Is aspirin toxic to cats?
Also called: acetylsalicylic acid, Disprin, Bayer
Toxic
Can be life-threatening to cats; never give it unless your vet prescribes it.
Yes. Aspirin is one of the human painkillers that can be highly toxic to cats. Never give it to your cat unless your vet has prescribed it.
Signs to watch for
- Like other NSAIDs, it can cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers.
How cats get exposed
- Wintergreen oilOil of wintergreen contains salicylates, the same family as aspirin.
Where this comes from
International Cat Care
Many human drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol/acetaminophen can be highly toxic to cats and should never be given
Read "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and your cat"
Checked 9 October 2026
Pet Poison Helpline
NSAIDS can be fatal to cats due to their difficulty metabolizing the drugs. This includes popular over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.
Read "List of Things Toxic to Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
International Cat Care
Many human drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol/acetaminophen can be highly toxic to cats and should never be given
Read "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and your cat"
Checked 9 October 2026
Pet Poison Helpline
NSAIDS can be fatal to cats due to their difficulty metabolizing the drugs. This includes popular over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.
Read "List of Things Toxic to Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Pet Poison Helpline
Ingestion of NSAIDS can result in severe kidney failure and stomach ulcers.
Read "List of Things Toxic to Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Pet Poison Helpline
Oil of Wintergreen , which contain salicylates (Aspirin!).
Checked 9 October 2026