What are the symptoms of Batteries poisoning in cats?

drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, refusal to eat

Batteries

Q: Is Batteries toxic to cats?

Dangerous: Never — chewed batteries leak alkaline corrosive and can burn the esophagus. Button batteries and AA/AAA cells both matter. A punctured cell leaks potassium hydroxide, which burns tissue on contact. Lodged button batteries can also generate current and perforate. Cats chew remotes, scales, and kids’ toys. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Pennies (zinc) also safe for cats?

Dangerous: Never — post-1982 US pennies are mostly zinc and can destroy red blood cells.

Dangerous

Verdict

Never — chewed batteries leak alkaline corrosive and can burn the esophagus.

Toxic principle: alkaline corrosives; heavy metals in some cells

Also called: battery, button battery, watch battery

Source: ASPCA · 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

Button batteries and AA/AAA cells both matter. A punctured cell leaks potassium hydroxide, which burns tissue on contact. Lodged button batteries can also generate current and perforate. Cats chew remotes, scales, and kids’ toys.