Can a Cat Take Baby Aspirin? What You Should Know!

No one wants to think about their beloved pet in pain, so it can be tempting to give your cat some relief from your medicine cabinet. If you suspect your cat is hurting, you might wonder if a cat can take baby aspirin to feel better. While some cats can safely take baby aspirin, you should never give baby aspirin to your cat without talking to your veterinarian because it can be dangerous for your kitty if misused.

Keep reading to learn more about the use of baby aspirin in cats, including why it’s not safe for you to give it without veterinary supervision. We’ll also cover the signs of aspirin poisoning in cats and what to do if you notice them.

Baby Aspirin and Cats

Baby aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, available over the counter. In humans, it’s used to lower fevers, relieve pain, and help prevent blood clots. Aspirin is from a class of chemicals called salicylates, which are potentially toxic to cats when used incorrectly.

The most common reason that baby aspirin is prescribed in cats is for conditions that may cause blood clots. Baby aspirin helps to prevent the formation of clots. It’s less commonly used for pain because there are better options for cats with fewer potential side effects and dangers.

The Dangers of Baby Aspirin for Cats

Baby aspirin decreases inflammation by blocking chemical processes in the body that produce this response. However, the delicate balance is that those same processes are also necessary for proper kidney, liver, and blood clotting functions.

Cats are different from humans and dogs in the way that they break down and eliminate certain drugs, including aspirin, from the body. They can’t do this as effectively as other animals, and it takes longer to remove the drug from their system. Because of this, baby aspirin can build up in the cat’s body without you knowing it until it reaches a toxic level.

Signs of Aspirin Poisoning

If your cat is suffering side effects or aspirin poisoning, you may notice some specific signs. The most common and usually earliest signs are from the cat’s digestive system.

Too much aspirin can also cause kidney and liver damage in cats, either with long-term use or sometimes more quickly. Signs that your cat is suffering more severe complications from aspirin poisoning include:

If you notice these signs in your cat, take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Be honest with your vet if you know your cat was given a baby aspirin or ingested another medication with aspirin in it, like Pepto-Bismol. Aspirin poisoning is treated with supportive care, as there is no specific antidote.

Depending on your cat’s health, your vet may recommend hospitalization, fluids, and medications to protect the GI tract.

Keeping Your Cat Safe

Never give your cat a baby aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin without checking with your vet first. Keep all medications safely locked away where pets (or kids) can’t access them. Be aware of other items in your house that contain salicylates, and keep them away from your cat.

Wintergreen oil, Pepto-Bismol, pain creams, and many hair and skin products contain some type of salicylate. Ingesting these could put your cat at risk for aspirin poisoning, especially if they’re already taking the drug as prescribed by a veterinarian.

Conclusion

While many human medications, including baby aspirin, are technically safe for cats and commonly used by veterinarians, you should never medicate your kitty on your own. As we learned, cats don’t process drugs the same way humans do, and a safe feline dose won’t be the same as one for humans. In addition, if your cat is dealing with pain, you’ll want to see your vet to diagnose the root of the problem rather than treat the signs with over-the-counter medicine like baby aspirin. Don’t take chances with your kitty’s health, and take the time to get them the care they need.

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