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Is Mothballs (naphthalene) safe for Cats?
✓ Sources checked by the Eaoae Safety Review · 2026-10-09 · Based on 3 sources
No, mothballs are unsafe for cats -- cats are especially sensitive. Naphthalene causes Heinz-body hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and liver/kidney damage. Even small exposures can be serious in cats.
🚨 Emergency: Yes — contact your veterinarian immediately.
💡 Why
Cats' red blood cells are uniquely vulnerable to oxidative damage, making naphthalene mothballs disproportionately dangerous for them. Ingestion -- or even prolonged inhalation in poorly ventilated spaces -- can trigger hemolytic anemia: pale gums, weakness, rapid breathing, jaundice, and dark urine. PPH emphasizes feline sensitivity; what might cause moderate signs in a dog can be life-threatening in a cat.
🩺 What to do
- Any suspected exposure is an emergency vet visit.
- Bring the mothball packaging to identify naphthalene vs paradichlorobenzene.
- Air out and remove all mothballs from the home.
❓ Common questions
Are cats more sensitive than dogs?
Yes -- cats' hemoglobin is more susceptible to oxidative injury, so the same dose hits them harder.
What does anemia look like?
Pale/white gums, extreme lethargy, fast breathing, yellow eyes/gums, and brownish urine.
How do I protect my cat?
Never use mothballs in homes with cats; use sealed containers and natural repellents instead.
📚 Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Mothballs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Mothball Poisoning in Cats
- PetMD: Mothball Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
🔎 How the sources compare
What each authority says about Mothballs (naphthalene) \u2014 compiled 2026-10-28. Eaoae’s verdict summarizes these sources; it is not our own diagnosis.
| Source | Dogs | Cats | Dose info |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASPCA Animal Poison Control | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| Pet Poison Helpline | Mothballs are pesticides that release a vapor, and their chemicals can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Dogs are more likely than cats to ingest mothballs. Signs include vomiting, tremors, seizures, and organ failure (liver, kidneys); naphthalene mothballs are the most toxic type. | Cats are more sensitive to the toxic effects of mothballs than dogs. Naphthalene mothballs are the most toxic type; paradichlorobenzene mothballs are less toxic but can still cause illness, with signs including vomiting, tremors, seizures, and organ failure. | — |
| Merck Veterinary Manual | Not covered | Not covered | — |
| VCA Hospitals | Mothballs contain naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene (PDB), or sometimes camphor. Older naphthalene mothballs are the most poisonous type, causing gastrointestinal upset and, less frequently, anemia, neurological signs, and kidney or liver damage; PDB mothballs are less toxic but can still cause gastrointestinal upset and neurological signs. As little as one mothball could poison a dog. | In VCA's mothball article for cats, cats are more sensitive to mothballs than dogs, but they rarely eat them. Naphthalene mothballs are the most poisonous type, causing gastrointestinal upset and, less frequently, anemia, neurological signs, and kidney or liver damage; PDB mothballs are less toxic. As little as one mothball could poison a cat. | As little as one mothball could poison a dog or a cat (no mg/kg figure given) |
| Eaoae summary (cats) | ⛔ Unsafe \u2014 Known to be harmful or toxic. Keep it away from your pet. | ||
🔗 Related checks for cats
- Death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) ⛔ Unsafe
- Plain Cooked Chicken ✅ Safe
- acetaminophen ⛔ Unsafe
- garlic ⛔ Unsafe
- Marijuana / THC (Cannabis) ⛔ Unsafe
- dog food ⚠️ Caution
Checked with Eaoae’s safety lookup. Answers are generated for reference and may be incomplete — always confirm with your vet for your individual pet. Spotted an error? Let us know.
