Why is it risky?
Ethylene glycol is sweet-tasting, which makes it attractive to cats. It's metabolized into toxic compounds that cause severe, often irreversible kidney failure, one of the most acutely lethal common household substances for cats.
Affected Systems
Nervous · Kidneys
Symptoms
Initial wobbliness and appearing "drunk," vomiting, excessive thirst/urination followed later by no urination at all, lethargy, seizures. Progresses rapidly, often within 12–24 hours.
What To Do
Immediate veterinary emergency, survival depends on treatment within hours of ingestion, before kidney damage becomes irreversible.
Notes
Check garages/driveways for leaks or spills, especially in colder months when antifreeze use increases.
Sources
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control | https://www.aspca.org
→ International Cat Care | https://icatcare.org