CatToxic

ADHD and stimulant medicines

Dangerous

Verdict

Dangerous — amphetamines and related stimulants cause life-threatening agitation.

Toxic principle: amphetamines / related stimulants
Also called: adderall, vyvanse, ritalin, adhd medication, concerta
Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-08-13

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

  1. 1. Call your veterinarian immediately
  2. US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
  3. US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
  4. GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
  5. AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
  6. NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
  7. CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and similar tablets are dropped on carpets. Cats develop hyperactivity, tremors, high heart rate, high temperature, and seizures. There is no home “calm-down” protocol that replaces a vet.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • restlessness
  • • tremors
  • • seizures
  • • abnormal heartbeat
  • • overheating

What to do

Keep the cat in a quiet, dark room only as you travel to care. Call a vet or poison control on the way.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org

Related foods

SSRI antidepressants

Toxic

Toxic in overdose — serotonin syndrome is an emergency. Do not start these at home.

Prescription

Thyroid medication

Toxic

Toxic in overdose — too much thyroid hormone or methimazole is a vet problem, not a home adjustment.

Prescription

Blood-pressure medication

Toxic

Toxic in overdose — the cat can become profoundly weak or collapse.

Prescription

Birth-control pills

Caution

Caution — a few pills usually cause stomach upset, not a hormone crisis. Still call if a pack is missing.

Prescription