Mothballs and Pets
Find out if Mothballs is safe around dogs and cats.
Think your pet ate something toxic?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 or view emergency guide
Mothballs are a serious household hazard for dogs and cats. These small, aromatic pellets are designed to kill moths and larvae, but their active ingredients—naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene—are toxic to pets whether eaten, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Cats are especially vulnerable; naphthalene exposure can trigger life-threatening hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), while both species can suffer liver and kidney damage from paradichlorobenzene.
Exposure can happen when a pet chews or swallows a mothball, licks treated fabric, or sleeps in a closet or drawer where fumes have concentrated. Because the chemicals evaporate slowly, even breathing the air in a poorly ventilated closet can be harmful over time. Dogs may be attracted to the strong odor or
Is Mothballs Safe for Dogs?
Ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact can cause red blood cell damage, liver injury, neurological signs, and kidney damage.
Is Mothballs Safe for Cats?
Extremely dangerous; naphthalene can cause life-threatening hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and paradichlorobenzene can cause liver and kidney damage.
Active Ingredients
- naphthalene
- paradichlorobenzene
Common Products
- mothballs
- moth crystals
- moth repellent flakes
- moth cakes
Common Location
closet
Ventilation Notes
Mothballs release toxic vapors that accumulate in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces such as closets, attics, and storage chests. Even breathing the fumes can be harmful over time.
Dilution Warning
No safe dilution; the active ingredients are inherently toxic and should not be used in areas accessible to pets.
Symptoms to Watch For
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- weakness
- pale or jaundiced gums
- rapid or difficult breathing
- tremors
- seizures
- discolored urine
- hemolysis in cats
- liver and kidney damage
What If My Pet Was Exposed to Mothballs?
Remove your pet from the area immediately. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a professional. Bring the product packaging or a sample if possible.
Sources
Vet's Note
PetPilot provides general information for educational purposes. While we reference authoritative veterinary organizations, this page has not been individually reviewed by a veterinarian for your specific pet. Individual animals may react differently based on age, weight, breed, health conditions, and amount consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or a poison control center for personalized advice, especially if your pet is ill, injured, pregnant, nursing, or on medication.