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My Cat Ate Diclofenac: What to Do and Signs to Watch For

PawAI Lab
5 min read

Find out what to do right now if your cat ate diclofenac, what signs to monitor for, and when to seek veterinary care.

Quick Answer

If your cat ate diclofenac, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately. Diclofenac is toxic to cats. Cats are particularly sensitive to NSAIDs due to their limited glucuronidation ability. Even small doses of human NSAIDs can be dangerous. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless instructed by a professional.

Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your cat may have been exposed.

  • US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • UK: Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic
  • Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • AU: Animal Emergency Centre or your regular vet
  • EU: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency service

TOXICITY CHECKER

Check whether a substance may be harmful to your pet and get prioritized safety steps.

Check Toxicity

This tool provides general safety information and does not replace veterinary advice in an emergency.

Safety Verdict

Toxic. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production. In cats, this causes gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney damage, and in severe cases, liver damage. Cats are particularly sensitive because they have limited ability to metabolize these drugs.

Cats are particularly sensitive to NSAIDs due to their limited glucuronidation ability. Even small doses of human NSAIDs can be dangerous. Never give human pain medications to cats without veterinary supervision.

What Diclofenac Is

Diclofenac is an NSAID used for pain and inflammation. It is toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal ulceration and kidney damage.

Why Diclofenac May Be Harmful to Cats

The toxic principle in diclofenac is nsaids (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production. In cats, this causes gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney damage, and in severe cases, liver damage. Cats are particularly sensitive because they have limited ability to metabolize these drugs.

Can be life-threatening. Severe cases can cause kidney failure and GI perforation.

Signs to Watch For After Your Cat Ate Diclofenac

Monitor your cat for these signs:

  • Vomiting (possibly with blood)
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pale gums
  • Weakness

Timeline: Signs may appear within hours to days depending on the drug and dose.

Emergency signs that require immediate veterinary attention:

  • Vomiting blood or dark material
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Pale gums
  • Increased thirst with decreased urination
  • Collapse

The absence of signs does not necessarily mean your cat is safe. Some toxic substances have delayed effects, and internal damage can occur without obvious early symptoms. Veterinary evaluation is recommended after any known exposure to a toxic substance.

What to Do If Your Cat Ate Diclofenac

  1. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately.
  2. Remove any remaining substance from your cat's reach.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
  4. Do not give food, milk, charcoal, or home remedies.
  5. Bring the substance, plant, or packaging for identification.

Gather this information before calling:

  • Your cat's age, approximate weight, and any existing health conditions
  • What your cat ate and how much (estimate if unsure)
  • When the exposure occurred
  • Any symptoms already present
  • The product label, plant identification, or packaging

If you are unsure whether your cat ingested an NSAID, contact a veterinarian. Signs of kidney damage may not appear immediately.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if your cat ate diclofenac, as diclofenac is known to be toxic to cats. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention:

  • Vomiting blood or dark material
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Pale gums
  • Increased thirst with decreased urination
  • Collapse

Non-urgent follow-up: If you are unsure whether your cat ingested an NSAID, contact a veterinarian. Signs of kidney damage may not appear immediately.

FAQ

Can I give my cat ibuprofen or aspirin?

No. Human NSAIDs are toxic to cats and can cause kidney damage and GI ulcers. There are veterinary-approved pain medications specifically designed for cats that are safer alternatives.

How much NSAID is toxic to a cat?

Cats are extremely sensitive to NSAIDs. Even a single human tablet can be dangerous. There is no safe over-the-counter dose for cats without veterinary supervision.

Can NSAID poisoning be treated?

Treatment may include decontamination, IV fluids, GI protectants, kidney monitoring, and supportive care. Prognosis depends on the dose and how quickly treatment begins.

TOXICITY CHECKER

Concerned about another plant, food, medication, or household item around your cat? Get general, species-aware safety information to help you decide your next step.

Try Toxicity Checker

This tool provides general safety information and does not replace veterinary advice.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker tool provide general safety information and do not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If your cat may have ingested a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian, emergency clinic, or animal poison control immediately.