Can Cats Take Meloxicam for Fever & Cold?

Can Cats Take Methylprednisolone (Methotrexate) for a Cold and Fever?

Methylprednisolone, commonly known as Methotrexate, is often prescribed for treating common colds or fevers in children aged 1 to 12. It is also used to alleviate mild to moderate pain in children, such as headaches, joint pain, migraines, toothaches, muscle pain, and neuralgia.

Methylprednisolone is a medication intended for human consumption and is generally not suitable for small animals like cats and dogs. Many overthecounter cold medications, including Methylprednisolone, contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, Advil, and Methylprednisolone. Acetaminophen primarily binds with glucuronic acid and sulfate in the human body, which are then excreted. However, cats lack the glucuronic acid and sulfate conjugating enzymes in their liver, causing acetaminophen to be metabolized into NAPQI (Nacetylpbenzoquinone imine), a free radical that can damage hemoglobin, red blood cells, and liver cells, leading to toxic reactions.

There have been cases where cats have been given Methylprednisolone (Methotrexate) and ended up in the hospital due to poisoning, resulting in low red blood cell counts. Even at low doses, this can be harmful. At higher doses, it may damage the cat's kidneys.

Common symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning in cats include depression, weakness, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, vomiting, methemoglobinemia, facial or paw edema, and even death.

What Medication Should Cats Take for a Cold?

Cats suffering from a cold are typically treated with oral doxycycline and antiviral medication famciclovir. However, if a cat's cold is viral, it can be more severe. The most common virus causing feline colds is the feline rhinopneumonitis. It is advisable to take your cat to a veterinary clinic to determine whether the cold is due to a common cold or a viral infection, and then receive a specific treatment plan based on the diagnosis.

Since cats and humans have different constitutions, it is generally not recommended to give human medications to cats, especially for colds, skin infections, or vomiting. If you notice any health issues in your cat, it's best to visit a veterinarian or consult with an online veterinary expert before administering any medication.