Paracetamol Poisoning
in Cats
Substance: Paracetamol (acetaminophen/Calpol/Panadol). Symptoms appear within 1-4 hours. Treatment costs £500–£3,000.
Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet now.
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to paracetamol (acetaminophen/calpol/panadol), contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. The PoisonLine is available 24/7 and run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
What to Look For
Symptoms of paracetamol poisoning typically appear within 1-4 hours of exposure. You may not see all of these — even one or two should prompt an immediate call to your vet.
What to Do Right Now
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to paracetamol (acetaminophen/calpol/panadol), follow these steps.
Call your vet IMMEDIATELY — a single standard paracetamol tablet (500mg) can kill a cat
This is one of the most common accidental poisonings in cats
Well-meaning owners sometimes give paracetamol thinking it is safe — it is NOT safe for cats, ever
Note the strength and quantity given or eaten
Do NOT wait for symptoms — they may not appear for hours, but the damage starts immediately
What the Vet Will Do
Treatment depends on how much was ingested and how quickly you seek help. Here is what to expect.
How Much It Costs
Estimated UK vet costs for treating paracetamol poisoning in cats. Total treatment typically costs £500–£3,000.
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency consultation | £80-£250 |
| N-acetylcysteine (NAC) antidote | £100-£300 |
| IV fluids & medication | £150-£400 |
| Blood tests | £100-£250 |
| Oxygen therapy | £100-£300 |
| Hospitalisation (2-3 nights) | £400-£1,500 |
| Blood transfusion (if needed) | £300-£800 |
| Total treatment range | £500–£3,000 |
Prices are estimates based on UK veterinary averages. Out-of-hours emergencies typically cost 1.5–3x more than standard hours. Individual cases vary.
Recovery Outlook
With early treatment (within 2-4 hours) and the NAC antidote, many cats survive. Half a standard tablet can be lethal. Liver failure may develop 1-3 days after ingestion and carries a poor prognosis if treatment was delayed. Cats lack the liver enzyme (glucuronyl transferase) needed to break down paracetamol, which is why it is so much more dangerous to them than to dogs or humans.
How to Prevent This
The best treatment is prevention. Keep your pet safe with these steps.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Poisoning?
Yes — most pet insurance policies cover accidental poisoning as an emergency, including out-of-hours care, hospitalisation, and specialist referral.
With paracetamol poisoning treatment costing £500–£3,000, insurance can prevent a medical emergency becoming a financial one too. Check your policy covers emergency treatment with no sub-limit on poisoning.
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