Is Rat Poison Toxic to Pets?
Yes — rat poison is toxic to cats. Yes — rat poison is toxic to dogs. Yes — rat poison is toxic to horses.
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
- Anticoagulants, bromethalin, cholecalciferol or zinc phosphide
- Toxic parts
- Baits, pellets and blocks
- Also known as
- rodenticide, mouse poison, bromethalin
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate rat poison
- 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 rat poison
- 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.
If your horse ate rat poison
- 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 horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Different rat poisons cause bleeding, brain swelling or kidney failure. Bring the package to the vet so they know the active ingredient.
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Frequently asked questions
Is rat poison toxic to cats?
Yes — rat poison is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is rat poison toxic to dogs?
Yes — rat poison is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is rat poison toxic to horses?
Yes — rat poison is toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of rat poison are toxic?
Baits, pellets and blocks.
What makes rat poison toxic?
Anticoagulants, bromethalin, cholecalciferol or zinc phosphide.
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