What Symptoms Would a Cat Show After Eating Rat Poison?

Wild rats are filthy animals that can carry disease and destroy property, so it is no wonder that humans feel the need to rid their homes of these pests. However, most rodenticides contain ingredients that are also attractive to cats and dogs. If you are going to use poison traps for rats, you should know what to look for in case your cat decides to take the bait before the rat does.

  1. Types of Rat Poison

    • Rat bait traps fall into one of three categories: anti-coagulant, vitamin D analogs and bromethalin. All of them cause serious health issues for your cat and you should seek medical attention immediately if you think your cat has eaten any poisonous bait---or has eaten a rat that has ingested the poison.

    Anti-Coagulent Traps

    • Anti-coagulent traps, such as D-Con and TomCat, have chemicals in them that prevent the blood from clotting. Your cat may not show any symptoms for a few days after ingestion of the toxin. After a few days, your cat might show signs of weakness, pallor and hypothermia. Its gums might be pale. Most likely, there will be no obvious signs of bleeding externally, but there might be blood in the stool or urine.

      Immediate veterinary attention is required. They can administer an antidote for the poison and provide necessary fluids to help flush the system. Of all the toxins cats can ingest, this one has the best survival rate.

    Vitamin D Analogs

    • Rampage is rat poison that contains toxic levels of vitamin D3. The vitamin causes a spike in blood calcium levels, which in turn leads to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and organ failure.

      Treatment must start quickly after ingestion to provide the best outcome. A veterinarian will work to reduce the amount of serum calcium levels and to provide supportive care.

    Bromethalin

    • Bromethalin is found in Assault and Vengence. It is toxic to felines even in very small doses---only one or two tablespoons are fatal. Symptoms of ingestion include staggering, fever, muscle tremors and seizures. Sadly, death is common once this poison has been ingested.

      Seek immediate medical attention if you think your cat has eaten this rodenticide. Vomiting can be induced to reduce the levels of toxins in the system.