Can You Give A Cat 81 Mg Aspirin? Understanding Feline Health and Medication Safety

Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Can you give a cat 81 mg aspirin? Aspirin, recognized widely as an anti-inflammatory pain reliever and fever reducer for humans, is occasionally used as an over-the-counter treatment for pain in felines. The key component in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, a chemical compound initially identified in willow bark.

Presented in both uncoated and enteric-coated tablet forms for oral administration, aspirin operates by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase. This enzyme is a precursor to prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds responsible for pain and blood clotting. By suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandins, aspirin effectively thins the blood and provides relief from pain.

Can You Give A Cat 81Mg Aspirin Dosage

For cats, it’s suggested to give them 6 to 10 milligrams of aspirin per kilogram of their weight. Because cats process aspirin slowly, it’s best to give them this medicine only once every 48 to 72 hours.

Dose instructions

Aspirin might harm the stomach, so it’s important to give it with food. Some vets suggest using coated tablets to lessen this risk. These coatings dissolve in the intestines, not the stomach, to reduce harm to the stomach lining.

Aspirin Dosage For Cats Chart

Effectiveness

Since aspirin isn’t officially approved for use in cats, there haven’t been specific studies on how well it works for them. However, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, aspirin’s ability to prevent blood platelets from sticking together can be useful in treating a common clotting disorder in cats called thromboembolic disease.

Aspirin helps with clotting disorders because it affects something called prostaglandin thromboxane, which is involved in blood vessel constriction and platelet clumping. That’s why doctors and veterinarians often recommend low-dose aspirin for individuals at risk of developing blood clots.

Adverse Reactions

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, when animals take aspirin, they might experience some not-so-good reactions. The seriousness depends on how much they take. Usually, these reactions aren’t too bad, like feeling nauseous or not wanting to eat. For cats, according to the manual, other not-so-good reactions to aspirin could be:

1. Vomiting
2. Annoyed stomach lining
3. Stomach ulcers
4. Blood getting thinner
5. Slower blood clotting
6. More stomach acid
7. Not wanting to eat
8. Seeing blood in poop or throw up
9. Less blood going to the kidneys

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivity

Cats can get sick if they take too much aspirin because their bodies process it slowly. Vets suggest waiting 48 to 72 hours between aspirin doses for cats to mitigate potential risks. If a cat takes too much aspirin, it may show signs like:

1. Sleeping a lot
2. Breathing differently
3. Having a fever
4. Being very tired
5. Liver problems
6. Bleeding more than usual

Cats can also become allergic to aspirin. If a cat is allergic, it might show signs like:

1. Swelling in the mouth, tongue, or face
2. Scratching a lot
3. Trouble breathing
4. Developing red, itchy bumps (hives)

Risks of Aspirin Cats Death

Too much aspirin can hurt organs and cause serious issues like faster breathing, higher body temperature, unsteady movements, shaking, seizures, passing out, trouble clotting blood, and harm to the liver or kidneys. In severe cases, it might even lead to death.

Interactions with Medications

Aspirin can affect how certain medicines work. Let your vet know if your cat is taking any of these drugs:

1. Blood thinners (warfarin, sintrom, heparin)
2. Diabetes pills like glimepiride (amaryl) or gliquidone (glurenorm)
3. Immunosuppressants (methotrexate)
4. Digitalis Glycosides (digoxin)
5. Sulphonamides (Bactrim, septra)
6. Valproic acid (depakote, depacene)
7. Antibiotics (penicillin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, biseptol)
8. Pain relievers (ibuprofen, diclofenac, indocin, celebrex)
9. Water pills (furosemide and spironolactone)
10. Vitamin E
11. Antidepressants (paroxetine, escitalopram, sertraline)
12. Heart medications (amlodipine, diltiazem)
13. Barbiturates (phenobarbital)

Considerations

Be careful when giving this medicine to your cat. Cats can easily take too much of it, causing problems with their body. Cats process this medicine more slowly than dogs or humans. Don’t give it to your cat if they have stomach ulcers, bleeding issues, or kidney/liver problems.

Pregnant cats, especially later in pregnancy, shouldn’t take it because it can harm the babies. If your cat needs surgery, stop giving them this medicine a week before. If your cat has low albumin levels, your vet might suggest giving them a small amount of this medicine, not the usual dose.

Frequently Asked Question

What Can You Give a Cat For Pain Relief?

There are only two NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) approved by the FDA for cats: meloxicam (available under different names) and robenacoxib (sold as ONSIOR). Meloxicam is administered as a single shot to help with pain and swelling after surgeries like spaying, neutering, or orthopedic procedures in cats.

Can Cats Take Aspirin for Fever?

For cats, it’s recommended to give them 6-10mg of aspirin for each kilogram they weigh in a single dose. So, if your cat weighs 4 kg (8.8 pounds), they should get 24-40mg of aspirin every 12 hours. Just make sure not to give them more than this amount to avoid any problems.

Can You Give A Cat 81Mg Aspirin?

Even a small amount of baby aspirin (81mg) can be dangerous for cats and dogs, especially if they have unknown stomach ulcers or problems with their liver and kidneys. Cats, in particular, are at risk because their bodies clear aspirin slowly, and it can build up and cause harm.

Note: Always check with your vet before giving your cat any medicine, like 81 mg aspirin. Cats and humans have different dosage needs, and giving the wrong amount can be risky. Your vet can guide you on the right approach, ensuring your cat’s health and safety.