Aspirin and Tylenol Are Toxic to Cats
Acetylsalicylic Acid and Acetaminophen Are Poisonous to Felines
Dec 29, 2008
Can a cat be given aspirin or Tylenol? This is a question that is often asked on online Q-and-A forums, and the answer is “no.”
Aspirin is Toxic to Cats
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a human medication used to relieve minor aches and pains, inflammation, and fever. Although dogs may be prescribed aspirin for various conditions, cats are far less able to tolerate it. It stays in a cat’s bloodstream for longer, and can quickly reach toxic levels. Although some veterinarians give cats aspirin in certain cases, they give tiny doses at intervals of several days.
Aspirin can cause prolonged bleeding, accumulation of lactic acid (a metabolic by-product), high blood glucose concentration, and stomach ulceration in cats. Symptoms of aspirin poisoning include loss of appetite, lethargy, extreme thirst, diarrhea, and vomiting. A cat that has ingested aspirin should be taken to a veterinarian immediately, as she may require a hospital stay of several days, medication, IV fluids, and other treatments.
Tylenol is Toxic to Cats
Tylenol (also known as Paracetamol or Acetaminophen) poisoning is also very serious. In addition to the symptoms of aspirin toxicity, cats that have ingested Tylenol may drool and have difficulty breathing, and their gums may change from pink to brown.
Between 12 and 24 hours after Tylenol ingestion, the poisoned cat’s legs and face swell. Her movements become uncoordinated, and convulsions and coma may occur. After 24 hours, the cat will show symptoms of liver failure and jaundice (which causes the gums, whites of the eyes, and ear skin to take on a yellowish tinge). Tylenol poisoning can be fatal.
Consult a Veterinarian Before Giving a Cat Medication
It takes only a small amount of certain human medications to kill a cat. Never give a cat medication without first consulting a veterinarian. Some online Q-and-A forums offer bad or even dangerous pet care advice. When in doubt, always consult a qualified veterinary practitioner.
A common reason why people seek advice on whether or not they can give aspirin to cats is that the cat suffers from arthritis. See Arthritis in Cats and Essential Fatty Acids Are Beneficial for Cats and Dogs for information on safe and effective treatments for arthritis in pets.
What to Do If Your Cat Has Ingested Aspirin or Tylenol
If you believe that your cat may have swallowed Aspirin or Tylenol, call a veterinarian, local animal emergency clinic, or the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (hotline consultation costs $60, billed to a credit card). The hotline number is 1-888-426-4435. See What to Do if Your Cat Has Been Poisoned for more information on dealing with poisoning in cats.
References:
- Arlington Animal Hospital. (2007). “Aspirin, Tylenol and Your Cat.” 955vets.com.
- Cannon, Martha, & Forster-van Hijfte, Myra. (2006). Feline Medicine: A Practical Guide for Veterinary Nurses and Technicians. Oxford, UK: Butterworth-Heinemann.
- Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith. (2008) “Aspirin Can Be Toxic or Fatal for Cats.” PetEducation.com.
