My Cat Ate My Painkiller: What to Do
My cat ate my painkiller , Cats are curious creatures and are often attracted to anything that is new or different. This can include medications, which can be dangerous if ingested. If your cat has eaten your painkiller, it’s important to act quickly to minimize any potential harm to your pet. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if your cat ate your painkiller, and how to prevent this from happening in the future.
Understanding the Problem
Painkillers are a type of medication that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some common painkillers include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. These medications can be toxic to cats, even in small amounts, and can cause serious health problems, such as kidney damage, liver damage, and stomach ulcers.
Signs and Symptoms
If your cat has eaten your painkiller, there are a few signs and symptoms that you should look out for. Some of the most common include:
- Vomiting: Cats that have ingested painkillers may vomit, especially if the medication is causing irritation to the stomach.
- Loss of appetite: Cats that have ingested painkillers may lose their appetite, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
- Diarrhea: Painkillers can cause diarrhea in cats, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
- Lethargy: Cats that have ingested painkillers may become lethargic, or tired, and may not be as active as they normally are.
- Increased thirst: Painkillers can cause an increase in thirst in cats, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
Treatment and First Aid
If you suspect that your cat has eaten your painkiller, it’s important to act quickly to minimize any potential harm. Here are some steps to take:
- Induce vomiting: If the medication was ingested within the past two hours, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting to remove the medication from the stomach. This can be done by giving your cat hydrogen peroxide, which is available at most pet stores.
- Administer activated charcoal: Activated charcoal can help to absorb any remaining medication in the stomach, which can reduce the risk of toxicity. Your veterinarian can provide you with a dose of activated charcoal, or they may recommend a product that is available over-the-counter.
- Monitor your cat: If your cat has ingested a large amount of painkiller, or if it is showing signs of toxicity, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization for observation and treatment.
precautions for a cat that drinks painkillers
Here are some tips to help you keep your cat safe:
- Store medications properly: Always store your medications in a secure, out-of-reach place, where your cat cannot access them.
- Keep the lid on: Always keep the lid on your medications, especially if they are in a bottle.