Are Batteries Toxic to Pets?
Yes — batteries are toxic to cats. Yes — batteries are toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Corrosive contents and electrical current
- Toxic parts
- Chewed or swallowed batteries
- Also known as
- button battery, lithium battery
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Dogs (toxic)
- Skin or mouth irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
What to do
If your cat ate batteries
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate batteries
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Chewed batteries burn the mouth and swallowed button batteries can burn through the esophagus or stomach. Go to the vet right away.
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Frequently asked questions
Are batteries toxic to cats?
Yes — batteries are toxic to cats. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Are batteries toxic to dogs?
Yes — batteries are toxic to dogs. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.
Which parts of batteries are toxic?
Chewed or swallowed batteries.
What makes batteries toxic?
Corrosive contents and electrical current.