Is Gasoline Safe for Cats?
Why it’s a problem
A cat’s exposure path is usually walking through a spill and then grooming gasoline off paws and belly. The hydrocarbons inflame delicate tissue and are extraordinarily dangerous if inhaled or aspirated during vomiting. Fumes in a closed garage alone can leave a cat gasping because of its small lung volume.
How to keep your pet safe
Never leave gas cans open where cats roam, refuel with the garage door open and the cat shut in the house, and clean spills with absorbent material followed by soapy water.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, foaming, vomiting, coughing, open-mouth breathing, weakness, staggering, unusual breath odor.
When to call the vet
Wipe the coat and paws with a damp soapy cloth to stop further grooming, then call a veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting, because aspiration can be fatal.
Common questions
My cat has gasoline on its fur, can I wash it off myself?
Yes, use mild dish soap and lukewarm water right away so grooming stops, and keep the cat warm. Then call a vet or pet poison hotline to assess how much may have been swallowed or inhaled.
Is it enough to just let gasoline evaporate off my cat’s fur?
No. The fumes irritate the lungs and the residue gets groomed off into the stomach. Wash it out with mild dish soap and lukewarm water, then call for advice.
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).