Toxic to cats · Medications

Is Acetaminophen toxic to cats?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Lethargy
  • Swelling of the face
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Brown or blue gums
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Jaundice

How vets treat it

Seek immediate veterinary care for decontamination and potential administration of an antidote like N-acetylcysteine.

Why it's dangerous

Cats and dogs have a limited ability to metabolize the drug in the liver, leading to toxic accumulation and damage to red blood cells and the liver.

Toxic compound: Acetaminophen

Good to know

Cats are much more susceptible than other species due to a decreased ability to metabolize the drug. It is often found in multi-symptom cold and flu products.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) Extreme severity Ambien Extreme severity Amphetamines Extreme severity Antibiotics Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

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