We know that the cat can suffer numerous pathologies throughout its life. Some of them are easy to diagnose, since the symptoms they present are similar to those we sometimes have. Because of this, there are people who decide to give the same medicine that was prescribed for their feline.
This is a dangerous habit that can endanger the animal's life, because even if it has the same illness we had, its body is different. Therefore, if you're wondering whether you can give your cat paracetamol, the answer is no . Below we explain why.
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol is an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug (lowers body temperature in case of fever) that is toxic if taken in higher doses than recommended. If this happens, the liver can be severely damaged. Therefore, you should never give paracetamol (or any other medicine without consulting a veterinarian) to a cat.
Their sensitivity to this medication is very high, even higher than that of dogs, to the point that they will begin to show symptoms of poisoning between 3 and 12 hours after ingestion . If they do not receive veterinary treatment, they may die between 24 and 72 hours after ingestion.
Paracetamol poisoning in cats
While it's true we think of our cats as part of the family, they're not like us in terms of health . It's true we share many things with them: our love, our home, and sometimes even our food. Sharing our lives with cats is very rewarding; not everything we humans do can be shared with our feline friends.
This happens with paracetamol. This medication is found in almost every home because it's regularly taken by adults for headaches or muscle aches. But this medication is highly toxic to cats, and just one pill could kill them—it's like giving them poison.
Symptoms of poisoning in cats and treatment
If your cat has ingested paracetamol, you will observe these symptoms: weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, purple or bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes, excessive drooling, trouble breathing and / or seizures.
So, if you know your pet has taken medication, or suspect it has, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible . Once there, they will perform a gastric lavage to remove any remaining medication.
Can I give a small dose of paracetamol to my cat?
No. Any dose of paracetamol could kill your cat, as poisoning occurs with very low doses. There is no safe dose of paracetamol for cats. You should never give this type of medication to a cat, and it's essential to keep it out of their reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
Why is it so poisonous?
Cats lack the enzyme needed to break down paracetamol in their bodies, so it's not safe for them. Furthermore, if ingested, it can form dangerous compounds within their bodies. Their red blood cells would be affected, and oxygen circulation in their bodies wouldn't be optimal . Additionally, the compounds in paracetamol could cause their liver to begin failing, leading to severe and dangerous liver damage.
What should I do if my cat has accidentally ingested paracetamol?
If you have given your cat paracetamol or suspect it has ingested it accidentally, you must take it to the veterinary hospital immediately. Time is crucial for treating the poisoning caused by this medication.
Don't wait until the next morning if it happened at night; any time that passes could be fatal for your cat. Therefore, if the vet clinic is closed, you'll need to go to a 24-hour veterinary hospital or emergency clinic for immediate treatment.
What will the vet do if your cat has ingested paracetamol?
If you've taken your cat to the vet as quickly as possible because it has ingested paracetamol, your vet will sedate your feline and give it medication to prevent it from absorbing more paracetamol . As mentioned above, gastric lavage will be necessary.
In addition, your cat may receive intravenous fluids and other supportive care such as oxygen or blood transfusions. Acetylcysteine ​​may be given to help prevent further toxic breakdown. Unfortunately, if your cat is already showing signs of paracetamol poisoning, it can still die even with veterinary care. That's why it's so important to keep cats away from these types of medications and be aware of the dangers to prevent a fatal outcome.
What can I give my cat if it is in pain?
If you think your cat is in pain or unwell, you should take it to your veterinarian as soon as possible . This way, they can examine your cat and determine the best course of treatment.
Only your veterinarian can prescribe pain medication that is safe for cats. The appropriate medication will depend on the type of ailment and your cat's individual characteristics. Never, under any circumstances, give your cat human medication (for adults or children).
In any case, it will always be the veterinarian who decides what type of medication to give your cat, the amount, the duration of administration, and how to give it . Never, under any circumstances, give your pet medication just because someone told you it was good, because you read it somewhere, or because you remember someone saying it was a good idea.
No. If your pet is not feeling well or you think he has some kind of pain, you will have to take him to the vet and let the professional decide what medication to give according to the type of ailment your pet has. Don't decide for him.
Never give a cat any medication without first consulting a veterinarian . Only they can tell you which medication is safe to give and in what dosage.