Can cats have paracetamol?

No. Paracetamol (Panadol) is highly toxic to cats and can cause fatal liver damage and swelling of the face and paws. Never give human painkillers to cats.

Can cats have ibuprofen or aspirin?

No. NSAIDs and aspirin are also toxic to cats unless prescribed in specific feline formulations by a vet. Never use human medicine.

What pain relief is safe for cats?

Only medications prescribed by your vet — such as meloxicam (Metacam) in cat-appropriate doses. Never share dog or human medicines.

Cat Health

Can I Give My Cat Paracetamol? UK Warning — Never Give Human Painkillers

Published 1 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20261 min read

Quick answer

Never give paracetamol to a cat. Even a single tablet can cause fatal liver failure, facial swelling and breathing difficulty. If your cat has ingested paracetamol, call your vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately — do not wait for symptoms.

Why paracetamol kills cats

Cats lack the liver enzymes needed to safely break down paracetamol. The drug converts to toxic metabolites that damage red blood cells and the liver.

Signs of poisoning include:

Brown or blue-tinged gums
Swollen face or paws
Lethargy and collapse
Rapid breathing
Jaundice

Other human medicines to avoid

Never give cats:

Ibuprofen (Nurofen) — kidney failure
Aspirin — unless specifically prescribed
Codeine combinations — many cold remedies
Dog medications — doses and formulations differ

What to do if ingestion occurs

Call Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509000
Contact your vet immediately
Keep packaging showing strength and number of tablets
Do not induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you

Safe pain management

Only your vet can prescribe feline-safe pain relief after examining your cat. Pain may indicate dental disease, arthritis, injury or internal illness — treating pain at home without diagnosis risks masking emergencies.

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats have paracetamol?: No. Paracetamol (Panadol) is highly toxic to cats and can cause fatal liver damage and swelling of the face and paws. Never give human painkillers to cats.
What if my cat ate one paracetamol tablet?: Contact your vet or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms — early treatment saves lives.
Can cats have ibuprofen or aspirin?: No. NSAIDs and aspirin are also toxic to cats unless prescribed in specific feline formulations by a vet. Never use human medicine.
What pain relief is safe for cats?: Only medications prescribed by your vet — such as meloxicam (Metacam) in cat-appropriate doses. Never share dog or human medicines.