Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medicines in humans because of its analgesic and antipyretic effects. Its widespread availability and perceived safety in people often lead to the mistaken belief that it can also be used safely in animals. This misconception is especially dangerous in cats, and it has become more relevant in recent times as cat numbers have apparently increased in Kashmir, with more cats living in close proximity to humans. Some pet owners administer human medicines such as paracetamol to cats, unaware that this practice can be fatal.

Cats are the species most severely affected by paracetamol toxicity and should never be given this drug under any circumstances. The feline liver lacks  key enzymes, particularly those involved in glucuronidation, which are required for safe paracetamol metabolism. As a result, toxic metabolites accumulate rapidly in the body. Even a single human tablet can cause severe poisoning, leading to methemoglobinemia, in which hemoglobin loses its ability to carry oxygen, along with........

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