What should I do if a cat has ingested mouse poison at home? - briefly
If your cat has swallowed rodent bait, call a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately and follow their guidance, then transport the pet to the clinic without delay. Do not induce vomiting or give any medication unless instructed by a professional.
What should I do if a cat has ingested mouse poison at home? - in detail
If a cat swallows rodent bait, act without delay. First, remove the animal from any further exposure to the toxin. Keep the cat calm and confined to prevent additional ingestion or injury.
Call a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control hotline immediately. Provide the following information: the cat’s weight, age, breed, the exact product name and concentration, the amount estimated to have been eaten, and the time of exposure. Bring the original container or a clear description of the poison to the veterinary clinic.
Do not induce vomiting unless a professional explicitly advises it. Some anticoagulant baits can cause severe irritation if vomited, while other toxins (e.g., bromethalin) may worsen when expelled. If instructed to induce vomiting, use a syringe to administer 2 ml of 3 % hydrogen peroxide per kilogram of body weight, not exceeding 30 ml total, and repeat after 10‑15 minutes if necessary.
While awaiting veterinary care, observe the cat for clinical signs that may indicate the type of toxin:
- Anticoagulant rodenticides (warfarin‑type): bleeding from gums, nose, or injection sites; bruising; pale mucous membranes; weakness.
- Neurotoxic baits (bromethalin, zinc phosphide): tremors, seizures, ataxia, dilated pupils, excessive salivation.
- Calcium channel blockers: lethargy, low heart rate, low blood pressure.
Document any symptoms and report them to the veterinarian.
At the clinic, treatment may include:
- Activated charcoal to bind remaining poison in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Vitamin K1 therapy for anticoagulant exposure, administered orally or intravenously for several weeks.
- Intravenous fluids to support circulation and renal function.
- Anticonvulsants or supportive medications for neurotoxic effects.
- Blood transfusions if severe hemorrhage occurs.
Follow the veterinarian’s dosage schedule precisely and attend all recommended re‑check appointments. After discharge, store all rodent control products securely, out of reach of pets, and consider using pet‑safe alternatives such as bait stations inaccessible to cats.