Is ibuprofen toxic to cats?

Also called: Advil, Motrin, Nurofen, naproxen, Aleve, NSAID, NSAIDs, anti-inflammatory

Toxic

Human anti-inflammatory painkillers can cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers in cats.

Yes. Ibuprofen and other human anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as naproxen, can be fatal to cats. They can cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers. Never give them to your cat.

If your cat ate or touched this

Move your cat away from it.
Call your vet or a poison helpline now. Don't wait for signs.
Keep the packaging or a piece of the plant.
Don't try to make your cat vomit.

Never give your cat any medicine your vet hasn't prescribed. Call your vet if your cat has taken any.

Your country

United States

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Call (888) 426-4435

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A consultation fee may apply. Checked on 9 October 2026

Pet Poison Helpline

Call (855) 764-7661

Open 24/7. $89 per incident, including follow-up calls. Checked on 9 October 2026

Canada

Pet Poison Helpline

Call (855) 764-7661

Open 24/7. $89 per incident, including follow-up calls. Checked on 9 October 2026

Caribbean

Pet Poison Helpline (Caribbean, toll-free)

Call 877-416-7319

Open 24/7. $89 per incident, including follow-up calls. Checked on 9 October 2026

Pet Poison Helpline (other Caribbean islands)

Call +1 952 853 1716

Open 24/7. $89 per incident, including follow-up calls. Checked on 9 October 2026

United Kingdom

Animal PoisonLine

Call 01202 509 000

Open 24 hours a day. £35 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday) or £45 at all other times, per call. Checked on 9 October 2026

Australia

Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia)

Call 1300 869 738

Opening hours differ across the provider's own pages. If no one answers, call your nearest emergency vet. Free. Checked on 9 October 2026

New Zealand

Animal Poisons Helpline (New Zealand)

Call 0800 869 738

Opening hours differ across the provider's own pages. If no one answers, call your nearest emergency vet. Free. Checked on 9 October 2026

Singapore

Animal Poisons Helpline (Singapore line)

Call 3106 4216

Opening hours differ across the provider's own pages. If no one answers, call your nearest emergency vet. The provider states its service is free for Australia and New Zealand; it does not state a fee for Singapore. Checked on 9 October 2026

Another country

We haven't been able to verify an animal poison helpline for your country. Call your vet or your nearest emergency vet now, and don't wait for signs.

Your own vet is always the first call. These helplines are run by other organisations, may charge a fee, and were checked on the dates shown.

Full emergency steps and signs to watch for

Signs to watch for

Kidney failure and stomach ulcers.

Why it's dangerous

Cats are less able to break these drugs down than people or dogs.