Toxic to cats · Chemicals

Is Antifreeze toxic to cats?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • incoordination
  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • seizures
  • excessive thirst
  • excessive urination
  • inappetance
  • lethargy
  • coma
  • acute kidney failure

How vets treat it

Immediate administration of antidotes such as fomepizole (4-MP) or ethanol is required. Dogs must be treated within 8-12 hours, while cats require treatment within 3 hours. Hemodialysis may be necessary in advanced stages.

Why it's dangerous

Ethylene glycol is metabolized into toxic byproducts that cause severe acute kidney failure and central nervous system depression.

Toxic compound: Ethylene glycol

Good to know

Poisoning occurs in three stages; stage 2 may appear as a temporary recovery while internal damage progresses. Propylene glycol is a safer alternative found in some products.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

Bromethalin Extreme severity Carbamates Extreme severity Cholecalciferol Extreme severity Gasoline Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

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