Aspirin is an NSAID medicine, a common pain reliever and anti-inflammatory that has many uses in humans. Its analgesic properties make it effective at treating everything from headaches to arthritis.
Aspirin for cats is a popular medicine used off-label to treat many feline issues, and some veterinarians often prescribe the medicine for cats as well.
Treating any feline issue with Aspirin should be with caution. Because cats’ bodies cannot metabolize the drug Effetiently as humans and other large pets do.
Knowing about the safe dosage, benefits, side effects, and tips of giving the drug to your cat is essential for every cat owner.
This blog post is a comprehensive guide about Aspirin for cats.
Upgrade Your Cat Disclaimer: Only give Aspirin to your feline with the vet’s prescription and supervision only. Self-administration in the wrong dose can build Aspirin poisonings that can be fatal.
Is Aspirin Safe for all cats?
No, Aspirin is not safe for all cats. Giving Aspirin to cats depends on several factors, including the cat’s health history, age, and weight. In general, it is not recommended to give Aspirin to cats unless specifically directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Aspirin can be toxic to cats in high doses, and even low doses can cause stomach ulcers and other side effects.
If you have a plan of giving Aspirin to your kitty for fever or pain relief, always check with your vet first.
Which Cats should not take Aspirin?
Cats suffering from the below-mentioned conditions should not take Aspirin.
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- Hemorrhagic disorders
- Asthma
- Pregnant or Nursing
- GI ulcers
- Hepatic failure
- Newborn Kittens
- Severe Dehydration
Aspirin Dosage for Cats
The safe dosage of Aspirin for cats is 6-10 mg/kg or 3-5 mg/lbs once in 48-72 hours. Remember that cats cannot metabolize Aspirin quickly, so you must wait for at least 48 hours for the next dose.
Do not give Aspirin to newborn kittens aged less than two months until your veterinarian prescribes it.
Aspirin Dosage Chart For Cats
| Cat weight kg (6-10 mg/kg) | Cat Weight lbs (3-5 mg/lbs) | Aspirin Dosage (Once in 48-72 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 4 lbs | 12 mg |
| 3 kg | 6 lbs | 18 mg |
| 4 kg | 8 lbs | 24 mg |
| 5 kg | 10 lbs | 30 mg |
| 6 kg | 12 lbs | 36 mg |
| 7 kg | 14 lbs | 42 mg |
| 8 kg | 16 lbs | 48 mg |
Uses of Aspirin in Cats:
Aspirin can be used for the following health issues with the veterinarian advice only.
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Treating Arthritis
- Reducing Fever
- Treating Headaches
- Treating Muscle aches and pain
- Treating Toothaches
- Anti-blood clotting agent
What are the side effects of Aspirin in cats?
Giving the wrong dose of Aspirin to the wrong cat can lead to aspirin poisoning.
The common side effects and symptoms of aspirin poisoning in felines are:
- Loss of Appetite
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in vomit and poo.
- Black stool
- Hepatic failure
- Kidney failure
- Pancreatitis
- Respiratory distress
If you notice any of these side effects in your cat after administering Aspirin, contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Helpline at (888) 426-4435 for immediate help.
How to Give Aspirin to Your Cat?
1. Only give aspirin to your cat if the veterinarian prescribes it.
2. Follow the dosage and frequency as prescribed. Never give more or less than what is prescribed.
3. Prefer Enteric coatings Aspirin because the Enteric coatings dissolve in the intestinal tract rather than the stomach and protect your feline stomach from damage.
4. Give the medicine with food to avoid stomach lining.
5. Keep a time gap of at least 48 hours between the two doses.
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Which Drugs can Interact with Aspirin?
There are many drugs that can interact with aspirin, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and supplements. Some of the most common drug interactions with aspirin include:
1) NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®), can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin.
2) Blood thinners: Aspirin can increase the effects of blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin®) and heparin. This can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
3. Antacids: Taking antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer®, Maalox®, Mylanta®, Rolaids®, or Tums®, can decrease the absorption of aspirin.
4. Other medications: such as (Certain not All) Diabetes medications, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, Sulphonamides, Valproic acid, antibiotics, Diuretics, Vitamin E, Calcium blockers, Barbiturates, and may be many others can react and interact with aspirin.
Make sure to inform your veterinarian about all medications, supplements, and herbs your pet is taking before starting aspirin therapy. This will help to avoid any potential drug interactions.
