The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a safety alert warning pet owners of the dangers of topical pain medications containing the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) flurbiprofen.

Several cats have recently been sickened, and some have died, from exposure to topical pain medications.  In all of the reported cases, the owners said the medications were not applied directly to the cats.  The owners applied the medications to their own bodies, and it is unclear at this time how exactly the cats were exposed to the drugs.

Affected cats experienced kidney failure and severe symptoms including failure to eat, lethargy, vomiting, and anemia.  Necropsies performed on the deceased cats found evidence consistent with NSAID toxicity in their kidneys and intestines.

The FDA recommends that pet owners take precautions to ensure that their pets are not exposed to topical pain medications containing flurbiprofen.  This would include keeping the container out of reach, and also making sure that your pet does not lick the medication off of your body.

You can read the full FDA warning HERE.