Why do cats like antifreeze?

It's not just cats that like that horrible stuff, it's dogs too. Apparently it has a sweet smell. But you shouldn't let your pet lick it up or drink it as it can kill them instantly. It's evil stuff. Anyways, if you want to know so much about cats, why they do the crazy things that they do. Then go to the cats club on fanpop and ask your cat questions there.

Oh God! Don't let your cat (or any other pet) drink that stuff! Cars like it because it keeps the water in your radiator from freezing and cracking, but it'll kill most any animal in nothing flat.

A piece of advice from a rancher who has several outside dogs and cats, be sure all your car chemicals, be it oil, gasoline, antifreeze, et cetera, are locked up in a shed.

The same shed you hide your dead bodies in? Yeah, that one will do.

Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in Cats


Antifreeze poisoning is usually associated with pets licking antifreeze drips or spills off the ground. For a cat, as little as a teaspoon can prove fatal. The toxic element in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, can be found in other products as well.


What to Watch For


Within the first few hours there may be vomiting and/or drooling, due to irritation of the stomach. There may also be stumbling and depression, resembling drunkenness (ethylene glycol is a type of alcohol). Within 24 to 48 hours, signs of kidney failure will develop, including loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, excessive urination, or no urination at all.

Prevention


The best prevention is to keep your cat indoors and keep ethylene glycol containing products out of your home. There are ethylene glycol free alternatives for most products. If you do have ethylene glycol containing products, make sure they are properly stored in closed containers out of the reach of your cat.


Empty containers, dirty rags, etc. should also be disposed of in such a way that your cat cannot get to them. Any spills or drips that are found should be cleaned up immediately. Repair any leaks in your car.