What are the symptoms of Mothballs poisoning in cats?

vomiting, lethargy, tremors, seizures

Mothballs

Q: Is Mothballs toxic to cats?

Dangerous: Never — naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene mothballs are toxic if eaten or chewed. Classic mothballs are naphthalene; many modern ones are paradichlorobenzene. Both can cause gastrointestinal signs; naphthalene can also damage red blood cells. Cats find them under closets and chew the attractive pellets. The chemical is on the box — bring it. 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 — naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene mothballs are toxic if eaten or chewed.

Toxic principle: naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene

Also called: moth balls, naphthalene

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

Classic mothballs are naphthalene; many modern ones are paradichlorobenzene. Both can cause gastrointestinal signs; naphthalene can also damage red blood cells. Cats find them under closets and chew the attractive pellets. The chemical is on the box — bring it.