TL;DR: Antifreeze poisoning is a life-threatening veterinary emergency that causes rapid, irreversible kidney damage; seek immediate care even if symptoms are not yet visible. Even a tiny amount is fatal, and the window for successful treatment is extremely narrow.
What is antifreeze poisoning and why is it so dangerous for my cat?
Antifreeze commonly contains ethylene glycol, a chemical that is extremely toxic to felines. Because it has a sweet taste, cats may be tempted to lick puddles from leaky cars. Once ingested, the body breaks down ethylene glycol into toxic metabolites that cause rapid, irreversible damage to the kidneys and central nervous system.
Is antifreeze ingestion a veterinary emergency for my cat?
- Urgency Level: High. This is a life-threatening medical emergency where even a tiny amount—less than a teaspoon—can be fatal.
- Transport your cat to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately; do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- Internal damage begins within minutes, meaning there is a very narrow window for treatment to be effective.
How does taking a photo of the product label help the vet triage my cat?
- Take a quick photo of the product label or the puddle to help the veterinary team identify the specific brand and active ingredients.
- Identifying whether the formulation uses propylene glycol or ethylene glycol allows the vet to calculate toxicity levels accurately.
- Knowing the exact chemical ensures the veterinarian can provide the most effective antidote or treatment plan immediately upon your arrival.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Following ethylene glycol (EG) ingestion in cats, prompt action is critical. Within 3 hours, normochloremic metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap, minimally concentrated or isosthenuric urine with an acidic pH, and marked serum hyperosmolality with an increased osmolal gap develop. Serum osmolality can increase significantly above normal within this timeframe. Monohydrate calcium oxalate crystals may be observed in urine as early as 3 hours post-ingestion. The minimum lethal dose of undiluted EG is 1.4 mL/kg body weight in cats. Urine fluorescence under a Wood's lamp may be a valuable adjunctive test.
Chapter: Toxicology, Nephrology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 3048)