What are the symptoms of Antifreeze poisoning in cats?

vomiting, lethargy, drunken walking, increased thirst, decreased urination, seizures, collapse

Antifreeze

Q: Is Antifreeze toxic to cats?

Dangerous: Never — ethylene glycol can kill a cat after a few licks. Most automotive antifreeze is ethylene glycol. It tastes sweet, so cats will lap it from a garage floor, driveway drip, or open jug. The liver converts it into metabolites that crystallize in the kidneys. Cats are small; a teaspoon-scale exposure can be enough. Early signs look like drunkenness, then thirst and vomiting, then kidney failure. This is one of the most time-critical household poisons. Some “pet-safe” antifreeze uses propylene glycol instead — that is still not a drink, but it is a different chemical (see the ingredient page). Source: Merck Veterinary Manual.

Q: Is Ice melt also safe for cats?

Toxic: Toxic — chloride salts burn paws and guts; some mixes include glycols.

Dangerous

Verdict

Never — ethylene glycol can kill a cat after a few licks.

Toxic principle: ethylene glycol

Also called: coolant, ethylene glycol, engine coolant

Source: Merck Veterinary Manual · Verified 2026-08-13

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Most automotive antifreeze is ethylene glycol. It tastes sweet, so cats will lap it from a garage floor, driveway drip, or open jug. The liver converts it into metabolites that crystallize in the kidneys. Cats are small; a teaspoon-scale exposure can be enough. Early signs look like drunkenness, then thirst and vomiting, then kidney failure. This is one of the most time-critical household poisons. Some “pet-safe” antifreeze uses propylene glycol instead — that is still not a drink, but it is a different chemical (see the ingredient page).

Quick comparison

Product	Main chemical	For cats
Automotive antifreeze	Ethylene glycol	Dangerous — emergency
Some “pet-safe” coolants	Propylene glycol	Still not safe to drink; different toxin
Ice melt	Salts, sometimes glycols	Toxic — check the label

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• lethargy
• drunken walking
• increased thirst
• decreased urination
• seizures
• collapse

What to do

This is a veterinary emergency. Do not wait for symptoms and do not induce vomiting at home unless a veterinarian or poison line told you to. Bring the product container. Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org