Cats are exquisitely sensitive to many over-the-counter drugs
Cats are exquisitely sensitive to many over-the-counter drugs
Understandably, people have different levels of appreciation for doctors and veterinarians. Some people choose to care for themselves and their animals without input from others. While I am not personally offended by this independence, it does sadden me when animals suffer from well-intentioned, but harmful practices.
Over-the-counter human drugs are labeled for use on humans. Animals can also benefit from many, but not all of these products. Animal doses are usually calculated based on body weight and the amount given per pound of body weight is usually different from the human dose. Some over-the-counter drugs are extremely toxic to animals, especially to cats.
Acetaminophen or Tylenol® is highly toxic to cats. One human adult strength Tylenol® can kill a cat and feline death by Tylenol® is not a pleasant way to die. Cats are also exquisitely sensitive to Ibuprofen (Advil®) and even aspirin. These poisonings are extremely tragic because most people mean well when giving the drug, but don't realize that their ministrations can do much more harm than good. It really is much safer to check with a veterinarian before administering any medication to a cat.
Cats are also more sensitive to certain flea-and-tick products. Read the label and use these products only according to label directions, please. The difference between effective doses and toxic doses can be very similar in cats. Purchasing a single large dog product and dividing it amongst several cats is not a safe thing to do. While it may save a few dollars on the product, the effects can be devastating. I have seen cats suffer tremors, seizures, convulsions, coma, and death because of adverse reactions to over-the-counter flea-and-tick products.