What to do if a cat is poisoned by a mouse? - briefly
Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic right away, describe the exposure, and follow their guidance—often including induced vomiting or administering activated charcoal if recommended. Keep the cat calm, observe for signs such as drooling, tremors, or weakness, and bring any remaining mouse or bait for analysis.
What to do if a cat is poisoned by a mouse? - in detail
A cat that has eaten a mouse contaminated with rodenticide requires immediate intervention. First, observe the animal for signs such as drooling, vomiting, lethargy, bleeding from the gums, or seizures. If any of these symptoms appear, treat the situation as an emergency.
- Contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center without delay. Provide details about the mouse, suspected poison type, and the cat’s weight and age.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional; some toxins can cause additional damage when expelled.
- If advised to induce vomiting, use a syringe to administer 2 ml of 3 % hydrogen peroxide per kilogram of body weight, limited to a maximum of 30 ml. Repeat once after 15 minutes if necessary.
- Administer activated charcoal only under veterinary guidance; it can bind certain poisons and reduce absorption.
- Keep the cat warm and quiet to prevent stress and shock while awaiting veterinary care.
- Transport the animal promptly to the clinic. Bring the mouse carcass or any packaging of the poison to aid diagnosis.
Veterinary treatment may include:
- Intravenous fluids to maintain circulation and support kidney function.
- Vitamin K1 therapy for anticoagulant rodenticides, typically administered daily for 7–10 days.
- Anticonvulsants for neurotoxic exposures.
- Blood transfusions if severe coagulopathy is present.
- Specific antidotes, such as atropine for organophosphate poisoning, when indicated.
After stabilization, follow the veterinarian’s medication schedule and monitoring plan. Record any recurring symptoms and report them promptly.
Prevention measures:
- Store rodenticides in secure, cat‑inaccessible locations.
- Use bait stations that prevent non‑target animals from accessing the poison.
- Inspect outdoor areas for dead rodents and remove them before cats can encounter them.
- Consider non‑chemical pest control methods to reduce reliance on toxic baits.
Prompt recognition, professional guidance, and appropriate medical treatment are critical to improving the outcome for a cat exposed to a poisoned mouse.