Is Slug & Snail Bait (Metaldehyde) Toxic to Cats?

Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde are extremely attractive to dogs (they are flavored to attract slugs) and cause rapid-onset seizures that are often fatal without immediate treatment.

Quick Answer

Yes, slug & snail bait (metaldehyde) is toxic to cats. LETHAL — causes uncontrollable seizures. Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde are extremely attractive to dogs (they are flavored to attract slugs) and cause rapid-onset seizures that are often fatal without immediate treatment. Watch for symptoms like anxiety and panting within 1-3 hours and muscle tremors progressing to seizures.

Emergency

If your cat was exposed, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Symptoms to Watch For

Anxiety and panting within 1-3 hours
Muscle tremors progressing to seizures
Hyperthermia from constant muscle activity
Respiratory failure
Death from hyperthermia or respiratory failure

Timeline

Seizures can begin within 1-3 hours. Can be fatal within hours.

Treatment

EMERGENCY VET immediately
Decontamination if very recent
IV anticonvulsants (diazepam, methocarbamol)
Active cooling for hyperthermia
Intubation and ventilation in severe cases

Prevention

Never use metaldehyde-based slug bait
Use iron phosphate-based alternatives (pet-safe)
Dogs find slug bait pellets delicious — they eat them readily
Store all garden chemicals in locked sheds

Other Toxins Dangerous to Cats

🐕 Dogs version →🐰 Rabbits version →🐦 Birds version →🐹 Hamsters version →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is slug & snail bait (metaldehyde) toxic to cats?▼

LETHAL — causes uncontrollable seizures. Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde are extremely attractive to dogs (they are flavored to attract slugs) and cause rapid-onset seizures that are often fatal without immediate treatment.

What happens if my cat is exposed to slug & snail bait (metaldehyde)?▼

Symptoms include: Anxiety and panting within 1-3 hours; Muscle tremors progressing to seizures; Hyperthermia from constant muscle activity. Seizures can begin within 1-3 hours. Can be fatal within hours.

What should I do if my cat ingested slug & snail bait (metaldehyde)?▼

EMERGENCY VET immediately. Decontamination if very recent. IV anticonvulsants (diazepam, methocarbamol).

How can I protect my cat from slug & snail bait (metaldehyde)?▼

Never use metaldehyde-based slug bait. Use iron phosphate-based alternatives (pet-safe). Dogs find slug bait pellets delicious — they eat them readily. Store all garden chemicals in locked sheds.