Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a common household analgesic, and it is dangerous to cats. They cannot clear it the way dogs and people do, so even a small amount can damage red blood cells, and there is no dose that can be called safe. Most cases follow a well-meaning owner treating pain or fever at home.
Key facts
Acetaminophen toxicity at a glance- Species and system: cat; multisystemic (blood, liver, soft tissues).
- Cause: poor glucuronidation of acetaminophen in cats, which pushes the drug toward oxidative metabolites that damage hemoglobin.
- Hallmark: methemoglobinemia within hours, then Heinz body hemolytic anemia; hepatic injury is seen mainly after large ingestions.
- Classic presentation: a depressed cat with dyspnea, cyanotic or brown mucous membranes, and facial and paw edema.
- Antidote: N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
- Safe dose: none. MSD lists acetaminophen use in cats as contraindicated.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 3 self-test questions and 8 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.