Is Slug pellets dangerous for cats?
No — highly dangerous. Metaldehyde slug pellets cause rapid onset seizures in cats. Ferric phosphate pellets (the 'pet-safer' kind) are also toxic but slower and less fatal. Always assume garden slug pellets are a potential emergency.
If your cat has just eaten slug pellets
- Move your cat away from the slug pellets.
- Don't induce vomiting at home — this is dangerous in cats.
- Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet immediately.
- If you can't reach a vet, call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply.
- Note how much slug pellets was eaten, when, and your cat's weight.
What's the full picture?
Metaldehyde is the active ingredient in older and cheaper slug pellets. It causes severe neurological signs within 1–3 hours — tremors, seizures, hyperthermia. Mortality is high without urgent treatment.
Ferric phosphate ('pet-safe' pellets) causes vomiting and iron toxicity over days. Less acutely dangerous but still a vet visit.
Metaldehyde was restricted in UK outdoor use from 2022, but older stock remains in sheds and allotments across the country. Cats can ingest pellets by walking in treated borders, grooming afterwards, or eating a slug that's died from pellet poisoning.
Symptoms to watch for
Related
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team