Antifreeze is poisonous to cats, with pets dying every year from accidental poisonings from spills and leaks. Signs of antifreeze poisoning can show 30 minutes after a cat has come into contact with it.
But, it can also take two to three days before owners notice signs of kidney failure. The RSPCA urge anyone to seek help from the vet if you suspect a cat has come into contact with antifreeze or a leaked water coolant.
Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, seeming depressed and sleepy, appearing uncoordinated, seizures or difficulty breathing. The sooner a cat receives medical help, the better their chances of survival are.
You can also reduce the risk to your pet by keeping antifreeze products safely away from anywhere they can access. Make sure it is clearly labelled and sealed.
Clean up any spills straight away, even if you think it is just a small drop. Antifreeze should also be disposed of safely and responsibly.
Sadly, it isn’t the only winter product that can affect cats. Rock salt, which is used to grit roads, can be toxic to animals as it is a mixture of salt and grit.
Pure salt can be dangerous to cats as it can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, with kidney damage and convulsions in severe cases. It is highly important to get grit off your pet’s paws and fur if they have been outside.
Many cases have been reported in animals that walked through gritted snow and then licked their paws. Owners are urged to wash down the affected area with pet-safe shampoo and warm water.
If your pet has ingested rock salt, the RSPCA say you must contact a vet.
Shockingly, they report there have been intentional antifreeze poisonings across the UK. This can be classed as a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
It means the maximum penalty for someone found guilty is six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine.
