What are the symptoms of Iron supplements poisoning in cats?

vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain

Iron supplements

Q: What if my cat ate Iron supplements?

Toxic: Toxic — elemental iron in adult or prenatal tablets can damage the gut and liver. Iron pills are attractive because they look like candy. Early vomiting can be followed by a quiet period, then liver injury. Prenatal vitamins may also contain xylitol in some gummy forms — check the label. Source: ASPCA.

Q: Is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) also safe for cats?

Dangerous: Dangerous — extra vitamin D raises calcium until the kidneys fail.

Toxic

Verdict

Toxic — elemental iron in adult or prenatal tablets can damage the gut and liver.

Toxic principle: elemental iron

Also called: iron pills, ferrous sulfate, prenatal vitamins

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

Iron pills are attractive because they look like candy. Early vomiting can be followed by a quiet period, then liver injury. Prenatal vitamins may also contain xylitol in some gummy forms — check the label.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• lethargy
• abdominal pain

What to do

Bring the bottle. Call a vet; iron ingestions are dose-dependent and need bloodwork.

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

Related foods

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Dangerous

Dangerous — extra vitamin D raises calcium until the kidneys fail.

Over the counter

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Caution

Do not self-medicate. If a cat ate a human tablet, call a vet — this site will not give a dose.

Over the counter

Melatonin

Caution

Do not self-medicate. If ingested, call a vet — check the label for xylitol.

Over the counter

SSRI antidepressants

Toxic

Toxic in overdose — serotonin syndrome is an emergency. Do not start these at home.

Prescription