However, cats are very different in the way that they metabolise certain drugs.  Already this year we have seen a number of cases of serious illness in cats that have been given spot-on treatments intended for dogs only that contain permethrin products.  For more information on permethrin please watch the video at the bottom of this article.

Another interesting and important case is that of paracetamol.  This drug MUST NOT be used in cats.  They have a much lower tolerance to the liver-toxic and oxidant damage associated with this drug meaning that it is of little therapeutic value.

A single 500mg tablet will usually result in fatal toxicity.

So if you feel your cat might be in pain, please ask for advice and don't reach for your own medicine cabinet.