Question
Is it safe for me to use human medicine on my cat?
Are there occasions where it is OK to give my cat human medications?
Answer
Never give pets human medication unless advised by your local Veterinarian.
People may be tempted to try and save money, by bypassing a trip to the Vet or paying for expensive Veterinary medications and products. Unfortunately the cost of looking after our pets can be high, but to try and help our pets with well meaning shortcuts, by using human products and medications is not a viable solution.
Animals metabolise drugs differently from human beings and differently between species. What may be effective in a human being, may be harmful or potentially fatal for their cat.
Medications
Aspirin: ...
The signs of aspirin toxicity in cats are dose-dependant and may include anorexia, vomiting, gastric haemorrhage, anaemia and hyperthermia.Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen):
Cats are extremely sensitive to paracetamol toxicity. ...Ibuprofen: ...
The signs of ibuprofen toxicity in cats are vomiting, depression, anorexia and diarrhoea. ...Other medications that should not be given to your cat as they can be potentially lethal, even in small doses, include:
Antidepressants – can cause vomiting and lethargy with certain types leading to serotonin syndrome.
ADHD medications – act as a stimulant and dangerously elevate heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.
Anti-cancer drugs.
Anti-diabetics – cause a major drop in blood sugar levels causing disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.
Cold medicines – acts as a stimulant causing elevated heart rates, blood pressure, body temperature and seizures.
Vitamin D derivatives – cause life-threatening spikes in blood calcium levels in pets that can lead to kidney failure. Diet pills.
Muscle relaxants – can impair the central nervous system and lead to death. (1)
As well as human medicines, some veterinary treatments, not tailored for cats can also be harmful for your cat.
the top five most common toxins that caused emergencies:
- Topical spot-on insecticides
- Household cleaners
- Antidepressants
- Poisonous plants
- Human and veterinary NSAIDS
Topical spot-on insecticides
Concentrated topical flea and tick medications made for dogs contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids, which are highly toxic to cats. Poisoning in cats can occur when pet owners apply dog insecticides to their cats, or when cats lick the medications off dogs. Cats can suffer severe drooling, tremors and life-threatening seizures.
The only exception:
On the written advice of a Veterinarian:
For instance, you take your dog to the Veterinarian and the Vet gives you written instructions on the use of any over the counter medications with explicit dosage guides.
References:
Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Victorian State Government Australia (1)
Pet Poison Helpline
US, Canada, Carribean (2)
Answered By - user6796