Does Ice Melt Hurt Cats Paws?

In this article, we will discuss how cats are affected when they come in contact with ice melt. We also go over some frequently asked questions from cat owners.

Ice Melt Affects Cats Paws?

Yes, according to the Animal Poison Control Center, some ice melts have chemical ingredients that can irritate or burn a cat’s paw pads. These ingredients can also damage a cat’s digestive system as well.

Tips for Protecting Cats against Ice Melt Burns

Buy the boots for the paws.

You can buy your cat boots that fit well for when you have spread ice melt on the sidewalks outside. You can buy boots at your local pet store or online.

Check ingredients in ice melt.

The best way to protect your cat against any damage from ice melts, check the label of what you are using for specific information on its contents and warnings/precautions.

Some products may contain ammonium nitrate, which is very dangerous if it gets into a cat’s eyes or mouth, along with other chemicals that cats should not come in contact with.

Store ice melts away from your cat.

Make sure that you store any ice melts in a safe place away from cats. It’s best to keep them in lockable cabinets or in a closed storage room.

Keep your cat indoors when you have spread ice melt.

If you have to go out and spread ice melts on your sidewalk, make sure that you keep your cat indoors. This will prevent them from coming into contact with the chemicals in the ice melts and help protect their paws as well.

Clean your cat’s paws

If they have stepped on ice melt and their paws are burned, clean them with water. You can also use saline to clean them if they have gotten ice melt in their eyes or mouth.

Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet has ingested any chemicals from the ice melts. Your vet will tell you what treatment is needed for your cat’s condition.

Invest in a good quality paw wax

Consider buying paw wax for your cat. Paw wax is specifically made for protecting cats’ paw pads. It’s good to use on cats that are out of doors most of the time and exposed to ice melts and other chemicals.

Use a balm to protect their skin.

You can also buy a balm that you can apply to your cat’s paws for added protection from ice melts and other chemicals that could harm them.

Use a little ice melt at a time.

Do not spread too much ice melt at a time. Only use them in the areas that need it and do not put too much on sidewalks or driveways as this can be dangerous for cats who walk over them.

What if My Cat Ingests Ice Melt?

Ice melt can be very toxic to cats. Some of the symptoms to look out for include vomiting or nausea within a few hours after ingestion. Diarrhea, seizures, loss of appetite, and depression are also some of the symptoms. If you suspect that your cat has ingested ice melt, make sure you call a veterinarian right away for medical treatment advice. Your vet will tell you what treatment is needed for your cat’s condition.

Which Ice Melts are Safer for Cats?

Products that contain potassium acetate are not hazardous to pets. Products with propylene glycol are also safer options but they can cause internal problems when ingested.

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and urea-based products are also safer options for cats.

At NorthRock Minerals, we have these and more options for your pets. We have invested in researching and testing all of our products to ensure that they are safe for your pets. Check out our website for more information.