Is Ibuprofen toxic to cats?
No. Ibuprofen (sold as Advil, Motrin, and many generic store brands) is highly toxic to cats — it causes stomach ulcers and acute kidney injury at doses that wouldn't affect a human. A single standard tablet is a serious exposure.
If your cat has just eaten ibuprofen
- Note the strength (200mg, 400mg) and number of tablets eaten.
- Call your vet immediately.
- If you can't reach a vet, call ASPCA Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) — paid triage, 24/7.
- Bring the packaging.
What's the full picture?
Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Cats are especially sensitive to NSAIDs — their kidneys tolerate them poorly, and even a small dose can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
A standard 200mg ibuprofen tablet is far above the toxic threshold for a cat. Never give ibuprofen, even in 'baby' doses.
US veterinary references including the AAHA formulary place ibuprofen among the NSAIDs contraindicated in cats at any dose. Cats lack the metabolic pathway to handle ibuprofen safely, and the therapeutic index is very narrow.
Symptoms to watch for
Questions owners ask
My cat ate half a Advil/Motrin tablet. Is that an emergency?
Yes. A single 200 mg ibuprofen tablet is toxic for a 9 lb (4 kg) cat — half is still significant. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) immediately. Ibuprofen causes kidney injury and stomach ulcers in cats; early treatment is essential.
Can I give my cat ibuprofen for pain if they're limping?
No — never. Ibuprofen is toxic to cats at doses smaller than you can easily measure. If your cat is in pain, call your vet; cat-safe painkillers exist and will be prescribed based on the cause.
What's the difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen toxicity in cats?
Acetaminophen causes red blood cell damage and liver failure; ibuprofen causes kidney injury and stomach ulcers. Both are emergencies. Acetaminophen is somewhat more acutely fatal; ibuprofen has a wider range of severity depending on dose.
Related
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for US cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team