"Please think twice about using rat poison" - cat owner's plea after beloved pet dies

Date published: 07 August 2023

A beloved family cat has died after ingesting rat poison – and her owner is urging people to think twice about using such methods.

Sarah Spencer, of the Meanwood area of Rochdale, lost Lilly on 3 August after rushing the 10-year-old tortoiseshell cat to the vet after discovering she was bleeding heavily from her nose and bottom.

Upon arriving at the vets, it was discovered Lilly had ingested an anticoagulant rat poison, which stops blood from clotting, causing fatal haemorrhages.

Anticoagulant rat poisons can also affect cats and dogs which have eaten bait or a poisoned rodent, whilst the Barn Owl Trust has previously called for such methods to be banned due to levels being detected in predatory birds.

Sadly, Lilly could not be saved and Sarah, who owned Lilly for around six years, is now urging people to think before using poisonous methods.

She said: “The day started as any other. We went to the library and to the sweet shop and went home. We got home to Lilly bleeding heavily from her nose and her bottom. I had to put her in the sink to catch the drops of blood falling down the drain. My daughter is traumatised.

“We got her to the vets to discover she'd ingested rat poison. A particularly cruel brand that takes over a week to work on the animal and it stops their blood from clotting causing it to haemorrhage from their orifices, resulting in death.”

Sarah continued: “Once symptoms surface, there is no going back and the bleeding out could have lasted days. [It is] A cruel, horrendous, needless way for any living creature to go. My family is distraught. Our hearts are broken and there was no need for Lilly to go through what she went through. I wouldn't wish it on any creature.

“Please think before using poison. It is so unnecessary.”

Poisoning in cats

What are the signs of poisoning in cats?

There are many different poisons, and many different reactions to poisoning.
Signs that might show that your cat has been poisoned include:
• salivation
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• twitching and fitting
• breathing difficulties
• shock or collapse
• inflammation or swelling of the skin
• depression or coma
• changes in drinking, urinating and appetite

What could cause it?

Many household items can be poisonous to cats. These include:
• Slug bait – especially if it contains metaldehyde or methiocarb
• Rodent bait – especially anticoagulant types. Be aware that cats can also be harmed by eating poisoned rodents
• Weed killers
• Insect killers
• Antifreeze
• Painkillers/medications
• Flea or tick treatment (if ingested)
• Poisonous flowers and houseplants
• Some human foods
• Essential oils

What should I do if I suspect my cat has been poisoned?

Signs of poisoning tend to appear suddenly, so it is important to be aware. Even if you only suspect that your cat has swallowed or touched something poisonous, you must act quickly. Contact your vet immediately. Don't wait for signs of illness as by then your cat may be too sick to survive.

If you can see the poison, take your cat away from it immediately. If possible, take a sample of the poison with you to your vet appointment to help the vet choose a course of treatment.

Your vet may ask you to bring your cat in immediately, or may give advice over the phone. Forcing or encouraging your cat to vomit may not be helpful and you should not try to treat your cat’s symptoms yourself.

Source: Cats Protection