Can I give my cat paracetamol? You can NOT give your cat paracetamol. Self-medication is a very common habit in our society, but this does not make it recommendable. Consuming medications without a doctor’s recommendation can be harmful to health and even more so when this habit is transferred to giving human medications to our pets.
According to studies, one of the most frequently asked questions pet health experts are asked is: Can I give my cat paracetamol? In response to this question, in the following OneHowTo.com article we will provide you with the information you need to know to treat your cat when it gets sick. It’s essential to remember that not all medications safe for humans are suitable for pets. In fact, paracetamol can be extremely toxic to cats and can lead to serious health complications. For those curious about how to discuss their feline friends in different languages, the cat translation in german is “Katze”. It’s important to understand that while some medications are safe for humans, they can be toxic to cats. Instead, consider exploring natural flea treatments for cats, which are often safer alternatives. Additionally, always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication or treatment to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
What is paracetamol and what is its effect?
Let’s start by understanding what paracetamol is and what its effect is on our body. This drug is a drug of the type nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic It acts by cutting the chain of reactions that cause inflation. Paracetamol also has an antipyretic effect, which helps to lower the temperature in case of fever.
In people, consuming paracetamol in doses higher than those recommended can be toxic, and can cause serious damage to the liver, which in the worst cases can be fatal.
Why not give paracetamol to a cat?
When we give paracetamol to our pets, what we are actually doing is intoxicating them. This drug is currently prohibited for dogs, because its sensitivity is much higher than in humans, however, giving paracetamol to a cat is even more dangeroussince felines are even more sensitive than dogs.
When a cat consumes paracetamol, it begins to show symptoms between 3 to 10 hours after ingestion. The cats they cannot metabolize correctly this drug, so the cells of your liver begin to die, occurring, in the most serious cases, the death of the pet between the following 24 to 72 hours after ingesting the drug. In addition to liver damage, paracetamol toxicity can lead to severe respiratory distress and swelling of the face and paws. As the cat struggles to cope with the toxicity, you may notice unusual behaviors, prompting questions like ‘why does my cat stick out its tongue.’ Immediate veterinary attention is crucial to prevent irreversible harm and ensure the best chance of recovery. In addition to the severe health risks associated with paracetamol ingestion, pet owners may notice their cats exhibiting unusual behavior, such as increased curiosity about their surroundings. This leads to questions like ‘why do cats sniff eyes,’ as they might be drawn to the scents or changes in their owner’s facial expressions. Observing any drastic changes in a cat’s behavior or health is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
Thus, recovering the initial doubt that arose in the article by “Can I give my cat paracetamol?” the answer is NO overwhelming. The animal’s life is in danger if you give it to it, so don’t risk it!
What to do if my cat has consumed paracetamol?
Now you know that when you ask yourself “can i give my cat acetaminophen or other brands of acetaminophen?” The answer is no and if you think there is something wrong with him, then you better take him to the vet. But what if he accidentally eats one of these pills?
In the event that paracetamol has been accidentally consumed by your cat, it is necessary go immediately to a veterinarian. The specialist will attend to your cat and evaluate his situation; If it has been taken at the time of consumption, a treatment will be administered that seeks to reduce the drug and facilitate its elimination, trying, at the same time, to keep the animal’s vital signs constant.
In case of more than 3 hours have passed of the ingestion of paracetamol, the treatment for which your cat will undergo requires life support due to the current severity of the intoxication. You will be given an antidote, oxygen therapy, and in the most serious cases, a blood transfusion is usually required.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can I give my cat paracetamol? – here the answerwe recommend that you enter our Pets category. In addition, exploring our Pets category will provide you with valuable insights into common issues pet owners face. For instance, you might find helpful information about what cat fleas look like and how to effectively manage infestations. This knowledge can help ensure the health and comfort of your feline friend.
Advice
- Always keep any type of medicine well stored and away from the reach of children and pets.
- Remember that the drugs that we humans consume are usually created specifically to affect processes in our body, so that in a body other than the human, the consequences can be terrible.
- Before any strange behavior of your pet, go to the veterinarian. A qualified professional will be able to make an accurate diagnosis of what is happening to him and offer the most appropriate treatments to guarantee his recovery.