---
title: "Can I Give My Cat Paracetamol? UK Warning"
description: "Paracetamol is deadly to cats. UK owners — never give human painkillers. Learn why paracetamol kills cats and safe alternatives from your vet."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/can-i-give-my-cat-paracetamol"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/can-i-give-my-cat-paracetamol"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Can I Give My Cat Paracetamol? UK Warning

**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

1. Call **Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509000**
2. Contact your vet immediately
3. Keep packaging showing strength and number of tablets
4. 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [Animal PoisonLine](https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk)
- [International Cat Care — Paracetamol poisoning](https://icatcare.org/advice/poisoning/)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25