Paracetamol poisoning in cats
Also known as Acetaminophen.
Cats cannot get rid of paracetamol and there is no safe dose: a single tablet can kill. It destroys the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
If your cat has taken paracetamol, go without waiting for signs.
- System
- Poisoning and accidents
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Emergency care and hospitalisation, €500–1,500.
Symptoms
- Brown or bluish gums
- Swelling of the face and paws
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling and vomiting
- Dark urine
Causes
Giving the cat a human painkiller, or the cat eating a dropped pill. Ibuprofen and other human anti-inflammatories are also very dangerous.
How it is diagnosed
Suspected from the exposure, plus blood tests.
Treatment
Emergency care: a specific antidote, oxygen and hospitalisation.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Guarded: it depends on the amount and on how quickly treatment starts.
Prevention
Never give a cat any human medicine. Keep medicines stored away.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I suspect paracetamol poisoning?
If your cat has taken paracetamol, go without waiting for signs. At the vet: emergency care: a specific antidote, oxygen and hospitalisation.
Can a cat recover from paracetamol poisoning?
Guarded: it depends on the amount and on how quickly treatment starts. Emergency care: a specific antidote, oxygen and hospitalisation.
How much does it cost to treat paracetamol poisoning?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Emergency care and hospitalisation, €500–1,500. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can paracetamol poisoning be prevented?
Never give a cat any human medicine. Keep medicines stored away.
More in poisoning and accidents
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.