Can You Give an Adult Cat a Baby Dose of Tylenol?

Tylenol's active ingredient is acetaminophen, which can be fatal to cats. One regular strength tablet can be poisonous to your cat and a second tablet can prove fatal. A baby dose of Tylenol is as equally dangerous.

  1. Facts

    • Acetaminophen is the active ingredient found in Tylenol. Infant's Tylenol contains 160 mg of acetaminophen per 1.6 ml dose (the recommended dosage for a 2 to 3 year old).

    Significance

    • Cats can suffer from toxicity even with a baby dose of tylenol.

      Cats are not able to metabolize acetaminophen effectively and in general 50 mg of acetaminophen per kg of body weight is considered toxic to cats. Jill A. Richardson, DVM reports "there is no safe acetaminophen dose for cats. In cats, 10 mg/kg has produced signs of toxicity."

    Identification

    • Symptoms for cats suffering from toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, drooling and brown-colored gums. Your cat may also suffer from swelling of the face, lips and limbs; uncoordinated movements; convulsions and coma.

    Diagnosis

    • Veterinarians will diagnose acetaminophen toxicity based upon history of access or exposure to acetaminophen and the presence of clinical signs of toxicity.

    Treatment

    • Treatment includes induction of vomiting followed by activated charcoal when ingestion has occurred recently. Acetylcysteine, cimetidine and vitamin c may be administered to aid the body in recovering from the poisoning. IV fluids, oxygen and blood transfusions are given as needed.

    Warning

    • If you suspect that your cat has ingested acetaminophen, contact your veterinarian immediately. Acetaminophen toxicity cannot be treated at home.