CatToxic

Topical NSAID creams

Dangerous

Verdict

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

Toxic principle: absorbed NSAIDs (diclofenac and similar gels)
Also called: voltaren, diclofenac gel, pain cream, arthritis cream
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. 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

Voltaren and other diclofenac gels are absorbed through skin and through a cat’s tongue. The result is the same NSAID gut-and-kidney injury as swallowed ibuprofen, sometimes after a person applied cream and then held the cat. Cover treated human skin and keep tubes capped.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • vomiting
  • • lethargy
  • • black stool
  • • decreased urination

What to do

Call a vet. Tell them it was a topical NSAID — the amount on skin is easy to underestimate.

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

Related foods

Ibuprofen

Dangerous

Never — NSAIDs ulcerate the gut and injure feline kidneys.

Pain relievers

5-fluorouracil cream

Dangerous

Never — tiny amounts of 5-FU cream are often fatal to cats.

Topical

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