower calcium levels.
Throughout treatment, maintain hydration, monitor vital signs, and keep the cat in a quiet, stress‑free environment. Follow the veterinarian’s dosing schedule precisely; abrupt discontinuation of vitamin K1 can result in relapse.
After recovery, eliminate future risk by storing all rodent control products in secured containers, placing bait stations out of reach of pets, and considering alternative, pet‑safe pest management methods. Regular veterinary check‑ups can detect lingering effects and ensure full health restoration.