What are the symptoms of Ice melt poisoning in cats?

vomiting, drooling, increased thirst, paw irritation

Ice melt

Q: Is Ice melt toxic to cats?

Toxic: Toxic — chloride salts burn paws and guts; some mixes include glycols. Cats lick ice-melt off their paws. Sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium chlorides cause drooling, vomiting, and thirst. A few products still sneak in ethylene glycol — that turns the case into antifreeze. Check the bag. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Antifreeze also safe for cats?

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

Toxic

Verdict

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

Toxic principle: chloride salts; some products contain ethylene glycol

Also called: de-icer, rock salt, ice melt

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

Cats lick ice-melt off their paws. Sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium chlorides cause drooling, vomiting, and thirst. A few products still sneak in ethylene glycol — that turns the case into antifreeze. Check the bag.