Cat antifreeze poisoning: emergency steps
Cats may lap small garage puddles. Treat suspected exposure as an ER case even if they still look composed.
Do this first
| Scenario | Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) exposure |
|---|---|
| Vet vs poison control vs ER | This is both a poison-control and ER emergency. Call the hotline while driving to the ER. Do not treat this as a wait-and-see home case. Antifreeze exposure can progress from seeming intoxicated to kidney failure. |
Immediate action steps
- Prevent further access and wipe paws or fur if contaminated
- Note the product name, approximate amount, and time of exposure
- Call poison control and head toward an emergency clinic immediately
- Do not wait for symptoms — early treatment is time-critical
- Bring the product label with you
Garage and driveway realities
Sweet taste attracts pets. Check for green, pink, or yellow fluids under cars and on garage floors.
If you only find sticky paws and a suspicious puddle, say that — clinicians plan for uncertainty.
Quiet progression
Early “drunk” behavior can shift into kidney crisis. Do not reassure yourself because the first hour looked mild.
Open-mouth breathing, severe lethargy, or seizures mean call-ahead ER transport.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Contact your vet for anything urgent or unclear.
FAQ
- We use pet-safe antifreeze. Still worry?
- Bring the exact product. “Pet-safe” marketing still needs label confirmation with a clinician.