Paracetamol is extremely toxic to cats and should not be given to them under any circumstances. Cats are unable to break down paracetamol and it changes the red blood cells in the body making them unable to carry oxygen, leading to complete organ and metabolic dysfunction and even death.
Sadly, paracetamol is hugely toxic in cats and as little as a single tablet can kill. This also includes child liquid formulations.
Only two NSAIDs are FDA-approved for cats: meloxicam (sold under several brand and generic names) and robenacoxib (sold under the brand name ONSIOR). Meloxicam is approved for cats as a one-time-only injection to control pain and inflammation after spaying, neutering, and orthopedic surgery.
Do not give paracetamol to your cat under any circumstances. Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans, however it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats.
Acetaminophen can cause a decrease in the red blood cell's ability to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia). Liver damage may also occur. Red blood cell changes can occur within 4-12 hours. Cats may become depressed or weak, with rapid breathing, a high heart rate, panting, abdominal pain, vomiting or drooling.
Ibuprofen (Nurofen) and naproxen are common and effective medications used to treat inflammation and pain in humans, but they should not be given to pets. These drugs can be toxic (poisonous) to dogs and cats, although cats are much more susceptible to this toxicity than dogs.
Paracetamol is particularly toxic to cats and dogs. If it doesn't kill them immediately the toxic substances can be stored and accumulated in internal organs. Other common over-the-counter pain killers such as Ibuprofen are also toxic to pets.
The easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. To ensure that the medication is actually taken, it is best to give a small amount of food that the cat is certain to eat rather than a large portion that the cat may not complete.
Heat/ice, laser therapy, chiropractics, physical therapy, massage, and acupuncture can also be very helpful in treating cat pain. In many cases, these services may even be provided in your own home. There are also many ways to modify your home and your cat's space to better accommodate them.
For cats that have a positive experience with catnip, it can help reduce anxiety and even relieve pain. Some veterinarians have recommended using catnip to help with separation anxiety if your cat will be home alone for an extended period of time.
Even low–dose or baby aspirin (81mg) can cause harm to cats and dogs, especially those with unknown gastric ulcers or liver and kidney issues. While the dose may be low in a baby aspirin, cats are still very vulnerable to it since it is cleared very slowly from their body and toxic effects can build up.
You should never give your dog paracetamol unless under strict instructions by your veterinarian to do so.
Painkillers like acetylsalicylic acid (ASA – the drug in medicines such as Aspirin), ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol) can relieve cold-related symptoms such as headache, earache and joint pain. These painkillers can also lower a fever. They don't help to relieve a cough or stuffy nose.
The easiest way to give your cat a pill is to hide the pill in food. This usually works best if the pill is hidden in a small amount of wet cat food, tuna, or a soft treat that can be molded around the pill (i.e., Pill Pockets™).
Crushed medication can taste bitter, so your cat won't get the full dosage." Always get your vet's express permission before administering medicine for cats this way. You can crush the pill between two spoons or consider investing in a pill crusher/cutter at your local pharmacy.
Many cats enjoy chicken, cat biscuits, tuna, or invalid diets from the vet. Liquidise food if there is any difficulty swallowing. Offer bits of food by hand, or dab a tiny bit onto the lips or front paws. Stroking or grooming a cat may encourage eating.
Sick cats often lie quietly in a hunched position. They might neglect grooming. They may be purring, which cats do not only when they're happy, but also when they're sick or in pain. A cat with breathing difficulties may refuse to lie on his side and may keep his head raised.
Most healthy cats are able to make a full recovery from a cat cold without medical intervention in about 7-10 days. If your cat experiences more severe symptoms and medical treatment is required, the recovery period may last longer and be harder, depending on how serious it was.
Paracetamol can kill dogs even in a small overdose.
Side effects or symptoms of overdose of paracetamol in dogs can include liver damage, ulceration of the digestive tract, pale gums, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, or seizures.
Active ingredient: each Panadol 500 mg Film Coated Tablet contains paracetamol (500 mg). Panadol products contain paracetamol; do not take them with other medicines that also contain paracetamol. Paracetamol is in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines.
In some Member States, oral powder containing paracetamol is also used in cattle for fermentation disorders and acetonemia and poultry for treatment of painful diseases and pyrexia.
Corticosteroids: This category of drug is used to fight inflammation, which is a common cause of fever. It may be used to treat various conditions that cause fevers and is often used in fevers of unknown origin.