The mantra is don’t give your cat aspirin without a vet’s advice even baby aspirin. This is the default position and I think, by now, most of us know it.
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. Buffered or enteric-coated aspirin is safe for home use with dogs but not for cats. Even small doses of aspirin given to cats can lead to loss of appetite, depression and vomiting.
We are told that if one aspirin tablet is given to a cat for 3 days it is sufficient to cause serious health problems such as salivation, dehydration, vomiting and a staggering walk.
It may get worse because severe disturbances in the “acid-based balance” may follow. Both the bone marrow liver may show signs of toxicity and bleeding of the intestinal is commonplace.
As you can see the consequences of administering aspirin to your cat can be frightening severe. It should only be done under veterinary supervision.
To further drive home the point we are told by veterinarians that one adult aspirin tablet (324 mg) is 8 times the recommended dosage for a standard sized cat of 8 pounds in weight which is 3.6 kgs.
However, I’m going to say what American vets recommend in the way of aspirin dosage for cats but I don’t recommend you do this. The reason why I’m stating what veterinarians recommend is simply to extend this article to a reasonable length so that Google can find it. Also this article completes a section on dangers to cats and substances which are toxic to cats.
“A baby aspirin given every 3 days is a typical safe cat dose.”1. The aspirin tablet must be given with food and not on an empty stomach. If there are any signs of toxicity the cat owner should immediately stop giving aspirin to their cat.
Veterinarian’s also tell us that the recommended dosage for cats is 5 mg per pound of cat body weight every 48 to 72 hours. That is it. There is nothing more to discuss really except this: how do you know your cat needs a pain killer?
It is not easy to assess that a cat is in pain so if you think your cat is in pain you may be wrong. That is sufficient in itself to seek a vet’s advice. Also just giving a cat painkillers is treating symptoms which is a not a long term method unless it is a last resort. I which case you’ll need a vet’s advice for that as well.
Don’t try paracetamol either, please.
Note: (1) That is a direct quote from the well-known book Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook.
You are most welcome Michael!
Many thanks Valerie for sharing your knowledge.