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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Christie Long, DVM

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  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

  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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful