Thanks to Twitter, I just saw this article from Science News about the rising incidence of Adderall poisoning among cats.
Poisoning is much more common in dogs, because they’re pretty omnivorous. Cats are generally more discriminating. However, there is something about Adderall XR that cats love — they don’t just nibble it, they scarf down the whole thing. Stimulants are not inherently toxic to cats, but the amount that even a 50 lb human child can tolerate far exceeds what a 7 lb cat can tolerate.
Symptoms of stimulant poisoning are distressed vocalizing, agitation, sensitivity to light and sound, and an elevated heart rate. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, get them to the vet immediately. If you know your cat has ingested this drug, get them to the vet immediately. It’s only a matter of time before symptoms start, and time is of the essence.
Of course, it’s easiest to keep all medications out of reach of your pets. Keep your pills in childproof bottles, and make sure the cap is on when you’re done with them. Store them in a medicine cabinet that they can’t open. Take your dose right out of the bottle — don’t leave it lying where your cats can reach it, even for a minute.
For more information, here’s another link to the article.