What should you do if a cat ate mouse poison? - briefly
If a cat consumes rodenticide, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic right away and provide the product’s label. Do not induce vomiting or give any treatment unless a professional advises you to do so.
What should you do if a cat ate mouse poison? - in detail
If a cat consumes rodenticide, act without delay. Remove the animal from the source, keep it calm, and prevent further ingestion of food or water until professional advice is obtained.
- Call an emergency veterinary clinic or a poison‑control hotline immediately. Provide:
- The cat’s weight and age.
- The exact product name, active ingredient, and amount ingested, if known.
- Time elapsed since exposure.
- Follow the professional’s instructions precisely. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed, because some anticoagulant poisons can cause severe irritation if expelled.
If vomiting is recommended, use a safe, veterinarian‑approved method such as administering 1 ml of 3 % hydrogen peroxide per kilogram of body weight, repeated up to three times at 10‑minute intervals. Monitor for successful expulsion; if none occurs, seek urgent veterinary care.
Administer activated charcoal only under veterinary supervision. A typical dose is 1–2 g per kilogram of body weight, given orally to bind remaining toxin in the gastrointestinal tract. Do not give charcoal if the cat is unconscious or has a compromised airway.
After decontamination, the veterinarian will likely begin treatment with vitamin K1 (phytonadione) to counteract anticoagulant effects. Dosage is usually 2–5 mg per kilogram, administered daily for 7–14 days, with blood clotting times monitored throughout. Supportive care may include intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and analgesics, depending on the severity of hemorrhage.
Observe the cat closely for signs such as:
- Bleeding from gums, nose, or urinary tract.
- Lethargy, pale gums, or rapid breathing.
- Bruising or swelling. Report any changes to the veterinarian promptly.
Prevent future incidents by storing all rodent control products in secure, cat‑proof containers, placing them out of reach, and using alternative, non‑toxic pest management methods whenever possible. Regularly inspect the environment for hidden bait and remove it promptly.