Lethargy in the first hour is a red flag
Most cats don't show immediate signs after eating rodenticide—lethargy this soon suggests either a large dose or pre-existing conditions. At 6 kg, your cat is above average size, but the square of bait likely contained multiple lethal doses for rodents. The rapid onset of tiredness could indicate early circulatory strain as clotting factors deplete.
This isn't normal post-meal drowsiness—watch for shallow breathing or reluctance to lift his head. The poison interferes with vitamin K recycling, so his body is essentially 'running out of clotting supplies' in real time. Even if he seems to perk up later, the damage is progressing internally.
Why you can't wait for visible bleeding
By the time you see nosebleeds, bloody stools, or obvious bruising, your cat has lost significant blood volume. The lethargy you're observing means his organs aren't getting optimal oxygen—a precursor to collapse. Cats hide pain instinctively, so what you notice is likely just the tip of the iceberg.
Internal bleeding often starts in the chest or abdomen, where it's invisible without imaging. A 6 kg cat might compensate briefly, but fluid buildup around the lungs or in joints will soon cause labored movement. Rapid treatment with vitamin K1 can halt this cascade before critical damage occurs.
The specific risks of block bait ingestion
Bait squares are dense with active ingredient—more so than loose pellets or powders. Your cat didn't just ingest poison; he likely consumed wax or grain binders that prolong absorption, creating a sustained release of toxin. This makes the one-hour mark crucial for intervention before more enters his bloodstream.
The square shape also means possible mechanical irritation in the throat or stomach, compounding the chemical threat. If you see drooling or repeated swallowing, the bait might be causing physical discomfort alongside systemic effects. Never induce vomiting—this could worsen esophageal irritation.
Emergency steps when signs appear early
Gather the bait packaging immediately—the specific anticoagulant name dictates treatment duration. Brodifacoum, for example, requires weeks of vitamin K1 versus days for older formulas. Note the exact time of ingestion; this helps veterinarians predict the crisis points in blood clotting failure.
Transport your cat in a carrier to prevent injury if he becomes disoriented. Avoid excessive handling—internal bleeding makes capillaries fragile. The vet will likely administer vitamin K1 via injection and run blood tests to assess clotting times. Expect hospitalization if his PCV (packed cell volume) shows significant blood loss.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Anticoagulant Rodenticide Toxicity in Dogs and Cats emergency guide.