Why wobbliness at one hour demands immediate action
Neurological signs appearing this fast mean tremorgenic mycotoxins are already disrupting your cat's nerve signals. Unlike slower-acting toxins, these mold byproducts cause immediate muscle tremors that escalate to seizures if untreated. For a 5 kg animal, even a teaspoon of contaminated compost can overwhelm her system—her small body can't buffer the toxins like a larger pet could.
The wobbliness also indicates her temperature is rising from uncontrolled muscle activity. Left unchecked, this leads to life-threatening hyperthermia. Emergency vets will cool her safely while administering medications to stop the tremors—something you cannot do at home. Delaying risks irreversible liver damage from secondary toxins now entering her bloodstream.
Two critical systems under attack
Right now, the tremorgenic compounds are hijacking her nervous system, but parallel threats are brewing. Many compost molds produce aflatoxins that silently damage liver cells. These won't cause visible signs for 24-48 hours, but by then, the harm is done. Blood work at the vet can catch early enzyme changes before symptoms appear.
Her current wobbliness also raises injury risks—cats lose coordination and may fall or collide with objects. Confinement in a carrier prevents accidents during transport. Don't wait for vomiting or diarrhea; those are late signs in mold toxicity. The neurological effects always come first.
Why home care isn't an option here
Unlike some toxins where inducing vomiting helps, mold spores release their compounds instantly upon ingestion. By the time you see symptoms, the toxins are fully absorbed. No home remedy can reverse tremors or protect the liver—this requires IV muscle relaxants and liver-supportive drugs only vets administer.
Her 5 kg size leaves zero margin for error. Smaller bodies dehydrate faster from tremors, and their livers process toxins more slowly. What might cause mild drooling in a 10 kg dog can send a cat into seizures. The vet may hospitalize her for 24-hour monitoring as second-wave symptoms emerge.
The next 12 hours: what the vet will do
Expect immediate blood tests to assess liver values and hydration, followed by IV fluids to flush toxins. Muscle relaxants like methocarbamol stop the tremors without sedating her fully. They'll monitor her temperature rectally—hyperthermia from shaking is a bigger risk than fever.
Because aflatoxins work silently, the vet will likely prescribe liver protectants like SAMe to take home. Ask about follow-up blood work in 48 hours to catch delayed damage. For now, focus on getting her there—wrap her in a towel to prevent scratches if she's disoriented, but don't wait for worse signs.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Moldy Food, Compost & Bin Raids emergency guide.