Are Moth Balls Harmful to Cats?

Moth balls are a common household product. Though common, moth balls are harmful to cats. Other products around the house that may contain the same toxic chemicals include bathroom deodorizers and toilet bowl deodorizers, according to peteducation.com.

  1. About

    • Moth balls contain poisonous chemicals, primarily naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene.

    Effects

    • Moth balls containing napthalene may cause vomiting and breath that smells like moth balls when ingested by the cat, according to Small Animal Toxicity. Look for signs of paradichlorobenzene ingestion that include vomiting, shaking and pain in the abdomen.

    Treatment

    • Cats treated for napthalene and paradicholorbenzene poisoning may be monitored for signs of worsening health. For moth ball poisoning, oral doses of medical charcoal and saline are used.

    Warning

    • Take any cat suspected of ingesting moth balls to the veterinarian. Serious effects of ingestion of paradichlorobenzene, for example, include liver damage. Napthalene can cause oxygen deprivation on the cellular level (hypoxia).

    Prevention/Solution

    • Prevent moth ball ingestion by keeping cats away from moth balls. Moth balls, moth dust, moth cakes and moth crystals will likely contain napthalene and paradicholorbenzene, according to peteducation.com.