A winter spill could turn a cat's routine grooming into a medical emergency.
Cats can be poisoned by antifreeze simply by licking their paws after walking through a spill.
Owners who suspect their pet has come into contact with the liquid should get them to a vet immediately, the RSPCA advises.
Antifreeze used in car products can contain ethylene glycol, a chemical that is toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage.
The warning was highlighted by the Mirror, which reported that pet protection company director Chris Maxted had raised concerns about spills during colder months.
Cats Protection says an animal does not need to drink directly from a puddle: it could walk through a spill and swallow a small amount while grooming its paws or fur.
Even a small amount can be fatal, according to the charity.
Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, drooling, thirst and appearing unsteady or uncoordinated.
Some signs can appear within 30 minutes of ingestion, although the RSPCA says it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are noticed.
Pet owners should not wait for symptoms before seeking help.
If antifreeze is visible on the cat's paws or fur, Cats Protection advises washing it off straight away to reduce further exposure before travelling to the vet.
If possible, take the container or product label along so the vet can identify what the animal has been exposed to.
The charity says cats have the best chance of recovery when treatment starts within eight hours of exposure, before blood tests show evidence of kidney disease.
However, owners should seek help immediately rather than treating that period as time to wait.
To reduce the risk, the RSPCA recommends checking cars for coolant leaks, storing antifreeze in sealed containers away from pets and cleaning up spills immediately.
Cats Protection also advises against leaving drained antifreeze in an open container and says waste should be disposed of safely.
The RSPCA warns that rock salt used to grit roads is another winter hazard.
Animals can walk through gritted snow and then lick the salt from their paws, while swallowing salt can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy.
The charity recommends wiping pets' feet and tummies after they have been outside.
If rock salt may be on their feet or fur, it advises washing the affected areas with warm water and a mild, pet-safe shampoo, then drying them with a towel.
Anyone who thinks an animal has swallowed rock salt should call a vet immediately, the RSPCA says.
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