Oral Minoxidil and Pet Owners: Is there still a Concern?

Do I still need to worry if I use oral minoxidil instead of topical minoxidil?

I’ve selected this question below for this week’s question of the week. It allows us to review some concepts in the use of minoxidil in cat owners.

Question

I am a cat owner and understand from your presentations how harmful topical minoxidil is to cats. My husband is thinking about starting oral minoxidil. Would it be a problem if the cats licks his skin?

Answer

Thanks for the great question. You might be referring to an important study from 2021 which highlights the toxicity of topical minoxidil in cats and dogs. A link is provided here:

The short answer is that study of cats and dogs becoming sick from licking the skin of someone using oral minoxidil have not been done. But it does not seem to be a big risk.

The body gets rid of oral minoxidil mainly by the kidneys and putting it and its metabolites into the urine. In other words, the skin does not appear to be a method of elimination of any significance although studies relating to cats have not specifically been done.

At present, one would not expect this to be a big concern in oral minoxidil users at low doses used in hair loss. Be sure to review your story in full with your dermatologist and veterinarian.