Can cats take human medications?

Cats should not be given human medications. This is mainly because human drugs, whether in terms of dosage or ingredients, may not be suitable for cats. Giving cats human medications poses risks of drug overdose and poisoning. The drugs used for cats usually consist of veterinary antibiotics, and the use of veterinary drugs must be guided by a licensed veterinarian. It is recommended to consult a pet doctor in a timely manner when your cat shows signs of discomfort, and use medication according to the specific cause of the disease.

Firstly, human medications are designed specifically for the human body structure and metabolism, and their ingredients and doses may be toxic to cats. It is better to give cats veterinary drugs, which are designed according to their body structure and metabolism, meeting the body's metabolic needs. When administering veterinary drugs to cats, you should follow the instructions on the packaging or take them under the guidance of a pet doctor.

Secondly, there are significant differences in dosage between human and veterinary drugs. Even a small amount of misuse can easily damage internal organs, such as the liver. Some human drugs are directly toxic to pets, such as acetaminophen, which can cause hemoglobinopathy poisoning in cats, usually resulting in symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, drooling, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, purple tongue, difficulty breathing, and convulsions.

Lastly, when cats show signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, it is best to take them to a pet hospital for relevant disease screening and then treat them with intravenous fluids or injections. Frequent vomiting in cats may make it difficult to administer medication. Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia in cats can lead to severe dehydration and acid-base imbalance, threatening their lives. Therefore, it is best to bring cats to a pet hospital in a timely manner for further examination and treatment to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.