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My cat licked Icy Hot. Is it dangerous for cats? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat licked icy hot. How concerned should I be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Christie Long, DVM

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 3rd, 2015

Hi, and thanks for your question. I've looked up some information for you about Icy Hot. It contains menthol, which should be harmless, but it also contains salicylates, which are essentially the same as aspirin. This is potentially harmful to a cat, especially their GI tract and kidneys. Unfortunately I don't have any information about dosage - how much is definitely dangerous. I would contact an emergency clinic in your area, who can contact the Animal Poison Control line run by the ASPCA - they will hopefully have some information about previous Icy Hot ingestions in cats and they should be able to guide you.
Vote Icon49Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 20th, 2019

    The menthol in the patch will probably cause nothing worse than some minor stomach upset. The salicylates (basically aspirin) though, can be harmful if she licked enough of it off. The safest option would be to visit the nearest veterinary ER or contact an animal poison control resource, such as the Pet Poison Helpline, ( https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com ) to determine if Ashes is at risk of serious toxicity. Be sure to have the package with you whether you go to the ER or contact poison control. There is a fee associated with the call to the helpline.

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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