Is Diclofenac gel (Voltaren) Safe for Cats?
Why it’s a problem
Cats are uniquely fragile with NSAIDs, and diclofenac exposure has been linked to fatal kidney failure in cats after only small amounts. A cat that rubs against or licks treated human skin, or grooms gel from fabric, can ingest enough to be at risk. There is no home exposure level considered safe for cats.
How to keep your pet safe
Do not use diclofenac gel in a household with cats unless you can fully cover treated skin and wash it before any contact. Store the tube sealed and out of reach, and dispose of cloths or bandages that touched the gel where a cat cannot find them.
Warning signs to watch for
Vomiting, drooling, refusal to eat, hiding, extreme lethargy, weakness; progressing to kidney failure with little or no urine, low body temperature, and collapse.
When to call the vet
Contact a veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately if you suspect any contact — cats with diclofenac exposure can decline within hours. Do not wait for obvious symptoms.
Common questions
My cat slept next to me after I applied Voltaren gel — should I worry?
If the cat licked or rubbed the treated area, contact a vet or pet poison hotline as a precaution. Cats have died from diclofenac exposure through grooming, so any possible contact deserves a prompt call.
How much diclofenac can hurt a cat?
Even trace amounts licked from skin or fabric have been associated with fatal kidney failure in cats. Because the margin is so small, any suspected exposure should be treated as serious.
Can I rub my arthritis gel on my cat?
Never. Topical human NSAIDs are extremely dangerous to cats, both through the skin and through grooming. Pain relief for a cat must come from a veterinarian.
More medications hazards for cats
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate or touched something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. In the US: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (fees may apply).