Cat owners across the UK are being warned about the dangers of antifreeze as temperatures drop below zero in many areas. Experts say even a small amount of the liquid can be fatal to cats within 24 hours without urgent veterinary treatment.
Antifreeze poses hidden threat to cats
Spilt antifreeze on driveways and roads is a significant hazard during colder months. Cats do not need to drink the liquid directly to suffer serious poisoning; simply walking through a spill and licking their paws or coat while grooming can expose them to ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical.
Chris Maxted, director of pet protection gate Cat-G8, is alerting owners to the risks as temperatures fall. He said: "Even the smallest amount of antifreeze can be fatal to cats, and they don't have to drink it directly to become poisoned. Walking through a spill and licking their paws or fur while grooming can expose them to ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical that can cause severe damage to the kidneys and other organs."
Act quickly to save your cat
Pet owners are advised not to wait for clear signs of illness, such as vomiting, lethargy, or stumbling, before seeking veterinary help, as symptoms typically appear only after serious internal damage has occurred. Cats have the greatest chance of surviving antifreeze poisoning when treatment is given within eight hours of exposure.
Maxted explained: "Owners should contact a vet immediately if they suspect their cat has come into contact with antifreeze even if they aren't showing symptoms, as delaying treatment can dramatically reduce their chances of recovery."
Owners are advised to inspect a cat's paws and coat every eight hours if it goes outdoors. If a cat is believed to have stepped in antifreeze, the affected area should be carefully washed to minimise further exposure and a vet contacted without delay.
Rock salt also a winter risk
The RSPCA also warns that rock salt, commonly used on icy surfaces, can pose a threat to cats. The organisation said: "Rock salt is a mixture of salt (sodium chloride) and grit. Ingesting even a small amount of pure salt can be very dangerous, causing thirst, vomiting and lethargy. In severe cases there is a risk of convulsions and kidney damage."
A cat may walk through gritted snow or ice and then lick its paws clean. To prevent this, owners should wipe down a cat's paws and belly after time spent outdoors. If rock salt is found on the feet or coat, the affected areas should be cleansed with a pet-safe shampoo and warm water, then dried thoroughly with a towel.
