Cat blog: Alert from FDA

[TexasTowelie]

The FDA warns that pets are at risk of illness and death when exposed to topical pain medications containing flurbiprofen. People should use extra care when applying them in a household with pets, as even very small amounts could be dangerous.

Cats especially.

Flurbiprofen belongs to the group of medications known as NSAIDS, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Cat owners used topical medications containing flurbiprofen (that’s currently only available by prescription, by the way) on themselves to treat muscle, joint, or other pain. The pet owners had applied the cream or lotion to their own skin, and not directly to the cat, and it is not known exactly how the cats became exposed to the medication.

These are only my guesses, but perhaps these cats, as Saki probably would, lick the treated areas of their owners’ skin. Or rub themselves on those areas and then lick their fur. Perhaps the cream/lotion can work its way downward to the skin and seep in.

Veterinarians have warned pet parents against the use of human pain medications on their animals. NSAIDs can cause damage to an animal’s intestines and kidneys.

Over-the counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen; as I buy generic pain-relieving medications, check the label on your name brands. And susceptible to aspirin. Cats also are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, another med that’s available OTC in brand names.

Read more: http://cats.reporternews.com/2015/05/11/fda-alert-on-cats-and-a-human-medication/

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Thank for the heads up.

Good to know.

[TexasTowelie]

3. Definitely something to consider when applying any type of ointment.

[nenagh]

2. Thank you TexasTowelie....

[TexasTowelie]

4. You're welcome.

It's something that is easily overlooked.