Pennies (zinc)

Q: Is Pennies (zinc) toxic to cats?

Dangerous: Never — post-1982 US pennies are mostly zinc and can destroy red blood cells. A swallowed penny can sit in the stomach and leach zinc. Zinc salts cause hemolytic anemia — pale gums, weakness, vomiting. Other zinc objects (some nuts, hardware, zinc oxide cream in large amounts) carry the same risk. Cats hide the early signs. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Batteries also safe for cats?

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

Dangerous

Verdict

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

Toxic principle: zinc (US pennies minted after 1982)

Also called: pennies, zinc, swallowed penny

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

A swallowed penny can sit in the stomach and leach zinc. Zinc salts cause hemolytic anemia — pale gums, weakness, vomiting. Other zinc objects (some nuts, hardware, zinc oxide cream in large amounts) carry the same risk. Cats hide the early signs.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• lethargy
• pale gums

What to do

This needs imaging and bloodwork. Call a vet; do not wait to “see if it passes.”

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

Related foods

Batteries

Dangerous

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

Other

Mothballs

Dangerous

Never — naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene mothballs are toxic if eaten or chewed.

Other

Febreze and air fresheners

Caution

Caution — usually an irritant, not a classic systemic poison. Still keep sprays off fur.

Other

Glow sticks

Caution

Caution — the glowing liquid is usually dibutyl phthalate, a terrible-tasting irritant.

Other