Household products
Is mothballs toxic to cats and dogs?
Also sold as naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene, moth repellent
Cats
Highly toxicDogs
ToxicMothballs are toxic to pets. Naphthalene balls damage red blood cells and the liver; paradichlorobenzene causes tremors and vomiting. Cats are the most sensitive.
By Maya HartIf your pet got into it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine.
- Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing.
- Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
- Tell the vet the ingredient if you know it — it changes the treatment.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting with a mothball smell
- Lethargy and pale or brown gums
- Wobbliness and tremors
- Seizures
How much is dangerous
A single naphthalene mothball can seriously poison a small dog or a cat.
Keeping it safe
- Use sealed cedar or lavender products instead
- Keep wardrobes and storage boxes closed
The details
Older mothballs usually contain naphthalene; newer ones mostly contain paradichlorobenzene, which is less toxic. The two look the same, so the packet is important. Pets can also be affected by fumes in closed rooms.
Questions owners ask
Is mothballs toxic to cats?
Yes — highly toxic.
Is mothballs toxic to dogs?
Yes — toxic.
How much is dangerous?
A single naphthalene mothball can seriously poison a small dog or a cat.
What should I do if my pet got into it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine. Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing. Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to. Tell the vet the ingredient if you know it — it changes the treatment.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts