Why it is dangerous to cats
Some rat and mouse poisons stop the blood from clotting: the animal starts bleeding inside, and the signs only appear days later, when precious time has already been lost. Other rodent poisons damage the nervous system or other organs.
A cat can eat bait in a shed, a cellar or a garage, but the danger is there too when it catches and eats a poisoned mouse or rat.
Which poison was used and how much your cat took in cannot be judged at home. Contact a vet or an emergency clinic straight away, even if your cat seems well, and take the packaging with you: the vet needs to know which substance it is.
What to watch out for
- When the blood cannot clot, the cat can bleed inside: its gums turn pale, it weakens and struggles to breathe.
- Blood can appear in the urine, the stool or the vomit.
- Signs can appear only days later.
- Some poisons cause trembling or seizures.
- Store and lay bait only where your cat cannot reach it.
The forms it comes in
The same substance can turn up in different places.
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Bait (pellets, blocks, paste)
DangerousEvery form of it is dangerous, even a small bite.
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A poisoned mouse or rat
DangerousThe poison stays in the rodent's body, so the caught prey is dangerous too.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.