Help, what do I do? This morning, around 8, I found my curious little cat, Luna, sniffing around the garage, where I’d forgotten I’d put out some D-con mouse poison last week. I always try to keep her out of there, but she slipped past me when I was taking out the trash. I’m freaking out because I have no idea if she got into it or not, but she’s acting a bit off—just not her usual playful self. It’s been a couple of hours, and I’m thinking of calling the vet, but I really don’t know what to make of this. Has anyone else gone through this? How serious is it, and what should I do next?
Thanks for reaching out, and I completely understand why you're worried. When it comes to mouse poison, also known as rodenticide, it can indeed be very dangerous for cats if ingested. These poisons are designed to be potent and can lead to serious health issues in pets.
There are a few types of rodenticides, each with different active ingredients that can affect your cat in different ways. Anticoagulants, one common type, can cause internal bleeding by interfering with blood clotting. Another type, bromethalin, affects the nervous system, leading to tremors or seizures. Vitamin D derivatives can cause calcium levels to rise dangerously, leading to kidney failure.
If you suspect your kitty has ingested any rodenticide, it's crucial to act quickly. Look for symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, pale gums, vomiting, or seizures. Unfortunately, these symptoms might not appear immediately, so even if your cat seems fine right now, it's still wise to consult a vet.
In the meantime, ensure you remove any potential poison sources from your home. If your cat seems unaffected, watch for any of these signs and try to prevent self-trauma or stress.
To get specific advice tailored to your cat's situation, I highly recommend booking a video consult with a vet on the Dial A Vet site. They'll guide you through what steps to take next.
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