‘He was just a baby’: A cat owner says his hair-loss treatment cost him his 2-year-old cat, and he’s warning others about minoxidil

A Florida man says he had no idea the minoxidil he was using for hair loss could be dangerous to his cat until his 2-year-old cat, Halo, had to be put down. Now, he is sharing what happened as a warning to other pet owners.

In a recent video, Justin Sutherland, who goes by NotJustin on TikTok, says he had to put Halo down about three days earlier after what he believes was an exposure to minoxidil. Text across the top of the clip reads, “Minoxidil will k*ll your pets.” He speaks directly to the camera for about two minutes, explaining that he never knew the product could pose a danger to his cat.

Justin says Halo died of congestive heart failure following the exposure. He describes Halo as a major part of his life and his TikTok content. “He was just a baby,” he says.

Minoxidil can be dangerous for pets

The American Academy of Dermatology warns that minoxidil can be highly toxic to cats and dogs, particularly cats. According to the organization, exposure can cause serious cardiovascular problems, including low blood pressure and potentially life-threatening complications. Pets can also come into contact with the drug through residue left on hands, pillows and bedding.

Halo’s condition changed quickly, according to the creator. He became lethargic, stopped eating and drinking, stopped using the litter box and began lying in unusual places. He says he called the vet within a few hours, but “it still wasn’t fast enough.”

He also warns other pet owners about how easily exposure could happen. “If you have it on your fingertips and you pet them, that could be enough to kill them,” he says. He advises people to wash their hands thoroughly after applying the product and avoid touching their pets until they do. People who use it in their hair should “make sure you wash your pillowcases thoroughly,” he adds.

He also questions the packaging. “There is no warning on the labels, there is no warning on the boxes,” he says. The video does not show which product he used, and labeling can differ between brands, so his claim may not apply to every minoxidil product.

The comments also showed how unfamiliar some viewers were with the risk. One wrote, “It saved all 3 of mine because my husband was considering getting this.” Another said their dermatologist told them, “I have never heard of this in my entire career.” That comment drew more than 51,000 likes. A third commenter focused on the labels. “Sue the company. That should be on the label.”

Justin says he made the video as a PSA, asking anyone who uses minoxidil or plans to use it to keep the product away from their pets. “I just want to use Halo’s story kind of as a PSA,” he says. His warning echoes other pet-safety PSAs, including one from a cat owner whose pet suffered a serious injury involving a recliner.

He ends the video with a goodbye to Halo. “Love you, Halo,” he says. “Hopefully this can save somebody’s pet.”