Why is mouse glue dangerous for cats? - briefly
Mouse trap adhesive contains potent chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal blockage, toxicity, or severe irritation if a cat ingests or contacts it. Exposure may also lead to skin lesions and respiratory distress.
Why is mouse glue dangerous for cats? - in detail
Mouse glue traps consist of a sticky surface that immobilizes rodents. When a cat contacts the adhesive, the glue adheres to fur, paws, or oral tissues. The substance itself is not meant for ingestion, yet cats often chew at the trapped prey or the sticky residue, leading to direct exposure.
The primary dangers include:
- Mechanical obstruction: Adhesive clumps can block the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, preventing normal passage of food and fluids.
- Tissue damage: The glue adheres strongly to mucous membranes, causing ulceration, inflammation, and painful lesions in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Chemical toxicity: Some formulations contain solvents, resins, or additives such as phenolic compounds and metal salts that irritate or poison tissues when ingested.
- Secondary poisoning: A cat that eats a mouse caught in glue may also ingest any rodent poison the mouse carried, compounding toxicity.
Clinical signs appear within minutes to hours after exposure:
- Excessive drooling and paw licking
- Vomiting or retching
- Difficulty swallowing or gagging
- Constipation, abdominal distension, or lack of stool
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration
- Respiratory distress if the adhesive blocks the airway
Veterinary intervention should be sought immediately. Recommended emergency actions include:
- Assessment: Physical exam, radiographs, or ultrasound to locate any obstruction.
- Decontamination: Gentle removal of adhesive from oral and facial areas using warm water or a safe solvent under veterinary supervision.
- Supportive care: Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration, anti‑emetics to control vomiting, and analgesics for pain relief.
- Procedural removal: Endoscopic retrieval of glue from the gastrointestinal tract or surgical extraction if the blockage cannot be cleared non‑invasively.
- Monitoring: Observation for complications such as perforation, infection, or systemic toxicity.
Preventive measures involve storing glue traps out of reach, using alternative rodent control methods (e.g., snap traps or electronic devices), and ensuring that cats cannot access areas where traps are set.