What are the symptoms of Rodenticide (rat poison) poisoning in cats?

vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, bleeding or bruising, collapse

Rodenticide (rat poison)

Q: Is Rodenticide (rat poison) toxic to cats?

Dangerous: Never — bait blocks and pellets are a common fatal exposure. Rodenticides are not one toxin. Anticoagulant baits cause delayed internal bleeding. Bromethalin causes brain swelling. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) causes life-threatening high calcium and kidney failure. Cats are poisoned by eating bait or by eating a poisoned rodent. Because the product type changes treatment, the package matters more than the brand name. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Antifreeze also safe for cats?

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

Dangerous

Verdict

Never — bait blocks and pellets are a common fatal exposure.

Toxic principle: anticoagulants, bromethalin, or cholecalciferol (varies by product)

Also called: rat poison, mouse poison, rat bait, mouse bait

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

Rodenticides are not one toxin. Anticoagulant baits cause delayed internal bleeding. Bromethalin causes brain swelling. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) causes life-threatening high calcium and kidney failure. Cats are poisoned by eating bait or by eating a poisoned rodent. Because the product type changes treatment, the package matters more than the brand name.