Are Long-acting Anticoagulants toxic to cats?

High severity

Yes, Long-acting Anticoagulants are highly toxic to cats. Exposure can cause serious illness and needs prompt veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

lethargy
exercise intolerance
coughing
difficulty breathing
weakness
pale gums
vomiting
diarrhea
nose bleeds
bruising
bloody urine
swollen joints
inappetence
bleeding from the gums

How vets treat it

Administration of prescription Vitamin K1 antidote, typically for 30 days, followed by a prothrombin (PT) blood clotting test 48 hours after the final dose.

Why it's dangerous

These substances prevent the blood from clotting by interfering with Vitamin K recycling, which leads to life-threatening internal bleeding.

Toxic compound: Brodifacoum, difethialone, bromadiolone, warfarin, diphacinone, chlorophacinone

Good to know

Signs of poisoning typically take 3-5 days to appear. Cats are generally more resistant than dogs. Underlying liver or GI disease increases risk.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

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.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

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