Ethylene glycol is an example of better living through chemicals. It is the main ingredient in antifreeze, the substance that keeps your car radiator and window wash from freezing in cold weather. It is also highly toxic to mammals, including your cat.

It is very unfortunate that this substance has a sweet taste. A spill of the concentrate or leakage from your car is an invitation for your pet to lap up the poison. Once consumed, the body eliminates it preferentially by way of the kidneys where it exerts its damage in a very short time. Death follows in a couple of days. Of course, the amount of damage done is dose dependent. A sub lethal dose will not kill your pet but it will destroy kidney tissue making, for instance, a 3 year old kidney suddenly 13 years old. A lethal dose will simply destroy kidney function.

If you identify an antifreeze spill or leak it needs to either be wiped up and disposed of or washed away with lots of water. Antifreeze bottles need to be capped and stored in a secure location. If a pet is identified or suspected of antifreeze contact immediate veterinary intervention is required to save or salvage kidney function.