Toxic to cats · Medications

Is Opioids & Opiates 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

  • pinpoint pupils
  • dilated pupils
  • sedation
  • walking drunk
  • decreased respiratory rate
  • respiratory depression
  • respiratory arrest
  • coma
  • death

How vets treat it

Rapid decontamination if appropriate, blood pressure and heart monitoring, and administration of the reversal agent naloxone.

Why it's dangerous

Opioids are rapidly absorbed through all routes of administration and act on the central nervous system, leading to severe sedation and life-threatening respiratory depression.

Good to know

Poisoning can occur via oral ingestion or transdermal patches; without treatment, severe sedation and respiratory arrest can be fatal.

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 Acetaminophen Extreme severity Ambien Extreme severity Amphetamines Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

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