Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Poisoning
in Cats
Substance: Ethylene glycol (antifreeze/coolant). Symptoms appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours. Treatment costs £1,000–£5,000.
Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet now.
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to ethylene glycol (antifreeze/coolant), contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. The PoisonLine is available 24/7 and run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
What to Look For
Symptoms of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning typically appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours of exposure. You may not see all of these — even one or two should prompt an immediate call to your vet.
What to Do Right Now
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to ethylene glycol (antifreeze/coolant), follow these steps.
EXTREME EMERGENCY — the treatment window for cats is only 3 HOURS (vs 8-12 for dogs)
Call the nearest emergency vet immediately and go straight there
Even a teaspoon of antifreeze can be fatal to a cat
Cats are attracted to the sweet taste and may lick puddles from driveways or garages
Every minute of delay reduces the chance of survival
What the Vet Will Do
Treatment depends on how much was ingested and how quickly you seek help. Here is what to expect.
How Much It Costs
Estimated UK vet costs for treating antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning in cats. Total treatment typically costs £1,000–£5,000.
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency consultation | £80-£250 |
| Fomepizole antidote | £200-£600 |
| IV fluids (3-5 days) | £400-£1,200 |
| Blood tests (multiple) | £200-£500 |
| Hospitalisation (3-5 nights) | £500-£2,500 |
| Dialysis (specialist, if needed) | £3,000-£8,000+ |
| Total treatment range | £1,000–£5,000 |
Prices are estimates based on UK veterinary averages. Out-of-hours emergencies typically cost 1.5–3x more than standard hours. Individual cases vary.
Recovery Outlook
In cats, the treatment window is critically narrow — only 3 hours from ingestion. If the antidote is administered in time, survival is possible. After 3 hours, irreversible kidney damage has usually begun. As little as 1 teaspoon (1.5ml) of antifreeze can kill an average-sized cat. This is one of the deadliest poisons a cat can encounter.
How to Prevent This
The best treatment is prevention. Keep your pet safe with these steps.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Poisoning?
Yes — most pet insurance policies cover accidental poisoning as an emergency, including out-of-hours care, hospitalisation, and specialist referral.
With antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning treatment costing £1,000–£5,000, insurance can prevent a medical emergency becoming a financial one too. Check your policy covers emergency treatment with no sub-limit on poisoning.
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