Cats can get rodenticide toxicity by eating poisoned rats and mice
Cats can get rodenticide toxicity by eating poisoned rats and mice
Cats are generally particular enough about what they ingest that poisonings are less common in cats than say, in dogs. Still, rodenticide toxicity can happen in cats, usually when they eat a rat or mouse that consumed the poisoned bait.
Rodenticides can kill cats in the same way that they kill rats and mice. The poison blocks coagulation and causes uncontrolled bleeding. Symptoms may take several days to develop, but can persist for weeks and severe cases may require hospitalization and blood transfusion(s). If ingestion of rodenticide is certain, it is prudent to initiate vitamin K supplementation and monitor the patient closely. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If your cat is a mouser, it is safer to allow your cat to control your local rodent population rather than try to assist him or her by laying poisoned baits. Depending on your neighborhood approach to rodent control, it may be safer to supervise your cat during his or her outings.