What are the symptoms of Ibuprofen poisoning in cats?

vomiting, black or bloody stool, lethargy, abdominal pain, decreased urination, pale gums

Can I give my cat Ibuprofen?

CatToxic does not provide drug doses. Never give a human medicine to a cat unless your veterinarian told you to, for this cat, today.

Ibuprofen

Q: What if my cat ate Ibuprofen?

Dangerous: Never — NSAIDs ulcerate the gut and injure feline kidneys. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) blocks prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining and kidney blood flow. Cats are sensitive. One tablet can be enough for ulcers, vomiting, and acute kidney injury. This site does not give a “safe cat dose” because there is not one for leftover human ibuprofen. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual.

Q: Is Acetaminophen (Tylenol) also safe for cats?

Dangerous: Never — a single regular-strength tablet can kill a cat.

Dangerous

Verdict

Never — NSAIDs ulcerate the gut and injure feline kidneys.

Toxic principle: NSAID — gastric ulcers and kidney injury

Also called: advil, motrin, nurofen

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

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) blocks prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining and kidney blood flow. Cats are sensitive. One tablet can be enough for ulcers, vomiting, and acute kidney injury. This site does not give a “safe cat dose” because there is not one for leftover human ibuprofen.

Quick comparison

NSAID	Notes
Ibuprofen	Common household; dangerous
Naproxen (Aleve)	Longer acting; dangerous
Aspirin	Sometimes used historically by vets — not a DIY drug

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• black or bloody stool
• lethargy
• abdominal pain
• decreased urination
• pale gums

What to do

Call a vet or poison control immediately. Bring the bottle.

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

Related foods

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Dangerous

Never — a single regular-strength tablet can kill a cat.

Pain relievers

Naproxen (Aleve)

Dangerous

Never — a long-acting NSAID with the same gut and kidney risks as ibuprofen.

Pain relievers

Aspirin

Dangerous

Never give leftover aspirin. It is an NSAID and cats clear salicylates slowly.

Pain relievers

Topical NSAID creams

Dangerous

Dangerous — cats lick diclofenac and similar gels off skin and furniture.

Topical