Household items toxic to cats
Most serious cat poisonings at home are not exotic. They are paracetamol in a cold-and-flu tablet, ibuprofen on the bedside table, permethrin in a dog flea pipette, a drip of antifreeze on the driveway, or a phenolic floor cleaner a cat walks through and then grooms off its paws. Cats metabolise many human medicines and household chemicals poorly, so a dose that would barely bother a person can be lethal.
Garden and garage products form a second cluster: metaldehyde slug pellets, some weedkillers and fertilisers, rat bait, winter screenwash and rock salt on paws. Essential-oil diffusers, laundry pods, mothballs, nicotine vape liquid and button batteries are easy to miss because they do not look like poison.
This hub covers household items toxic to cats, garden chemicals, human medicines, and what cat poisoning can look like — from early vomiting and drooling to tremors and seizures. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. If you suspect exposure, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately, take the packaging with you, and use the in-app vet finder if you need an open clinic now.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Highest-risk items at a glance
Severity here matches what our existing guides say. If exposure has already happened, contact a vet rather than using this list as a delay.
- EmergencyParacetamolLethal to cats at tiny doses, including cold-and-flu remedies. Do not wait for symptoms.
- EmergencyIbuprofenCan cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage and neurological signs. One tablet can be enough.
- EmergencyAntifreezeA teaspoon of ethylene glycol can kill a cat. Early signs can look like drunkenness.
- EmergencyDog flea treatments (permethrin)Permethrin spot-ons for dogs are lethal to cats. Never use dog flea products on a cat.
- EmergencyRat poisonRisk from bait and from hunting poisoned rodents. Seek urgent veterinary care.
- EmergencySlug pelletsMetaldehyde pellets are a UK garden emergency. Use pet-safer alternatives.
- High riskCleaning productsBleach, disinfectants and phenols can poison cats through fumes, paws and grooming.
- High riskEssential oilsDiffusers, skin contact and ingestion can poison cats. Tea tree oil is a frequent concern.
Medicines and supplements
Cleaning, laundry and indoor chemicals
- Cleaning Products That Can Poison Cats6 min read
- Are Cleaning Sprays Safe for Cats? The Hidden Dangers in Your Home5 min read
- Are Laundry Pods and Detergents Dangerous for Cats?9 min read
- Are Essential Oils Safe for Cats?6 min read
- Air Fresheners, Plug-Ins and Candles: Are They Safe for Cats?9 min read
- Is Lavender Safe for Cats? Plant, Oil and Diffuser Risks9 min read
Garage, garden and outdoor hazards
- Antifreeze and Cats: Why It's So Dangerous5 min read
- Rat Poison and Cats: Direct and Secondary Poisoning6 min read
- Are Slug Pellets Toxic to Cats? Metaldehyde Poisoning9 min read
- Weed Killer, Fertiliser and Lawn Treatments: Garden Safety for Cats9 min read
- Is Screenwash Toxic to Cats? Winter Car Fluids on the Driveway11 min read
- Is Rock Salt Toxic to Cats? Grit, Paws and Winter Paths10 min read
- Wood Burners, Firelighters and Ash: Winter Fire Hazards for Cats10 min read
- Can Cats Eat Mushrooms? Garden and Wild Mushroom Risks10 min read
- 5 Hidden Hazards in Your House That Are Toxic to Your Cat This Spring6 min read
Small household items
- Mothballs, Silica Gel, Batteries and Glow Sticks: Small Items That Poison Cats9 min read
- Is Nicotine Toxic to Cats? Cigarettes, Vapes and E-Liquid9 min read
- Is Cannabis Toxic to Cats?9 min read
- Halloween Decorations That Poison or Injure Cats10 min read
- The Most Common Cat Toxins by Room7 min read
- New Kitten Safety Checklist: Toxic Things to Remove Today6 min read
- 5 Toxic Items to Watch Out for This Christmas5 min read
Cat poisoning: symptoms and what to do
- Is Something Toxic to Cats? The Quick Toxic Kitty Guide6 min read
- Cat Poisoning Symptoms: What to Watch For6 min read
- What to Do If Your Cat Eats Something Toxic6 min read
- The Toxic Kitty Emergency Checklist for Cat Owners5 min read
- Why You Should Never Make Your Cat Vomit at Home8 min read
- How Vets Treat Cat Poisoning: What Happens After You Arrive9 min read
- How Much Does it Cost to Treat Cat Poisoning? A Guide to Vet Fees7 min read
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Poisoning? Costs and Claims9 min read
Common questions
What household items are toxic to cats?
Human painkillers (especially paracetamol and ibuprofen), dog flea treatments containing permethrin, antifreeze, rat poison, some cleaning products, laundry pods, essential oils and slug pellets are among the highest-risk items. Cats also groom chemicals off their paws, so floor products matter.
What are the signs of cat poisoning?
Vomiting, drooling, lethargy, wobbliness, tremors and seizures are among the signs to watch for. Some toxins cause damage before obvious symptoms appear, so do not wait if you know there has been an exposure.
Should I make my cat vomit at home?
No. Do not use salt or hydrogen peroxide at home. Inducing vomiting can make some poisonings worse. Call your vet and follow their instructions.
Is Toxic Kitty a replacement for a vet?
No. Toxic Kitty provides guidance, not diagnosis. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. The app includes an emergency vet finder if you need an open clinic.