Rodenticide Poisoning in Cats: Welfare Emergency and Prevention

Cats can be poisoned by rodenticides either through direct ingestion or by eating poisoned prey, causing severe internal bleeding and welfare emergencies.

Key Facts

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides cause internal haemorrhage by preventing blood clotting
Cats can be poisoned directly or through eating rats and mice that have ingested rodenticide
Clinical signs include lethargy, pale gums, laboured breathing, and sometimes visible bleeding
Treatment with Vitamin K1 is effective if started early enough before severe haemorrhage occurs
Some rodenticide products pose higher risk than others; SGARs are most dangerous to wildlife and pets

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide poisoning causes intense welfare suffering. As clotting factors are depleted over 2-5 days after ingestion, spontaneous haemorrhage develops in multiple locations. Cats may bleed into the chest causing progressive respiratory distress, into body cavities causing internal haemorrhage, or into the joints causing pain. The deterioration is gradual and insidious, meaning cats may be significantly compromised before owners notice. Emergency treatment with high-dose Vitamin K1 can reverse the anticoagulant effect, but cats that present with advanced haemorrhage face a welfare emergency requiring intensive supportive care including blood transfusion. Prevention through avoiding SGAR rodenticides in all areas where cats have access is the most important welfare measure.

What You Can Do

Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in areas where cats roam
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect your cat may have been exposed to rodenticide
Report any cases of suspected rodenticide poisoning to your local wildlife health authority
Advocate for restrictions on SGAR rodenticide products available for domestic use