Toxic to cats · Household products

Is Mothballs 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

  • vomiting
  • mothball-scented breath
  • pale gums
  • brown gums
  • weakness
  • lethargy
  • difficulty breathing
  • tremors
  • seizures
  • organ failure
  • liver failure
  • kidney failure

How vets treat it

Contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice.

Why it's dangerous

The chemicals are absorbed through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, leading to gastrointestinal irritation and systemic toxicity affecting the blood, liver, and kidneys.

Toxic compound: naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene, camphor

Good to know

Cats are more sensitive to toxic effects, while dogs are more likely to ingest them. Naphthalene is considered more toxic than paradichlorobenzene.

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

Acids Extreme severity Alkalis Extreme severity Fireworks Extreme severity Hand Sanitizer (Ethanol) Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

Packaged food? Scan the barcode.

StrawPaw's food scanner reads the barcode on packaged products and flags ingredients that are risky for dogs and cats — before anything reaches the bowl.

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