What are the symptoms of Snail and slug bait poisoning in cats?

tremors, seizures, wobbliness, overheating

Snail and slug bait

Q: Is Snail and slug bait toxic to cats?

Dangerous: Dangerous — metaldehyde baits cause severe tremors and seizures. Many snail baits use metaldehyde in a bran or molasses base that animals eat. Signs can start within minutes to a few hours: anxiety, muscle tremors, then seizures and overheating. Iron-phosphate baits are a different, usually milder product — the label decides the emergency. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Fertilizer also safe for cats?

Toxic: Toxic — NPK salts upset the gut; some products add iron or insecticides.

Dangerous

Verdict

Dangerous — metaldehyde baits cause severe tremors and seizures.

Toxic principle: metaldehyde (in many snail/slug baits)

Also called: slug bait, metaldehyde, snail poison

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

Many snail baits use metaldehyde in a bran or molasses base that animals eat. Signs can start within minutes to a few hours: anxiety, muscle tremors, then seizures and overheating. Iron-phosphate baits are a different, usually milder product — the label decides the emergency.