Why it is dangerous to cats
Ibuprofen is a human remedy for pain and inflammation. Cats are very sensitive to it: it damages the lining of the stomach and gut, so ulcers and bleeding can follow, and it also damages the kidneys and can affect the nervous system.
Never give your cat ibuprofen or any other painkiller made for people. A cat can also find some dropped on the floor or left on a table.
Signs may not appear straight away, and how much does harm cannot be judged at home. Contact a vet or an emergency clinic straight away, even if your cat seems well, say when it happened and take the packaging with you.
What to watch out for
- Vomiting can follow, sometimes with blood, and the cat may stop eating.
- Ulcers can form in the stomach and gut, and the stool can turn black.
- The kidneys can be damaged: the cat drinks and urinates more and becomes dull.
- The nervous system can be affected: the cat may wobble or have seizures.
- Other similar painkillers made for people are dangerous too.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.