Medication
Paracetamol / Acetaminophen
Emergency for cats at any dose. Never give human painkillers to any animal.
Life-threateningCatsDogsFerrets
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
What to do right now
- 1.Go to an emergency vet immediately
- 2.Bring the packet so the dose can be calculated
- 3.Do not give any further medication
Symptoms
- Brown or blue-tinged gums
- Facial and paw swelling
- Laboured breathing
- Vomiting
- Collapse
Details
- Category
- Medication
- Toxicity
- Life-threatening
- Species affected
- Cats, Dogs, Ferrets
- Routes of exposure
- Given by well-meaning owners, or dropped tablets eaten from the floor
- Urgency
- Emergency for cats at any dose. Never give human painkillers to any animal.
Veterinary notes and prevention
Cats lack the enzyme needed to metabolise paracetamol safely, resulting in methaemoglobinaemia and liver damage. Acetylcysteine is the main antidote.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Paracetamol / Acetaminophen, report the exposure route: Given by well-meaning owners, or dropped tablets eaten from the floor. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.