Is Ibuprofen toxic to cats?
No. Ibuprofen is highly toxic to cats — it causes stomach ulcers and acute kidney injury at doses that wouldn't affect a human. A single standard tablet is a serious exposure.
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Key facts
- Verdict: No — dangerous to cats. Ibuprofen should never be given deliberately.
- Category: Human painkiller
- Onset: Signs can start 0–6 hours — see the full timeline below.
- If it's already happened: Call your vet now, or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, charges apply) — see the emergency steps below.
If your cat has just eaten ibuprofen
- Note the strength (200mg, 400mg) and number of tablets eaten.
- Call your vet immediately.
- If you can't reach a vet, call Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) — paid triage, 24/7.
- Bring the packaging.
What's the full picture?
Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Cats are especially sensitive to NSAIDs — their kidneys tolerate them poorly, and even a small dose can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
A standard 200mg ibuprofen tablet is far above the toxic threshold for a cat. Never give ibuprofen, even in 'baby' doses.
UK veterinary references including the BSAVA formulary place ibuprofen among the NSAIDs contraindicated in cats at any dose. Cats lack the metabolic pathway to handle ibuprofen safely, and the therapeutic index is very narrow.
Symptoms to watch for
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Cat-safe pain options to discuss with your vet
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Questions owners ask
My cat ate half a Nurofen tablet. Is that an emergency?
Yes. A single 200 mg ibuprofen tablet is toxic for a 4 kg cat — half is still significant. Call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately. Ibuprofen causes kidney injury and stomach ulcers in cats; early treatment is essential.
Can I give my cat ibuprofen for pain if they're limping?
No — never. Ibuprofen is toxic to cats at doses smaller than you can easily measure. If your cat is in pain, call your vet; cat-safe painkillers exist and will be prescribed based on the cause.
What's the difference between ibuprofen and paracetamol toxicity in cats?
Paracetamol causes red blood cell damage and liver failure; ibuprofen causes kidney injury and stomach ulcers. Both are emergencies. Paracetamol is somewhat more acutely fatal; ibuprofen has a wider range of severity depending on dose.
A lockable medicine box is the simplest way to keep human tablets out of reach of a curious cat.
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Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
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