Antifreeze = deadly poison

[kurokoma-kun]

I just want to alert others to a danger I only became aware of yesterday.

It's antifreeze. Did you know that 1,400 children and 10,000 pets die every year from accidentally ingesting antifreeze? This is because they are attracted to the chemical’s sweet flavor. All it takes is a tiny sip to cause kidney failure, respiratory arrest, coma and death.

One of my cats, Fingal, had to be put to sleep last night due to antifreeze poisoning. The vet said he probably walked through a puddle of it somewhere, then licked it off his paws. I know some of you will say it's my fault for letting him roam outside, but I would appreciate it if you would please refrain from posting those comments here.

What a horrible experience... one that could be prevented if antifreeze manufacturers would just put something in to make their product taste bad, or switch to propylene glycol, which is considerably less toxic than ethylene glycol.

Please take care when refilling your antifreeze folks, and wash any spills or leaks off the pavement.

[Astroman]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss of a pet. They do make antifreeze that is safe for pets. Too bad the govt. won't make it required, because the technology is out there, and not much more, especially if it were to get used more, the price could drop.

[HTM Yaris]

From one cat lover to another


I feel for you and yours

[YarisTom73]

I'm a big cat lover, so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you; I'll help spread the word about this danger.

[tk-421]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I also didn't know about this at all and will let my friends/family know as well. Thanks!

[Yaris Revenge]

WOW! I thought the dangers of antifreeze were common knowledge. Obviously you guys aren't from the South... that's the preferred way to get rid of pesky roaming "critters" among rednecks.

Hate to hear about your kitty. I love all little fuzzy things, and it always breaks my heart to think of one suffering.

NOTE: There is NOT a pet "safe" antifreeze. It's only safe-ER. It's still poisonous, but not quite as deadly.

~YR

[brickhardmeat]

CENSORED

[redyaris]

Sorry for your loss. We also have an outdoor cat we adopted. Im trying to break him from going out. Its easier said than done. He howls at 3 and 4 am wanting out.

Thats when I want to un-adopt him!!!!

[stuffy]

sorry to hear about your cat kurokoma-kun,

i was aware of the poisonous nature of anti-freeze, but i didn't realize it was that bad.

also, i think it is a bit cruel to keep the cat indoors, we've got a stray that became a member of our household and there is no way we could keep him indoors.
we worry about him but i think they have more fulfilling lives when they can adventure outside, hopefully long fulfilling lives.

[brickhardmeat]

CENSORED

[stuffy]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/ou...rs_or_out.html

if you want to take your cat out put it on a leash

i think those are all good reasons to keep a cat indoors, but on the other side, if you have to keep a cat inside maybe it is best to not have a cat at all because they lead boring lives indoors.

[blacksan]

I grew up on a farm and we had to siphon antifreeze often for tractors and such. It is sweet tasting just like sugar water. It really does not surprise me that animals drink it.

[drifto]

if your car overheats the vapors can mess you up too... i think there was a news report where a womanin queens,ny killed her husband by putting antifreeze in his gatorade to bring to the gym. not to give anyone any ideas or anything anyways sorry about your pet

[uncleyaris]

Sorry to hear about the loss, you'd think the companies would add something to it to make it smell bad, like the natural gas companies do to warn about leaks.( rotten eggs)

[kimona]

To keep our cats safe, keep them indoors and always walk them on a leash!

You'll be doing your cat a huge favour, and you'll be doing your neighbours a favour as well; our cats won't be defecating and urinating in their gardens, making a stinky mess, and spreading feline disease.

Believe it or not, each year many humans contract feline diseases when working in their gardens, and these diseases can be life-threatening to humans!

[kurokoma-kun]

I've had cats since I was 6, have never lost one this way, always from old age before. Also I don't do my own antifreeze, always let the oil change guys handle it. So I had no idea how common this type of poisoning is.

I just hope others can benefit from my experience. Thanks so much to everyone for their thoughtful comments.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by kurokoma-kun

I've had cats since I was 6, have never lost one this way, always from old age before. Also I don't do my own antifreeze, always let the oil change guys handle it. So I had no idea how common this type of poisoning is.

I just hope others can benefit from my experience. Thanks so much to everyone for their thoughtful comments.

I am no more then a dumb-ass-man, but fell your pain. Life goes on and time will erase the guilt/pain. You did your best and destiny took it's course. Heal yourself and make the best of the short time you have in this life.

Hugs....

[eTiMaGo]

sorry to hear that, kitty cats are awesome
I'm glad we don't need antifreeze here, but thanks for the warning.