Is Nurofen toxic to cats?
No. Nurofen is the UK brand name for ibuprofen. It is as dangerous to cats as any other ibuprofen product — a single 200 mg tablet can cause kidney injury in a small cat.
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Key facts
- Verdict: No — dangerous to cats. Nurofen 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 nurofen
- Note the strength and amount.
- Call your vet immediately.
- If you can't reach a vet, call Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) — paid triage, 24/7.
What's the full picture?
Nurofen is the main UK brand name for ibuprofen. Like all ibuprofen products — including supermarket own-brand equivalents — it is highly toxic to cats.
A single 200 mg tablet in a 4 kg cat is a toxic dose. Signs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), abdominal pain, reduced appetite, and — over days — kidney failure.
Never give any human painkiller to a cat. If your cat appears to be in pain, contact your vet; cat-safe pain relief options exist and require a prescription.
Symptoms to watch for
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Cat owner essentials
For prescription-strength flea, tick and wormer protection, Best Vet Care ships direct from licensed vets — no vet visit required. (affiliate link)
A lockable medicine box is the simplest way to keep human tablets out of reach of a curious cat.
Recommended for cat owners
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