Self-medication is a dangerous habit that puts human he alth at risk and that unfortunately some owners have also transferred to their pets, This practice is even more dangerous for those animals that live with us, especially if it is done with human medications.
We know that cats, despite their free and independent nature, are also susceptible to numerous pathologies that the owner can clearly perceive through various symptoms and also behavioral changes.
It is at this time that we may mistakenly self-medicate our cat, to avoid any type of accident. In this AnimalWised article, we answer a daily question:Can I give my cat paracetamol?
What is paracetamol?
Humans are so used to the practice of self-medication that on numerous occasions we do not know the nature of common drugs, as well as its indications or its mechanism of action, which is dangerous for us and even more so for our pets. Therefore, before assessing the effects of paracetamol on felines, we are going to briefly explain what type of drug it is.
Paracetamol belongs to the pharmacological group of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), it acts mainly as anti-inflammatory by decreasing the synthesis of substances that they intervene in the chain of inflammation (prostaglandins) although it is also an excellent antipyretic (it lowers body temperature in case of fever).
In humans, paracetamol is toxic in doses that exceed the maximum recommended and is especially harmful to the liver,the main organ responsible for neutralize the toxins that come from the drug so that we can later expel them. High and repeated consumption of paracetamol in humans can cause irreversible damage to the liver.
Can I give my cat paracetamol?
Self-medicating our cat with paracetamol translates into poisoning and putting our pet's life at risk Paracetamol is one of the medications prohibited for dogs, however, the sensitivity of cats to paracetamol is much greater and they begin to show symptoms of intoxication between 3 and 12 hours after ingesting the drug.
Cats cannot properly metabolize the drug and this results in the death of hepatocytes or liver cells, an organ that is also vital for our pets, so much so that a third of animals poisoned by paracetamol ends up dying between 24-72 hours later
What if my cat has accidentally taken paracetamol?
If your cat has accidentally ingested paracetamol you will observe the following symptoms:
- Weakness
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Tachycardia
- Respiratory distress
- Purple/bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes
- Excessive salivation
- Seizures
In this case you should urgently go to the vet, who will administer a treatment aimed at reducing the absorption of paracetamol, facilitating the elimination of yourself and restore vital signs.
In our article on poisoning in cats and first aid we have already talked about this aspect and the importance of avoiding offering human medications to our pets.
Help us end self-medication in pets
Self-medicating our pets, even with veterinary drugs, entails multiple risks, which are even greater when this self-medication is carried out with drugs intended for human consumption.
To avoid accidents that could cost your pet its life, be aware, go to the vet whenever necessary and do not administer any drug that has not been prescribed by the appropriate professional.
Discover on our site the different he alth problems of cats to inform you about any problem you observe. Of course, remember that the vet is the only one who should give you a diagnosis and therefore a recommended treatment.
