TL;DR: Ibuprofen is highly toxic to cats and requires immediate emergency veterinary care to prevent permanent organ damage. Even a single tablet is a life-threatening emergency that requires professional decontamination and supportive treatment.
What is ibuprofen toxicity and why is it dangerous for my cat?
Ibuprofen is a common human non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). While safe for humans, cats are extremely sensitive to it because their livers cannot break the medication down efficiently. Even a single 200mg tablet can lead to severe gastrointestinal ulceration, permanent kidney damage, and neurological distress.
Is ibuprofen ingestion in cats a veterinary emergency?
Yes. This is a High-Priority Emergency. Do not wait for symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite to appear, as significant internal damage may have already occurred. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to:
- Perform decontamination, such as gastric lavage or administering activated charcoal.
- Start supportive IV fluids to protect the kidneys and other vital organs.
How does taking a photo of the medication help the triage process?
If possible, take a clear photo of the medication packaging and the tablet (if any remain). Having this information ready can save vital minutes during the intake process by allowing the veterinarian to:
- Confirm the exact milligram dosage ingested.
- Check for other active ingredients, such as decongestants or caffeine, which may require additional specific treatments.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Ibuprofen is toxic to cats, with toxicity occurring at approximately half the dosage that causes toxicosis in dogs due to cats' limited glucuronyl-conjugating capacity. In dogs, a single ingestion of 100-125 mg/kg can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and anorexia; renal failure may follow dosages of 175-300 mg/kg; and central nervous system effects such as seizures, ataxia, depression, and coma, in addition to renal and gastrointestinal signs, can be seen at dosages exceeding 400 mg/kg; dosages greater than 600 mg/kg are potentially lethal. Treatment of NSAID toxicosis consists of early decontamination by inducing vomiting if the exposure is recent, followed by administration of activated charcoal with a cathartic, which can be repeated in 6-8 hours to prevent NSAID reabsorption. H1-receptor antagonists may be useful in treating gastrointestinal ulcers.
Chapter: Toxicology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 3028)