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My cat licked ant bait. Is it poisonous? When to call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Balinese | Female | spayed | 2 years and 6 months old

My cat linked a Combat Ant Killing nait station (active ingredient filpronil) for about 3 seconds. Should I take her to the vet?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 15th, 2016

Because Blue only licked it so briefly, I would not rush her into a vet. You may see some drooling and frothing at mouth. I would rinse out her mouth with cool water using a syringe, and keep an eye on her. If she does start acting out of the ordinary, starts having uncoordinated movements, tremors, convulsions, or seizures, I would take her into a vet immediately.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    Fipronil is the active ingredient in several products used to kill fleas on cats, including Frontline. It's not meant to be ingested, however it's been given orally to cats and dogs at very high doses in testing situations with minimal effect. You may see some salivation (due to the taste) and vomiting, but it's likely you won't with such a small exposure. Monitor for loss of appetite, vomiting, and salivation, and seek veterinary care if you see any of these. If you would like to be absolutely certain about exposure to this particular product, you can call the ASPCA's poison control hotline, as they maintain a database on all sorts of animal toxicities. Their number is (888) 426-4435, and there will likely be a charge for their services.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    If Blue licked the plastic housing, she should be fine. The bait is contained within. If she licked the bait itself, there should be no cause for concern. The bait is of relatively low toxicity for dogs and cats. The plastic housing would be more of a concern had she actually ingested it. You may see some drooling and possibly some minor GI upset in the next several hours.

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