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Is antifreeze toxic to cats?

Also called: ethylene glycol, coolant, radiator fluid, de-icer, screen wash, windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid, methanol

Toxic

Sweet-tasting, and even the smallest amount can cause kidney failure and death.

Yes, deadly. Antifreeze often contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet. Even the smallest amount can cause kidney failure and death, so a spill or drip is an emergency.

Signs to watch for

  • Early signs include vomiting, lethargy, poor coordination, and more drinking and peeing.

How cats get exposed

  • Spills and leaksCats may drink antifreeze that has spilled or leaked onto garage floors or driveways.
  • Other productsEthylene glycol or methanol is also found in screen washes and de-icers.

Sources

  • Cats and poisonsInternational Cat Care · Read 9 October 2026
    Ingestion of even the smallest amount of ethylene glycol can lead to kidney failure and death
    Antifreeze often contains ethylene glycol (ethanediol) or methanol, which are toxic to cats (also found in car screen washes and de-icers).
  • Ethylene Glycol Poisoning in CatsVCA Animal Hospitals · Read 9 October 2026
    Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in most automotive antifreeze products.
    Ethylene glycol has a very narrow margin of safety, which means a tiny amount can result in severe poisoning.
    Many animals voluntarily drink ethylene glycol if antifreeze is spilled or leaks onto garage floors or driveways.
    Initial clinical signs of ethylene glycol poisoning include gastrointestinal upset (vomiting), lethargy, incoordination, and increased urination and thirst.
    A delay in treatment by even a few hours usually results in death in cats.

Information from International Cat Care and VCA Animal HospitalsSources checked 9 October 2026

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