Ibuprofen Poisoning in Cats – You have a headache or muscle ache, and you reach for ibuprofen to feel better. But did you know that something as basic as ibuprofen can be excessively toxic to your cats? Ibuprofen is safe for individuals in small doses, but it can be very dangerous or even deadly for cats.
Sadly, our pets are not aware of the difference, and they can mistake an ibuprofen bottle for a chew toy or, worse, a tasty treat. How can you avoid such an accident in the first place, and what should you do if your cat consumes ibuprofen? 
What is Ibuprofen Poisoning in Cats?
In addition to worries about safety in humans, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be very risky to cats, as even small doses can lead to side effects and poisoning. Well-meaning owners may unintentionally poison their pets by giving ibuprofen without veterinary advice.
Cats are frequently pickier eaters and are less likely to consume their owners’ medications. Compared to dogs, cats are more susceptible to serious ibuprofen poisonings because of their poor digestive abilities. According to a study, every year, a notable number of cases regarding possible ibuprofen exposure in cats are received in hospitals.
What Makes Ibuprofen Dangerous to Pets?
Ibuprofen is a member of the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs category, which are utilized to treat inflammation, fever, and other pain in individuals. However, these medicines are metabolized differently in cats, and even a small dosage might cause severe health issues.
Ibuprofen’s side effects include causing stomach ulcers by interfering with the body’s natural production of protective stomach mucus and damaging kidney function by reducing blood flow. This may result in –
- Damage to the digestive part (vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers)
- Failure of the kidneys
- Damage to the liver
- Neurological issues (tremors, seizures)
Ibuprofen is not appropriate for pets, and ingesting it can cause severe side effects very quickly.
Ibuprofen Poisoning Symptoms In Cats
In a few hours, your cat may show signs of poisoning if they consume too much ibuprofen. Here are some symptoms in cats to consider –
Vomiting – Sometimes connected by blood traces, vomiting is one of the first symptoms of ibuprofen poisoning.
Diarrhea – You might also get diarrhea, which sometimes has blood in it.
Loss of Appetite – Your pet may be suffering from gastrointestinal issues if they suddenly show less interest in eating.
Lethargy – Ibuprofen poisoning may be the cause of a suddenly weak or exhausted pet.
Enhanced thirst and urination – This may be a sign of renal impairment, which is an often-ibuprofen side effect in pets.
Seizures or Tremors – In extreme cases, pets may have seizures or tremors.
You must take action immediately if you see any of these signs or believe your pet has taken ibuprofen.
How to Control the Ingestion of Ibuprofen by Your Pet
Do not hesitate to take action if you see your cat has become obsessed with ibuprofen. When it comes to harmful elements, time is of the essence, and the sooner you act, the better the outcome will be.
Talk to Your Emergency Animal Clinic or Veterinarian – The first thing you should do is call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Tell them about the symptoms you have seen and the possible amount of ibuprofen your pet may have taken.
Avoid Inducing Vomiting Unsupervised – Vomiting is not always the greatest option, although it might seem like a great idea. In addition to carefully inducing vomiting or using other therapies, your veterinarian may suggest taking your pet in for treatment.
Visit the veterinarian as soon as possible – Do not wait if your veterinarian tells you to come in. Your pet has a better probability of recovering without suffering long-term risk if they get care as soon as possible.
How To Protect Cats from Ibuprofen Poisoning
To protect your pets against ibuprofen poisoning, prevention is important. To prevent accidental consumption, follow these simple tips –
Safe Medicines Storage – Keep any prescription medications, including ibuprofen, out of your cat’s reach. A great choice is a high cabinet with a childproof lock.
How to Get Rid of Pills – Ibuprofen and other medicines should not be left in spaces where a curious cat could find them. However, if a pill falls, pick it up immediately.
Never Give Human Medicines to Your Pet – Never give your pet ibuprofen or other human medicines without first talking to your veterinarian, even if they are in pain.
Conclusion
Ibuprofen consumption is a common and probably deadly issue in animals. The prognosis depends on the amount consumed, the diversity of signs, and the treatment. Complete and aggressive decontamination and supportive care are important to enhance the chances of recovery.
FAQs
What happens if a cat consumes ibuprofen?
Known ingestion of a small dose followed by complete treatment may have little to no impact on health. Consumption of a bigger dose that is not seen and is left untreated for some time may be deadly. Ingestion of a single 200mg ibuprofen tablet is enough to cause poisoning in cats.
How much time does ibuprofen poisoning take in cats?
Gastrointestinal signs like vomiting appear in 2-6 hours of ingestion, but gastric ulceration may be seen later (from 12 hours) and signs of kidney failure may not appear 3-5 days post ingestion.
What does ibuprofen poisoning look like?
Symptoms are gastrointestinal distress and hemorrhagic gastritis. Also, more overdoses can cause seizures, central nervous system depression, and coma. However, serious toxicity can result in hypotension and tachycardia.
