Why is it risky?
Laundry detergent pods contain highly concentrated anionic and nonionic surfactants sealed in a single membrane. The concentration inside a pod is substantially higher than traditional liquid or powder detergent. Cats that puncture or chew a pod receive a large dose of concentrated surfactant, causing chemical burns to the oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach. The colorful, soft exterior attracts cats as a play item.
Affected Systems
Digestive · Skin · Respiratory
Symptoms
Intense drooling, foamy vomiting, oral burns, eye irritation, difficulty swallowing, respiratory distress from aspiration.
What To Do
Do NOT induce vomiting, additional burns result, plus aspiration risk. Rinse mouth with water. Contact vet or poison control immediately.
Notes
Keep pods in the original child-resistant container, fully closed, in a locked cabinet. Cats can puncture the membrane with their teeth more easily than toddlers can with their hands. Pod ingestion is a veterinary emergency regardless of how little liquid was released, the concentration is the issue, not the volume.
Sources
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — aspca.org
→ Pet Poison Helpline — petpoisonhelpline.com