Skip to main content
Pets

Can you give cats ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is toxic for cats and can cause serious health problems
Wendy Wisner
By | Updated on Oct. 2, 2024 Medically reviewed by Emma Ryan, DVM
4 kittens: Can you give cats ibuprofen?

Key takeaways

  • Ibuprofen should be avoided in cats, because it can have negative side effects, long term complications, and even death.

  • There is no safe dose of ibuprofen you can give to a cat.

  • Ibuprofen in cats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, seizures, and coma.

  • There are alternative pain relievers you can give to cats that are safe, including two FDA-approved NSAIDs, meloxicam and robenacoxib.

  • Always check with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your cat.

In this article:

If you are considering pain relief for your cat, you might be wondering: Can you give cats ibuprofen? Ibuprofen is a popular NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used to treat pain and inflammation. But although ibuprofen is typically safe for humans, it’s not safe to give to cats in any dose. It can cause serious health issues, and even death.

Let’s take a close look at the dangers of giving ibuprofen to cats, including side effects, drug interactions, and what to do if you accidentally or unintentionally give ibuprofen to your cat. We’ll also look at some feline-safe alternatives to ibuprofen.

Can you give a cat ibuprofen?

Can cats take ibuprofen? Both of the veterinarians we connected with emphasized that ibuprofen for cats is a definite no. This medication should not be given to cats under any circumstances.

“While ibuprofen is commonly used in humans for pain relief and inflammation reduction, it is not safe to give to cats,” says Bethany Hsia, DVM, veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet.

Cats are particularly sensitive to ibuprofen, Dr. Hsia says. “The use of ibuprofen in cats can lead to severe health issues, including gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney damage, and even death,” she describes.

Nita Vasudevan, DVM, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, gives a similar strong warning against giving ibuprofen to your cat. “Ibuprofen is not safe for cats,” she says. “In fact, it is toxic and should never be given to cats under any circumstance unless specifically directed by a veterinarian –which is extremely rare.” 

Dr. Vasudevan says that even a small dose of ibuprofen can harm cats, and lead to conditions like stomach ulcers and kidney failure. It can be life threatening as well.

What is ibuprofen used for in cats?

Ibuprofen is used to treat pain and inflammation. In cats, this occurs after an operation or injury or in cases of arthritis, cancer, urinary tract infection, or other conditions causing pain.

But it is not the medication of choice to treat these conditions in cats due to its toxicity, says Dr. Hsia. “In rare cases where a veterinarian might consider using an NSAID like ibuprofen, it would be under a very controlled circumstance with close monitoring.”

Instead of ibuprofen, veterinarians usually prescribe medications specifically formulated for cats when treating pain or inflammatory conditions, Dr. Hsia explains.

Is ibuprofen safe for cats?

Again, ibuprofen is simply not safe for cats.

Although cats do experience some of the conditions a medication like ibuprofen can treat, a veterinarian would likely never prescribe ibuprofen due to the potential dangers, says Dr. Vasudevan. “Cats lack the enzymes necessary to metabolize ibuprofen properly, making them particularly vulnerable to its toxic effects,” she explains.

According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports, accidental ingestion of NSAIDs by small animals account for about 3% of intoxications reported to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Poison Control Center. In small animals, ingestion of NSAIDs are linked more closely with acute kidney injury (AKI) than other medications. Ingestion of NSAIDs can also cause gastrointestinal issues and death.

Side effects of ibuprofen in cats

You shouldn’t give ibuprofen to your cat, but if you do, you will likely notice some concerning side effects. According to Dr. Hsia and Dr. Vasudevan, possible side effects include:

  • Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
  • Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased appetite
  • Seizures
  • Black, tarry stools (indicative of internal bleeding)
  • Pale gums
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Increased thirst
  • Tremors
  • Coma

Additionally, Dr. Hsia notes, ibuprofen in cats can cause significant kidney damage. “Cats have a unique metabolism that makes them unable to process certain drugs effectively, leading to toxicity,” she says. “Kidney damage from ibuprofen can manifest as decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, increased thirst or urination, and potentially acute kidney failure.”

If you suspect your cat has ingested ibuprofen or you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet or emergency veterinary clinic right away, says Dr. Vasudevan. “The sooner your cat receives medical attention, the better the chances of a positive outcome,” she says.

You can also contact the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), which is available 24/7 and can connect you to a veterinarian who has access to toxicity information, Dr. Dr. Vasudevan advises.

Interactions of ibuprofen with other pet medications

You should never give ibuprofen to a cat, but if you do, it has the potential to interact in a dangerous way with other medications you may be giving your cat. “If a cat is on any medications like steroids, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or other NSAIDs, ibuprofen’s risk of causing serious side effects like kidney damage and gastrointestinal bleeding is significantly increased,” says Dr. Vasudevan. Additionally, ibuprofen can interfere with medications metabolized by the liver, increasing toxicity risk, she adds.

Ibuprofen dosage for cats

There is no safe ibuprofen dosage for cats. It shouldn’t be given to them altogether. “It is highly toxic even in small amounts and should never be given to cats,” Dr. Vasudevan warns. “If your cat is in pain, consult your veterinarian for appropriate, safe medications.”

The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists warns strongly against giving ibuprofen to cats, noting that even as little as 200 mg can be toxic to cats. Cats are even more vulnerable to ibuprofen than dogs, so that even a small amount can cause issues. In fact, ibuprofen can cause toxicosis in cats at about half the dose that it can cause toxicosis in dogs. 

What other painkillers can I give my cat?

According to the FDA, two NSAIDs are approved for use in cats who are experiencing pain and inflammation due to operations, neuters, or orthopedic surgery. These are only to be used on a short-term basis only. These medications are:

  • Meloxicam, which is administered as a single subcutaneous injection prior to surgery
  • Robenacoxib (brand name: Onsior) which is administered as an oral table or single subcutaneous injection for no more than three days

 There are also non-NSAID drugs that may be prescribed to your cat. “For pain management in cats, veterinarians commonly prescribe safer medications like buprenorphine (an opioid) or gabapentin,” says Vasudevan.

“It’s crucial to always consult with your vet before giving any medication to your cat,” she concludes.

Sources