If my cat accadentally eats a mouse that was killed with rat poison in the basement, will it hurt her?

Question

I'm just wondering because they like to sneak down there sometimes.

Answer 1

If you are just thinking in terms of prevention, keep the basement door closed at all times, and if they sneak past you, chase them out immediately. Read this:

http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/IMPORTANT_MATS/catPoisoning.html

And just to be on the safe side, use an enclosed type mousetrap. The electronic ones don't use poison and can't be accessed by cats.

Answer 2

Yes, newer poisons are more toxic and can poison your cat if she ingests a dead rat. If you place poison in the basement, she can also get at it directly even if just gets on her fur or she walks on it and then licks if off while grooming.

They are quite toxic and can cause internal bleeding that is not obvious on the outside. If your cat is weak and out of sorts, you should let your vet know that this is a possibility since the symptoms can also be from other problems.

You can use live traps or, even better, seal off all entrances to your basement.

Answer 3

Rat poison usually contains Warfarin which prevents blood from clotting. The rats die because they bleed to death, internally or externally.
Warfarin is also used to treat problems in humans (blood clots for example which may cause a stroke) and a person on this drug is monitored carefully and regularly to ensure that the Warfarin stays at a level which will keep blood flowing but not cause hemorrhaging.
The risk is that should your cat ingest this via a dead rat, it could also develop uncontrolled bleeding.
A friend lost her dog - a victim of rat poison. If I were you, I think I would have a word with my Vets before a cat is affected, assess the risks, and see what they suggest as an alternative method of rat control.

Answer 4

The short answer is YES. Please take extra precautions to keep her out of the basement. The best thing you can do is stop using rat poison because rats are crafty creatures and may find acces into the rest of the house.
Under the circumstances, if your cat shows the slightest symptoms of being ill PLEASE get her to a vet immediately and explain this possibility to the vet so that they know the potential exists for poisoning. Poisoning can be difficult and sometimes impossible to treat. Immediate medical attention can be a crucial element in successful treatment.

Answer 5

Yes, it is very possible for a poisoned rat to poison a cat. Don't take chances, try to come up with another way to kill the rats.

Answer 6

There is a possibility that the poison from the rat could do harm to her as well. My advice is to call your vet as soon as possible to prevent any internal damage. hances are, the poison may be passed from the mouse to her and hurt her as well, so get her to a professional for a check-up immediately.

Answer 7

Yes, it will kill your cat if she eats the mouse.

I don't use poison at all because I have a cat. I also allow him access to the garage to hunt.

In the past when I have thought he needed extra help, I have set traps. Yes, I hate to empty them, but then I don't have to worry about losing my best friend. It's worth it. :)

Answer 8

yes if it happens, get her to the vet. Use a non-lethal treatment to rid yourself of mice. It won't hurt animals or kids, but it will kill the mice. Plus it's inexpensive.
pour dry mashed potato (hungry man jacks or cheap brand) in a dish. Set of dish of water next to it, The mice will eat the dry mash potatoes get thirsty, drink water swell and pop goes the mice's.

Answer 9

Many cats die from :"secondary poisoning" after eating poisoned mice or rats.

It's best not to use any of those poisons if you have cats in your house.

Answer 10

If the rat digested the poision it shouldnt but i would bring the cat to the vet to get her checked out for anysign just to be on the safe side