Why your 3 kg cat's size magnifies the risk
A pod's detergent concentration becomes far more dangerous at small body weights—what might cause moderate irritation in a larger animal becomes life-threatening. Your cat's drooling indicates severe oral burns already present, and the chemicals continue working deeper with each swallow. At 3 kg, even minor esophageal swelling can obstruct their tiny airway.
The solvents in pods are particularly harsh on feline biology, attacking nerve endings in the mouth while depressing the respiratory system. You might notice a 'drunken' gait or pupils that don't constrict properly to light—these neurological signs demand immediate intervention. Don't wait for vomiting; cats often don't exhibit this even with serious internal damage.
How yesterday's delay changes priorities
Twenty-four hours post-ingestion means corrosive damage has progressed beyond initial burns. Your cat likely hasn't eaten due to throat pain, risking dangerous dehydration. The drooling now contains dead tissue cells sloughing off damaged areas—this appears as stringy, thickened saliva with a foul odor.
Vets will focus on pain management and nutritional support at this stage, possibly needing feeding tubes placed past injured esophagus segments. Bloodwork checks for electrolyte imbalances from prolonged salivation and assesses whether liver or kidneys show secondary effects. Endoscopy may be needed to evaluate stricture formation before it becomes critical.
Why the other cats aren't at risk—unless...
Unless your other cats licked the same pod's residue or chewed on the affected cat's fur (which may retain detergent), they're safe. These toxins don't spread through casual contact like viruses do. However, inspect their mouths for any redness or excess saliva—some cats groom each other after exposure, transferring small amounts.
Watch the unaffected cats for delayed curiosity—if they investigate areas where the pod leaked, secondary exposure could still occur. Store all cleaning products in latched cabinets, as cats remember where they've found interesting smells before. The incident cat's bowl and bedding should be washed thoroughly to remove residual detergent.
What recovery looks like for the exposed cat
After emergency care, expect a week of soft foods and possibly anti-inflammatory medications to reduce esophageal scarring. Your cat may resist eating even when hungry due to painful associations—try warming food to enhance aroma and offering liquid diets from your fingers initially.
Long-term, watch for 'regurgitation without retching'—food coming back up silently minutes after eating. This signals stricture formation requiring balloon dilation procedures. Regular weight checks ensure they're maintaining condition despite potential swallowing difficulties. Most cats recover fully with prompt treatment but need close monitoring for complications.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Laundry Detergent Pod Poisoning in Dogs and Cats emergency guide.