Vet tells drivers why using de-icing spray is ‘selfish’ (stock image) (Image: Getty)
One of the worst things about being a driver when the temperature drops below zero is the added chore of having to de-frost your car. While it usually doesn’t take long to get rid of, it does add extra minutes to your daily routine that you now have to allow for.
While there are several ways to get rid of the frost of your car, including ice scrapers, vets are now warning against using certain types of de-icing sprays as they may be fatal to any cats coming near it. A vet named Ben took to to call out drivers as ‘selfish’ if they continue to use de-icing sprays containing one special ingredient.
“Unpopular opinion but using windscreen de-icer spray is lazy and selfish,” he started the video.
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“I’m talking specifically about sprays that contain ethylene glycol which is found in many different antifreeze products. And the problem is that it’s extremely toxic to cats,” he explained.
He went on to explain that if you use ethylene glycol in or on your car, some will end up around your car and in puddles which cats then might decide to drink from, as they often do.
“And cats supposedly like the taste of ethylene glycol and interestingly even really small amounts can be fatal because it can cause kidney failure,” he explained.
He explained the best and worse case cenarios that could come from cats coming near the toxic liquid, saying the best case scenario would be that the cat came home quickly and that it owners realised something was wrong and quickly took the cat to the vet, but it might still not be enough as taking your cat to the vet can be expensive.
He said: “They have blood tests, get put on fluids for several days. The owners have the funds to pay for this and the cat has a reasonable chance of recovery if it’s treated properly enough. But it may still not survive.”
Ben went on to describe the worst case scenario, saying: “Or the owners are out all day and the cat spends lots of time outdoors and doesn’t come back until it’s too sick or the owners don’t pick up til there’s a problem until it’s too late or they can’t afford to have the cat treated and the cat dies. Because of your de-icer spray.”
He went on to explain the different alternatives drivers can turn to that are safer for any cats living in your area.
“The solution is simple, either find a de-icer spray that’s definitely does not contain ethylene glycol or just manually scrape your windscreen. It only takes a few minutes and might save a cat’s life,” Ben said.
If you suspect your pet has come into contact with antifreeze, you should get them to a vet immediately. Sign of antifreeze poisoning can show 30 minutes after they’ve eaten it, and it can be two or three days before noticing signs of kidney failure, the reports.
Symptoms to look out for are vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing uncoordinated, having seizures and/or difficulty breathing. The sooner your pet gets treatment, the better their chances are of survival.