When your running late and your car windscreen is frozen the last thing on your mind is probably your cat. If you don’t want an expensive vet bill or worse a fatal accident then you must check, before you grab the de-icer, that its safe to use around your cat.
The main ingredient in Antifreeze – Ethylene Glycol is also found in some de-icers. Ethylene Glycol is highly toxic, the sweet smell often attracts the cats and they will want to lick any small puddles or drips. However, a cat may also clean their fur, which may have come into contact with the substance. If you are using a de-icer to clear your windscreens, check the ingredients are cat safe.
Signs of poisoning in cats
Depending on how much Ethylene Glycol a cat has had depends on the severity of symptoms. A cat may display signs with 30 minutes to 12 hours after licking the poison. Here are the first signs to look out for:
- Vomiting
- Depressed, sleepy, lack of energy
- Seizures
- Wobbly, uncoordinated or unstable movements
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid eye movements
- Twitching muscles
What to do if your cat has been poisoned
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has been poisoned. Even if your cat isn’t displaying any signs, but they have come into contact with the substance, seek veterinary advice immediately. Stay calm and follow your vet’s advice. The sooner the cat can be treated the better the outcome. If left untreated, the cat may have further complications from the
Cat safe alternatives to de-icer
If you want to stop your windscreen from freezing, whilst keeping your cat safe then try these alternatives:
- Vinegar – spray or rub vinegar over your windscreen the night before. As vinegar has a lower freezing point than water it will keep your windows clear.
- Car Mats – place spare car mats or bath mats on your windscreen before a big freeze. These mats will absorb any moisture and prevent your windscreen from freezing.
- Socks – place them over your wiper blades the night before. This helps stop ice form overnight.
- Onion – cut a fresh onion in half and rub it over your windscreen the night before and in the morning you’ll magically have frost free windows.
- Plastic bags – tie them over your wing mirrors to prevent them from frost.
- Car covers – buy a commercial car cover and place it on your windscreen the night before (I use this one *affiliate link*).
As the main ingredient in antifreeze, Ethylene Glycol is also often used by gardeners in winter who want to stop their ornamental water features from freezing over so even if you don’t use deicer your self your cats might be exposed when visiting
I’d love it if you could share this post and raise awareness of the dangers of antifreeze. For cat lovers everywhere, lets help keep them safe.