Why is antifreeze dangerous to cats?

Ethylene glycol tastes sweet, so cats and dogs drink spills. Tiny amounts can cause irreversible kidney failure — often fatal without very early treatment.

What are signs of antifreeze poisoning?

Early: wobbliness, vomiting, increased thirst, acting drunk. Later: kidney failure, collapse. Signs can start within 30 minutes to hours — treat as emergency immediately.

What should I do if my pet may have licked antifreeze?

Phone your vet or emergency clinic immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Early treatment with antidote is critical; delay often means death.

Pet Care

Antifreeze Poisoning in Pets UK — Cats & Dogs

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20261 min read

Quick answer

Antifreeze is a winter emergency. Ethylene glycol causes fatal kidney failure in cats and dogs. If you suspect any ingestion — even a lick — phone your vet immediately. Never use antifreeze where pets can access it; clean spills at once.

Why UK winters see more cases

According to the RSPCA and Blue Cross, ethylene glycol in antifreeze tastes sweet to cats and dogs, which is why even small spills on driveways and in garages are so dangerous. Drivers often drain and refill coolant in cold weather, increasing exposure.

Early signs (first hours)

Drunk or wobbly walking
Vomiting
Excessive thirst and urination
Seizures in severe cases

Later signs (kidney failure)

Not eating
Lethargy
Collapse

Treatment window is narrow — do not wait overnight.

Prevention

Use pet-safe propylene glycol products where possible
Store containers locked away
Clean spills with absorbent material and dispose safely
Check cats in from areas where cars are serviced

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

Related guides

Winter Pet Safety UK — Cold Weather Guide for All Pets

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is antifreeze dangerous to cats?: Ethylene glycol tastes sweet, so cats and dogs drink spills. Tiny amounts can cause irreversible kidney failure — often fatal without very early treatment.
What are signs of antifreeze poisoning?: Early: wobbliness, vomiting, increased thirst, acting drunk. Later: kidney failure, collapse. Signs can start within 30 minutes to hours — treat as emergency immediately.
What should I do if my pet may have licked antifreeze?: Phone your vet or emergency clinic immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Early treatment with antidote is critical; delay often means death.