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My cat is tilting. Is it minoxidil toxicity or heart issues?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

I used minoxidil very carefully for a month and quit 2 weeks ago when I learned its toxic to cats. A week ago I noticed my cat hasn't been "loafing" right. She has been tilting her body to her right side. Has she been breathing in the minoxidil and has that triggered a problem with her heart? Sometimes she'll sit tilting to her left with both paws infront, but I haven't seen her sit square with all four paws tucked in at least a week. Im so worried the minoxidil fumes damaged her heart.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2019

She's a pretty cat! In order for her to have any toxic effects from the minoxidil, she would need to ingest it. (so if she were to lick your hair, or spend a lot of time directly on your pillow and then grooming herself) Toxicity would not occur from breathing it in. Additionally, the nature of the toxicity is usually due to vasodilation (dilating the blood vessels which can cause low blood pressure) which would not cause. a direct toxic effect on the heart.
As for why she's tilting and leaning more when she is sitting, I don't know why she is doing that; however, I think its very unlikely that it is due to the minoxidil. Take her to your vet. She may have some back pain, or one or more paws may be sore, or she may have some other issue affecting her balance.
Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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