If you have a pest problem such as roaches, you know that they can be difficult to get rid of. You will have to turn to roach poison and traps to get rid of them, but what if you have a cat? Cats are naturally curious and will likely inspect the traps that you set out. If your cat inspects the poison and licks the poison, they can experience adverse effects.

Dangers of Roach Poison

If roaches are in your home, it can be difficult to get them back out. Food crumbs, dirty dishes, and moisture attract cockroaches into your space. The most common way to get rid of roaches is by putting boric acid into the places where the cockroaches were last seen, such as holes in the baseboards or under the fridge. The problem is that when boric acid is placed out in the open, the risk of your cat encountering it is high. If they lick the acid or lick a body part where the acid is on, then they may experience stomach upset and more.

Rodenticide Poisoning Symptoms

Consuming small amounts of roach poisoning may not be cause for concern, but large amounts may cause harm to your cat. Kittens are especially vulnerable to poisoning, due to their small size. Clinical signs of poisoning may be seen hours after ingestion. Common poisoning symptoms include:

• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Skin irritation

Treatment

If your cat has consumed roach poison, you must call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately. Small doses of the poison generally do not require treatment, but if the signs are persistent your cat may need medication for nausea and diarrhea. If your cat’s skin is irritated from the poison, they may need an ointment to soothe it. Contact Pet Poison Helpline if you have further questions or concerns.