Blog

Asperin and Cats

Aspirin Toxicity in Cats

Aspirin has many health benefits for both people and pets. It is used for common conditions associated to inflammation and blood clotting, and for its pain-relieving properties. However, aspirin can be dangerous to cats as they are not able to break down the drug efficiently. It is therefore not advisable to give your cat any aspirin before you consult a veterinarian.

Signs

Cats suffering from aspirin toxicity often get sick fast. The most common symptom of aspirin toxicity in cats is loss of appetite. You might also notice fever, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. The diarrhea or vomit might have red or brown blood spots. When the central nervous system is affected, your cat may have difficulty walking and may appear weak. Giving the cat the right dosage can still cause the onset of some of these symptoms and hence it is important to consult a vet before administering the drug.

Diagnosis   

If your cat has swallowed aspirin and is showing signs of toxicity, you need to contact your local veterinarian immediately. The vet may recommend tests to check the levels of toxicity. In case your local vet is not available, please contact a reliable emergency clinic to get guidance on how to deal with the problem.

Treatment

The cat should get treatment within 12 hours after ingesting the aspirin. Your veterinarian might induce vomiting to reduce some of the aspirin in the body. By pumping the stomach or inducing vomit, the vet will remove a large amount of aspirin from the body. After vomiting, the vet may offer activated charcoal to absorb any remaining aspirin.

When the toxicity levels are too high, hospitalization might be necessary. The vet will perform a series of blood tests and may recommend injection of body fluids until the cat returns back to its health. Additionally, the vet will prescribe medications to encourage faster healing after your cat returns home from hospital.

Prevention

The only way to prevent your pets from suffering from aspirin toxicity is to ensure you keep all drugs away from pets. If your vet has prescribed aspirin for your cat, ensure you use the right dosage and carefully monitor your cat for any adverse symptoms.

Conclusion

Once you determine that your cat is suffering from aspirin toxicity, your vet will start treatment immediately and provide the necessary supportive care. He might recommend hospitalization for additional blood tests if your cat’s condition is severe. 

References: Pet Health Network, Petmd, VCA Hospitals

Local Value Service

Share
Published by
Local Value Service

Recent Posts

Feline Wellness: Tips for Keeping Your Cat Happy and Healthy

Cats are independent creatures, but they still rely on us for their overall well-being. Ensuring…

2 weeks ago

Halloween Pet Safety: Preventing Frightening Accidents

Halloween is a fun time for families, but it can be stressful and dangerous for…

3 weeks ago

Canine Dental Health: How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Keeping your dog's teeth clean is an essential part of maintaining their overall health. Just…

3 weeks ago

World Animal Day: Promoting Animal Welfare and Rescue Efforts

World Animal Day, celebrated annually on October 4th, is a global event dedicated to raising…

1 month ago

National Black Cat Day: Celebrating the Beauty of Black Cats

National Black Cat Day is a special occasion to honor black cats and raise awareness…

1 month ago

Emergency Evacuation Plan for Pets: Be Prepared for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can strike without warning, making it crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan…

1 month ago