Naproxen and Cats

Naproxen sodium is a type of medication that is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. It is popularly marketed under the name Aleve, and is used as an over-the-counter pain reliever by people around the world. Occasionally, cat owners administer naproxen to a pet in pain. Naproxen in cats can easily reach toxic levels. In turn, serious health problems and even death can occur.

  1. How Naproxen Works

    • As a NSAID, naproxen works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins trigger inflammation when they appear at the site of an injury to repair damage. By reducing the number of prostaglandins that are present, naproxen makes inflammation go down, and pain along with it.

    Downside of Naproxen

    • While naproxen does an admirable job of reducing inflammation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, it doesn't only affect prostaglandins at the site of an injury. Prostaglandins perform important work by promoting normal blood flow in and around the kidneys; they also work to help protect the stomach from damage. Therefore, a toxic dose of naproxen can inhibit prostaglandins to the point where serious damage to the kidneys and stomach occurs.

    Risks of Administering Naproxen to Cats

    • A normal human dose of naproxen, as in a tablet of Aleve, is between 250 and 500 mg. However, humans are much larger than cats. Sometimes, well-meaning cat owners attempt to relieve their pet's pain by crushing up a tablet of naproxen and placing it into their food. When a cat is given just 2.5 mg per pound per day, levels of naproxen in their body can become toxic enough to cause stomach ulcers. At 7 mg per pound, levels of naproxen in a cat's body can become toxic enough to cause kidney failure.

    Symptoms of Naproxen Toxicity in Cats

    • When a cat is given toxic levels of naproxen, several different symptoms can occur. They include vomiting, dehydration, poor appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness and black, tarry stools. Cats may also exhibit signs of anemia if a bleeding ulcer is present.

    Treating Naproxen Toxicity in Cats

    • There is no way to treat a naproxen overdose in a cat at home. A cat that has been given naproxen and that is exhibiting the symptoms of naproxen toxicity should be brought to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. The veterinarian may administer activated charcoal if consumption has happened recently enough. Intravenous fluids and blood transfusions may also be necessary, along with the treatment of any stomach ulcers that have occurred.