Hair, skin & creams · cat safety
Are calcipotriol psoriasis creams toxic to cats?
Deadly
No — calcipotriol, the vitamin D in psoriasis ointments like Daivonex and Daivobet, is very dangerous for pets. Even a lick can push blood calcium to life-threatening levels and damage the kidneys, and cats are more sensitive than dogs. Go to a vet now, even if your cat seems fine.
Why deadly: A powerful vitamin D: even a lick or taste can push calcium dangerously high and lead to kidney failure (Pet Poison Helpline).
- Name
- Calcipotriol psoriasis creams (vitamin D)also Calcipotriene, Daivonex, Daivobet, Dovonex, Vitamin D psoriasis ointment
What counts
Calcipotriol ointments, creams, gels and scalp lotions, including combinations with a steroid (Daivobet).
What's in it
Calcipotriol, a strong form of vitamin D. It raises calcium and phosphorus in the blood, which deposits minerals in the kidneys, blood vessels and gut (Merck).
Brands it hides in
- Daivonex, Daivobet — or any label that says calcipotriol or calcipotriene
- Psoriasis ointments and scalp gels from a dermatologist
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting, not eating
- Drinking and peeing a lot
- Weakness, depression
- Diarrhoea, sometimes bloody
- Later: kidney failure
Usually within 24–36 hours; blood calcium rises within 12–24 hours and can stay high for days (Merck).
What to do — now
Go to a vet now — even if your cat seems fine. Calcium climbs before signs appear, so vets check blood levels for several days.
- Take the tube.
- Don't make your cat vomit at home unless a vet tells you to.
- At home: keep your cat away from treated skin until the ointment has soaked in, and keep tubes in a closed drawer.
Where Indian cats meet it
Psoriasis creams are used daily on elbows, knees and scalps, so cats can lick treated skin or chew a tube left by the bed.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Calcipotriene
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicosis from human topical agents
- Pet Poison Helpline (Brutlag): Topical toxic titans (PDF)
Facts last checked
General information for cat parents, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The facts come from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, International Cat Care, the Merck Veterinary Manual and the other sources listed on every page — and we say so when the evidence comes from dogs or people. If your cat may have eaten something harmful, call your vet.