Are Corticosteroids toxic to cats?

High severity

Yes, Corticosteroids are highly toxic to cats. Exposure can cause serious illness and needs prompt veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

Vomiting
Vomiting with blood
Black tarry stool
Diarrhea
Diarrhea with blood
Inappetance
Abdominal pain
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Excessive panting

How vets treat it

Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline for treatment advice. Confirm active ingredients with a pharmacy as some topical creams may contain more dangerous ingredients like calcipotriene or 5-FU.

Why it's dangerous

Ingestion of topical forms causes gastrointestinal distress due to petroleum-based carriers, while oral forms can lead to stomach ulcers, gastroenteritis, and potential stomach rupture.

Toxic compound: Corticosteroids

Good to know

Topical steroid creams generally have a wide margin of safety, but oral ingestions are more serious and can rarely result in stomach rupture.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

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.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

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