Is Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate) Safe for Cats?
Why it’s a problem
A cat typically meets cyanoacrylate by stepping in a wet droplet and licking its paw, by which point the glue is already curing. Ingested hardened flakes are essentially inert and pass through the digestive tract. The hazards are glued paw pads that alter gait, bonded whiskers that disturb balance and navigation, and fur clumps that tug the skin.
How to keep your pet safe
Cap glue tightly and work with it in a closed room, checking the floor for droplets afterward. Never leave a glue project unattended where a cat walks, because cats walk exactly where you do not want them to.
Warning signs to watch for
Paw stuck to floor or fur, glued whiskers, drooling, pawing at the mouth, licking one spot repeatedly, mild vomiting.
When to call the vet
Do not rip bonded fur apart and do not apply acetone or nail polish remover to a cat, because both are toxic to them. Dampen and soak gently with warm soapy water and call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline for stubborn bonds.
Common questions
My cat got super glue on its paw, will licking it hurt it?
By the time it is licking, the glue is cured and minimally toxic. The bigger problem is bonded paw pads or whiskers, so soak with warm soapy water and call your vet if the bond will not release.
Can I use acetone to remove glue from my cat?
No. Acetone and nail polish remover are themselves poisonous to cats and sting raw skin. Use warm soapy soaks and let a veterinarian handle anything stuck fast.
More household hazards for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate or touched something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. In the US: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (fees may apply).