Medication safety · 2 min read

Is Antidepressants (SSRIs) toxic to cats?

No — dangerous

No. Human antidepressants — especially SSRIs like fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram — can cause serotonin syndrome in cats. Ingestions are genuine emergencies.

If your cat has just eaten antidepressants (ssris)

  1. Note the drug name, strength, and number of tablets eaten.
  2. Call your vet or emergency vet immediately.
  3. If you can't reach a vet, call Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) — paid triage, 24/7.

What's the full picture?

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and other antidepressants are very commonly involved in accidental pet poisonings because they are so widely prescribed. Cats are particularly susceptible.

Serotonin syndrome — agitation, tremors, high temperature, rapid heart rate, seizures — can develop within 1–8 hours.

Symptoms to watch for

0–4 hours
Drooling, vomiting, agitation, dilated pupils.
4–12 hours
Tremors, seizures, rapid heart rate, high body temperature.
12–24 hours
Most cats recover with treatment; severe untreated cases can be fatal.

If you're worried right now

Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet first. For poison advice, the Animal PoisonLine (UK) is on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply. Your vet can also call the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) directly.

ADHD medications (methylphenidate, amphetamines) no Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) no

About this guidance

Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.

This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.

Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.

Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team

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