In human medicine there are numerous drugs that are frequently used without a prescription and, therefore, without the need for a prescription The extension of their use and the ease of obtaining them conveys the idea that these are harmless products that we can use without any adverse side effects.
Thus, when we notice any discomfort in our cat, it is likely that many caregivers are tempted to treat them with these medications for humans, unaware of the danger they pose. In this article on our site we will specifically explain whether you can give a cat ibuprofen
Medicines and different species
It is important that we know that any medication that is ingested or administered must be eliminated by our body, by intervening in the liver or kidneys. Different species metabolize differently each active ingredient. This fact is the key to answering whether or not you can give a cat ibuprofen.
Thus, medications that humans use regularly when we feel discomfort or pain, such as ibuprofen in this case, are formulated to work on us with minimal side effects. They have been studied for their use in human medicine, taking into account the functioning of our body.
As this is going to be different in our cat we can't give him ibuprofen and yes, pain medication prescribed by our vet, since these will be studied to adapt to your metabolism, so that their side effects are as few as possible.
Our cat will not be able to eliminate correctly the ibuprofen and this can have serious consequences. Although a low dose may not harm it, we should not take risks when we have safe veterinary alternatives on the market for our felines.
Drug poisoning
In light of what we have explained, a cat cannot be given ibuprofen, but neither can other drugs commonly used in human medicine such as paracetamol or Aspirin. Nor can they be given in their presentations for children.
Cats can get poisoned if we give them these drugs or if they accidentally ingest them. Although cats are not as expeditious as dogs in this regard, they can also lick up drugs, so it is very important to always keep them tightly closed and out of reach, taking into account that the cat is capable of handling heights.
Even in the case of medicines for cats, we must always be very careful in their storage and administration, since a high dose is also a cause of intoxication, since the body will not be able to eliminate that amount of drug.
At this point we should scrupulously follow the dosages established by our veterinarian in terms of quantity and frequency of administration. An intoxication can cause the death of the animal. Ibuprofen can also cause gastrointestinal ulcers
Finally, let us always assume that all medicines for human use are potentially toxic to cats.
Symptoms of poisoning
We have already explained that you cannot give a cat ibuprofen, but if it is accidentally ingested, symptoms such as the following may appear:
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Generalized weakness
- Abdominal pain
If we suspect that our cat may have ingested ibuprofen we must go to the vet immediately, but you can continue on our site to discover first aid in case of poisoning in cats.
What can I give my cat for pain?
Since ibuprofen cannot be given to a cat due to its side effects, keepers should be aware that there are other alternatives if Your cat appears to be in some pain. All of them must always be recommended by the veterinarian, since cats are quite sensitive when it comes to metabolizing drugs and it is not strange that these, even when they are especially formulated for them, cause side effects on the digestive level, such as diarrhea or vomiting, or, more dangerous, on the kidneys.
Therefore, if we notice that our cat has stopped grooming, eating or jumping, we can suspect that he is in pain. In this case it has to be the veterinarian who examines it to diagnose it and be able to treat the origin of the pain and/or use some analgesic of proven efficacy and safety in cats. Therefore, we should never give our cat anything for pain without the vet's prescription. Medicating them on our own can have fatal consequences
