Aspirin for Kittens

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug available as an over-the-counter medication. The drug is commonly used in humans, but in cats it is only recommended in rare cases and administered under strict veterinary supervision. Aspirin is not easily digested by felines and even a slightly higher dose of aspirin may cause poisoning or even death.

  1. Aspirin for Pets

    • When your kitten develops a fever you may be tempted to administer aspirin or other NSAIDs. However, even if aspirin is used in veterinary medicine, it is most commonly prescribed in canines. In cats, aspirin should be avoided as much as possible, because acetylsalicylic acid is not easily broken down in the kitten's system and a high dose of aspirin can lead to poisoning. It takes approximately 37.5 hours for a cat to digest and eliminate acetylsalicylic acid, according to the "Merck Veterinary Manual." The extended period of digestion is due to a glucuronyl transferase deficiency in felines.

    Aspirin in Kittens

    • Only administer aspirin if your veterinarian recommends it and never give your kitten more than the prescribed dose. The dose is established per body weight. Give your cat baby aspirin or buffered aspirin and administer the medication after meals. Administer the prescribed dose once every 48 hours and never administer aspirin for more than four weeks. Typically, veterinarians recommend other types of drugs for kittens that require anti-inflammatory drugs, because other drugs have fewer toxicity risks.

    Aspirin Poisoning

    • Aspirin poisoning occurs if you administer a higher than prescribed dose in your kitten or if the drug is administered over extended periods of time. The symptoms of aspirin poisoning include lethargy, fever, sleepiness, depression, vomiting and diarrhea, blood in the feces or vomit, pale gums, liver necrosis, gastric ulceration and, in severe cases, seizures. According to the "Merck Veterinary Manual," a dose of 5 grains or 325mg can be lethal for felines.

    Aspirin Poisoning First Aid

    • If you notice any poisoning symptoms in your kitten, you should induce vomiting within four hours of the ingestion of aspirin, so that the contents of the stomach are emptied and the aspirin is not absorbed in the kitten's system. Take your kitten to the veterinarian, who will administer activated charcoal that absorbs the toxins from the cat's stomach. IV fluids will hydrate the pet and should be administered until the kitten's condition is stable. If you fail to act immediately, aspirin poisoning may result in permanent kidney and liver damage, coma and even death.