Many people are unaware that most human medications are not suitable for cats. Many people don’t know that Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), the world’s favorite painkiller is poisonous to cats!
When we humans take Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) we have an enzyme in our bodies that breaks it down once it’s done its job. Cats are not able to break down paracetamol safely and and very dangerous toxic compounds are rapidly formed in their body. This causes irreversible damage to their red blood vessels and causes a syndrome called ‘methaemaglobinaemia’ where the tongue and gums turn chocolate brown. It also gives the cats liver damage that is very sadly invariably fatal. Treatment is difficult, intensive and often ineffective.
Cats are very different to humans and it is not safe at all to medicate them with human medicines. There are lots of safe pain relief medications that have been developed specifically for cats and these are available from your vet.
If you care about your cat do not give her any medications that we have not prescribed specifically for that pet by a vet.
