Aspirin Toxicity in Cats
Be extremely careful as even small amounts can be fatal



Aspirin toxicity in cats which is also referred to as salicylate toxicity, can come in several forms other than just aspirin and even very small dosages can be very dangerous to your pet.

In some cases, they can actually take your cats life very quickly.

Beautiful catAspirin toxicity in cats can be fatal

Aspirin should never be given to a cat unless it is recommended and monitored closely by your veterinarian, and even than it should be done in very specific ways.

THIS DRUG IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS

This drug is so dangerous to your cat that it can very rapidly lead to episodes of vomiting that will almost always be bloody.

It can also cause severe abdominal pain, increased respiratory rates, and acute kidney failure.

If the dosage exceeds the toxic level and is repeated, it can also induce a coma in your cat which could rapidly cause their death.

This drug, considered safe for dogs, which is also incorrect, is one of the most toxic drugs your cat can be exposed to simply because your pet can not metabolize the ingredients.

Since they cannot be metabolized, your pet can not excrete them from their system.

It rapidly affects almost every organ in your cat’s body including bone marrow making aspirin toxicity in cats even more threatening.

As dangerous as it is to cats, it is almost twice as dangerous to kittens, even in the simplest of forms.

It is extremely important to understand that aspirin contains acetyl salicylic acid as well as salicylate, both of which are also found in other very familiar drugs that we use commonly.

The other drug that you may give to your cat is Pepto Bismol, which is just as dangerous as aspirin.

THERE ARE SEVERAL CHILLING SYMPTOMS

There are several symptoms that you can watch for with Aspirin toxicity in cats in the event that your cat has accidentally ingested it.

However, the single biggest cause is someone has given it to them and is not aware of how toxic it actually is.

The symptoms will start to appear in your cat within 4 to 6 hours and signals an acute overdose which is very common with any drugs that contain acetyl salicylic acid or salicylate.

The early symptoms will be a very sudden bout of depression which is quickly followed by a complete loss of your cat’s appetite.

They then develop gastrointestinal symptoms that include vomiting that will include signs of blood, and well as very black stools.

The next symptom of Aspirin toxicity in cats is usually respiratory problems that include your cat starting to pant.

Panting in cats should only occur if your cat has been severely frightened; if it occurs at any time other than that, something is terribly wrong with your cat.

If the aspirin toxicity in cats is severe enough and not identified and vomiting is not induced, your cat can easily show signs of an acute kidney failure.

The reason for this is simple; they are failing as a result of this toxicity.

The final symptom will be your cat losing total consciousness and falling into a coma. Once they reach this stage, there is very little hope.

To help to understanding exactly how severe these very toxic drugs are to your cat, it helps to understand exactly what levels you are dealing with.

THE SEVERITY OF ASPIRIN TOXICITY IN CATS

Aspirin toxicity in cats occurs once they have taken more than 11 mg, or milligrams of its ingredients.

There is a huge misconception that exists that it is not harmful to give your cat children’s aspirin.

It is exactly that, a misconception that could jeopardize you cat after only one dose as baby aspirin contains 81 mg. of the toxic ingredients.

Cutting the baby aspirin in half is still almost four times the toxic level that a cat can tolerate.

One regular aspirin contains 325 mg. and an extra strength aspirin contains a whopping 500 mg.

And Pepto-Bismol is just as bad, as it contains over 300 mg of the chemical salicylate per tablet. One tablespoon of liquid is slightly less deadly, but not much as it contains 262 mg.

Even one half of either a baby aspirin or Pepto-Bismol tablet can severely impact your cat.

In fact within 4 to 6 hours it has begun to stimulate your pets brain respiratory center to the point that they panting excessively.

However, this small one half dosage of baby aspirin toxicity does not end there.

It also severely impacts your cat blood platelets which help to bind the blood and induces the clotting process. As a result of this overdose, spontaneous bleeding may also occur.

If you suddenly see bruising appearing on your cat’s skin or on their gums, they have literally been poisoned.

REACTION TIME IS CRITICAL

If your pet has suffered Aspirin toxicity in cats you will immediately need to seek assistance form a veterinarian and the quickest way is to call the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center.

That number is 1-888-426-4435.

You can also call the Pet Poison Hot line number which is a 24 hour service throughout all of North America at 1-800-213-6680.

Almost without exception, they will advise you to immediately induce vomiting in your cat.

There are several ways to do this, but the safest way is with Hydrogen peroxide.

Syrup of Ipecac is recommended by several people, but it should only be used if you are instructed specifically by a veterinarian as it in itself is very dangerous as well as toxic to your cat.

Hydrogen peroxide that is found in most any standard form is three percent strength, which is very safe and effective. Do not use hair color strength peroxide.

The label on all regular three percent hydrogen peroxide says that it is toxic simply because it can induce vomiting.

In this case, this is exactly what you want.

The dosage that you should use is one teaspoon per every ten pounds of body weight.

The quickest and most effective way is to use an oral syringe and one teaspoon equals 5 cc or 5 ml.

Once you have given your cat the solution, make them walk as they need to shake up the contents of their stomach.

If by chance it does not work, it is safe to repeat a second time, but only if it is absolutely necessary.

Aspirin toxicity in cats can be an accident, but in most every case it is the result of an owner or someone wanting to help a cat that is unaware of the sever implications of this deadly substance to cats.

Summary

Your veterinarian may at some point in your cat life administer aspirin as a treatment, but it will be in very small doses, enteric-coated, and given over a span of several days.

We all know how curious cats are and that bottle of aspirin that you may carry in your purse or briefcase may be too much for your cat to resist, and it can result in a tragic accident.

Sources of Help for Aspirin Toxicity in Cats

Cat Vitamin Store

More Potential Emergencies In Cats


Ascites in Cats

Ascites is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in your cats abdominal cavity, and in most cases, it is a gradual process.

Dangerous Foods

Your cat has a very unique set of nutritional requirements, and feeding them table scraps could very easy throw off the balance.

Malabsorption

Can cause diarrhea, a severe weight loss, and extremely foul smelling stools.

Nicotine Dangers

There are a myriad of symptoms that will alert you they may have ingested nicotine, but the cause may not be just from cigarettes.

Pyothorax in Cats

Is so dangerous that it is essential to identify the symptoms as early as you can and than react very quickly.

Seizures in Cats

Are not always epilepsy as there are several different diseases or conditions that can cause your cat to have a seizure.

Serious Symptoms

One of the most serious symptoms to watch for is when they start to suddenly have trouble urinating.

Shock in Cats

Is defined as a lack of blood flow to your cat’s organs and tissues, and when this occurs, it deprives both oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

Strokes in Cats

Is a very serious condition and the thought that your cat may have actually suffered from a stroke is frightening.

Stupors in Cats

There are five basic levels of consciousness that are recognized in cats and it’s extremely important to understand the differences.

Vaccination Reactions

Although it is still considered for vaccination reaction to be uncommon, it will be anything but uncommon if it affects your cat.