Is Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Safe for Cats?
Why it’s a problem
Cats are drawn to antifreeze’s sweet taste, and their small body size means even a teaspoonful is a lethal dose. Most cat poisonings happen from drinking drips in garages and driveways or grooming fluid off their paws after stepping in a spill.
How to keep your pet safe
Wipe up garage spills at once; keep cats out of garages; use propylene glycol coolant if possible. Indoor cats are not fully safe — drips follow boots and tires.
Warning signs to watch for
Early: wobbliness, drooling, vomiting, seeming "drunk" within 0.5–12 hours. Later: hiding, severe lethargy, vomiting, fast breathing, then near-no urine output (12–24 hours).
When to call the vet
Emergency, immediately. The window for the antidote is only a few hours; by the time a cat hides and stops moving, the kidneys may already be failing.
Common questions
My cat walked through a wet spill and licked its paws.
Assume exposure and call a vet or poison hotline now. Paw-licking is one of the most common routes, and the early treatment window is short.
Why do cats drink antifreeze if it poisons them?
Ethylene glycol is genuinely sweet, and animals cannot associate a sweet taste with danger. That is exactly what makes it so deadly.
More household hazards for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate or touched something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. In the US: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (fees may apply).