How 5 kg of cat amplifies every milligram
A single pellet is a full dose for a creature this size — cats lack certain liver enzymes that help break down toxins, making metaldehyde especially dangerous. That wobbliness you see is the toxin short-circuiting her motor control. For perspective, one pellet could contain enough metaldehyde to kill multiple slugs; scaled up, that's a massive assault on a 5 kg body.
Cats often hide symptoms until they're severe, so visible wobbling means the toxin is already disrupting her nervous system. Unlike dogs, cats may not drool or vomit — the first signs are often stumbling or dilated pupils. Her small size means the toxin circulates faster, reaching peak blood concentration sooner than in a larger animal.
The stealthy onset in felines
Metaldehyde works differently in cats — they may not show the classic 'slobbering and shaking' seen in dogs. Instead, watch for subtle changes like twitching whiskers, excessive vocalization, or sudden aggression. These signal neurological distress before full seizures hit. The wobbliness suggests the toxin has already reached her brainstem, affecting balance and coordination.
Time is critical now. A cat's faster metabolism means symptoms progress rapidly once they start. Unlike dogs that might have a longer prodromal phase, cats often go from 'slightly off' to seizuring with little warning. Her small body can't buffer the toxin's effects, so every minute counts.
Why dark and quiet matters right now
Stimuli like lights or loud noises can trigger seizure activity in a metaldehyde-poisoned cat. Her nervous system is already hyperexcitable — think of it like a hair trigger. Transporting her in a covered carrier (with ventilation) reduces stress that might worsen symptoms en route to the vet.
Don't attempt to comfort her with petting or cuddling; overstimulation could backfire. Instead, focus on getting professional help fast. Vets may use sedatives to prevent seizures before they start, which is safer than trying to stop them once they're underway. Her 5 kg size means medications will work quickly if given early.
The critical difference one pellet makes
For a 5 kg cat, one pellet delivers about 20 mg/kg of metaldehyde — well into the toxic range. Unlike cumulative poisons, metaldehyde's danger isn't spread over time. That single exposure is enough to overwhelm her system because cats lack efficient detox pathways for this particular toxin.
Compare this to a dog eating the same pellet: their liver might buy them more time. Your cat's wobbliness confirms the toxin is active in her system, so treatment can't wait. Emergency vets will prioritize controlling neurological symptoms and supporting her organs while the toxin clears — a process that takes days, not hours, in feline cases.
For a dose worked out against your pet's weight, use the Slug Bait (Metaldehyde) Toxicity Calculator.