What should you do if a cat eats a poisoned rat? - briefly
If your cat has swallowed a poisoned rodent, call a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately and provide the poison type and estimated amount ingested. Follow their instructions, which may include professional‑administered vomiting, activated charcoal, and bringing the poison packaging for identification.
What should you do if a cat eats a poisoned rat? - in detail
If a cat consumes a rodent that has been treated with poison, act without delay. First, remove any remaining carcass and any accessible bait to prevent further exposure. Then, call a veterinarian or an emergency animal poison‑control hotline and provide details: the cat’s weight, age, health status, and the type of poison if known (anticoagulant, bromethalin, strychnine, etc.). Follow the professional’s instructions exactly; do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised, because some toxins can cause additional damage when expelled.
If the poison is an anticoagulant (e.g., warfarin‑type), treatment usually involves vitamin K1 therapy, administered orally or by injection, for several weeks. For neurotoxic agents such as bromethalin, supportive care focuses on controlling seizures and maintaining hydration; there is no specific antidote. Strychnine exposure requires rapid seizure management and respiratory support. In all cases, early veterinary intervention improves survival odds.
While awaiting professional guidance, keep the cat calm, limit movement, and monitor for signs of toxicity: excessive bleeding, weakness, trembling, seizures, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Record the onset time of any symptoms and report them to the veterinarian. Do not give over‑the‑counter medications, as they may interfere with treatment.
After emergency care, discuss preventive measures with the veterinarian: secure storage of rodenticides, use of pet‑safe bait stations, and regular flea and worm control to reduce the likelihood of hunting behavior. Implement these steps promptly to protect the cat from future incidents.