There are several types of rat poison, each causing a different set of symptoms in cats. Modern products are less toxic, but ingestion of large amounts can still be deadly. With most types of poison ingestion, emptying the stomach within 1-2 hours and treatment to prevent absorption into the body are the best options. Speak to a vet straight away if you think your pet has ingested rat poison.

What is rat poison intoxication in cats?

Rat poisons are products used to prevent or eliminate a rat infestation. Unlike insects and slugs, however, rats are metabolically very similar to cats, so products that are appealing and toxic to rats may be so to cats as well.

• Modern products are carefully formulated to reduce this risk, but intoxication is still possible if large amounts of poison are ingested.

• Rat poison is available in various forms, including pellets, hard blocks, soft baits, and occasionally foam. These are often housed in specially designed traps that only allow access to rats and similarly sized animals, helping to prevent accidental ingestion by non-target species.

• Intoxication from consuming a poisoned rat or mouse is theoretically possible but very unlikely. However, most of these poisons accumulate in the body, and the risk of poisoning increases with repeated ingestion of poisoned rats and mice.

The most common types of rat poison are:

• Anticoagulants: prevent blood from clotting and often lead to internal bleeding. This type of poison acts slowly, with symptoms starting only after 48-72 hours. They stay in the body for weeks and require treatment with an antidote until they are cleared.

• Vitamin D: in very high doses, disrupts calcium metabolism, causing damage to the internal organs after 12-36 hours. There is no antidote, and treatment with an intravenous drip and medication is crucial.

• Bromethalin: affects the brain directly, often leading to paralysis and sometimes coma. Symptoms usually start after 2-7 days. There is no antidote and intensive care is often required.

• Phosphides: fast-acting (15 minutes to 18 hours). Symptoms usually start with severe vomiting, but multiple organs can be affected. There is no antidote; intensive care and monitoring are required for at least 18 hours.

Speak to a vet straight away if you think your pet has ingested rat poison.

Symptoms of rat poison intoxication in cats

Symptoms will depend on the product ingested. If a cat has ingested rat poison and is vomiting, the dye used to colour the bait may be visible in the vomit or stool.

Anticoagulants:

• Coughing, breathlessness, or trouble breathing (due to bleeding in the lungs)

• Bleeding from the nose

• Vomiting and diarrhoea with blood (vomit may look like ground coffee, and stools may be black and tarry)

• Bruises and red spots on gums and skin. Gums may also turn pale.

• Swollen joints

• Weakness or lack of energy

• Blood in urine

• Seizures

• Collapse

Vitamin D:

• Lack of energy

• Weakness

• Lack of appetite

• Vomiting, sometimes with blood

• Excessive thirst

• Excessive urination

• Diarrhoea, sometimes black or tarry

• Constipation

• Seizures

• Muscle tremors

• Sudden kidney failure

Bromethalin:

• Lack of appetite

• Trouble moving or uncoordination

• Severe weakness or paralysis

• Tremors

• Seizures

Phosphides:

• This poison has a distinct and strong odour, somewhat like rotten fish or garlic

• Sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood

• Trouble moving or uncoordination

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Generalised pain

• Trouble breathing

Cats at higher risk for rat poison intoxication

All cats can suffer from rat poison intoxication, but smaller cats more easily ingest dangerous amounts.

Young cats are more likely to explore and eat new things, increasing the risk of ingesting poisons.

Cats with outdoor access may be at an increased risk.

Diagnosis of rat poison intoxication in cats

Diagnosis of rat poison intoxication is usually based on a history of possible ingestion along with the presence of clinical symptoms. Specific tests for these poisons are not widely available, but:

• Anticoagulant toxicity can be suspected from how it affects blood coagulation tests.

• Vitamin D toxicity can be suspected from how it affects blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Tests may be necessary to check for organ damage, such as blood tests and x-rays.

Veterinary treatment of rat poison intoxication in cats

• The first and most important step in treating intoxication is stopping the poison from entering the blood and organs. If rat poison was ingested, the stomach should be emptied as quickly as possible, ideally within 30-90 minutes. This can be done by injection or by pumping the stomach under anaesthesia. The exception to this is cases of Phosphide poisoning, as this itself causes sudden and severe vomiting.

• The next step is usually administering activated charcoal. This sticks to the poison in the gut and prevents it from being absorbed. Large amounts are needed, and so a high-strength veterinary product is best. This may be needed for up to three days.

• Cats may need intensive hospital care for 1-3 days to control the symptoms and help the body eliminate the poison.

• Cats that have ingested anticoagulant poisons can be given high doses of vitamin K as an antidote. This needs to be continued until the poison is eliminated from the body, which can take 4 weeks or more. Blood tests can be done to check when it is safe to stop the antidote.

Home treatment of rat poison toxicity in cats

Always contact a vet for advice immediately if you think your pet has ingested rat poison. Most cases of direct ingestion require immediate emergency care.

Prevention of rat poison intoxication in cats

• Do not use rat poison products if you can avoid it.

• Using bells, bright coloured collars and other strategies to reduce hunting behaviour may help reduce the risk of exposure to rat poison in outdoor cats.

Living with rat poison intoxication in cats

If absorption of the poison can be prevented, cats will not suffer any ill effects. Unfortunately, if organ damage develops, especially when affecting the kidneys or brain, cats may be left with long-term complications. This will vary from case to case.

When to worry about rat poison intoxication in cats

Always speak to a vet immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested rat poison, so the risk can be assessed and treatment advice given. If your cat develops any of the following symptoms, see a vet as soon as possible:

• Weakness or collapse

• Trouble breathing

• Bleeding from the nose

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea with blood

• Unexplained bruising

• Excessive drinking and urination