Tylenol Toxicity In Cats

Cat parents should know better than to give Tylenol to a cat. The active ingredient of Tylenol, which is acetaminophen, can be toxic to pets, especially to cats. In certain circumstances, veterinarian may give Tylenol to dogs but generally in a very conservative dose. However, Tylenol should never be given to cats because they are extremely sensitive to its active ingredient. In fact, cats are 10 times more likely to develop acetaminophen toxicity compared to dogs.

Once ingested, the liver breaks down Tylenol; unfortunately cats don’t have the enzymes that are necessary to break down the by-products of the process which can eventually lead to liver failure and damage to red blood cells. Liver damage occurs when the by-products of Tylenol degradation by the liver binds to the liver cells. The by-product can also bind to red blood cells and cause damage which can eventually mean that the tissues and organs of the cat won’t be able to receive enough oxygen to perform optimum function.

If notice signs of pain or fever exhibited by your cat, call your veterinarian Leesburg, VA rather than doing self-medication. Visit this website for more information.