What Can I Give My Cat for Pain? Vet-Approved Safe Relief Options
Attention cat parents! Whether you suspect that your pet is in moderate pain or you need something for reducing inflammation, avoid over-the-counter human medications like Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve—they are toxic and can be deadly to felines. Always consult your local emergency veterinary clinic for proper pain relief options.
If your cat has ingested human medication, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. If you can’t reach them, contact your local emergency vet right away.
Now that we've covered what to avoid, let’s focus on how to relieve your cat’s pain the right way. Whether you’re interested in natural pain relievers or something to support your cat’s physical rehabilitation, keep reading for helpful tips and advice.
Types of Cat Pain Medications Your Vet May Prescribe
From cat cancer to joint issues, the feline patient may require pain relief in one way or another at some point in their lives. It is our responsibility as cat owners to ensure that we provide adequate pain relief to our furry friends.
When it comes to pain management in cats, your vet will know best. Veterinarians have an arsenal of effective pain relief, designed to alleviate both acute and chronic pain. So, what are the most common forms of pain relief in cats? Let's take a look.
Have You Heard About Cats NSAIDs?
Veterinarians routinely use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage both chronic and acute pain in cats. These drugs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX), reducing prostaglandin formation, which helps alleviate pain, inflammation, and fever.
The most commonly used NSAID for cats is meloxicam (brand name: Metacam), with Carprofen also being well-known.
Side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, may occur within a few hours of the first dose. If your cat experiences side effects, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian for alternatives.
To minimize the risk of side effects, give your cat a small meal before administering NSAIDs.
Opioids for Helping Alleviate Severe Pain and Discomfort in Felines
Opioids are a class of pain relievers derived from the opium poppy plant, providing moderate to strong pain relief in cats. They are commonly used to treat severe pain and can be administered via injection or orally. Key examples are morphine and Tramadol.
While opioids may cause mild sedation, they typically have few side effects. Here are some common types used in cats:
- Buprenorphine: When injected into the muscle, it provides pain relief for up to 8 hours. It can also be given orally and is often prescribed for cats who cannot tolerate NSAIDs.
- Fentanyl patches: Applied to a cat's tail after major surgery, these patches deliver a steady dose of Fentanyl over 3 to 4 days. However, they take 3 to 6 hours to start working.
Opioids are most commonly used for post-operative pain, but they can also be helpful for managing pain in aging cats.
Gabapentin for Cats is the Perfect Choice for Nerve Pain
When it comes to managing chronic pain in aging cats, I prefer gabapentin over non-steroidal drugs. I love gabapentin because it provides gentle to moderate relief for nerve pain and also helps reduce anxiety.
This pain relief is ideal for older cats, especially those with compromised kidney or liver function, as gabapentin is a safer option for them.
Are there any side effects? The main one is sedation, which typically occurs at higher doses. Higher doses are usually reserved for fractious cats when a safe examination isn’t possible.
Natural Feline Pain Relief Options You Can Use
If your cat is dealing with chronic pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or cancer, you might be wondering about natural pain relief options. Here are a few to consider:
#1. Omega-3 fatty acids for arthritic pain in cats
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, specifically EPA and DHA, offer a wide range of health benefits, including powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help ease joint pain in older cats.
For a natural source, consider green-lipped mussel products, which provide GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) that support cartilage and joint health.
The recommended dosage for cats is 30-40 mg of omega fatty acids per kg of body weight. Start with a low dose and gradually increase over a few months to avoid stomach upset, as too much too soon can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
#2. Curcumin derived from turmeric
Turmeric, often referred to as the golden paste, has gained a well-deserved reputation for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is responsible for its remarkable anti-inflammatory effects.
While turmeric alone has low bioavailability, requiring a large quantity for its benefits, I confidently recommend cat owners opt for a high-quality human-grade curcumin phytosome supplement from a holistic perspective.
Research has shown that phytosome significantly increases the bioavailability of curcumin, ensuring its effectiveness.
Are there side-effects to curcumin supplementation? Yes, too much can cause gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea. And, in some dogs and cats allergic reactions have been reported.
How much curcumin do I give my cat? The recommended dose of curcumin in cats is between 5 to 50 mg/kg.
#3. Boswellia serrata
Herbal therapy, used for centuries, includes Indian Frankincense (Boswellia resin), which is known for its anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protecting properties.
Research suggests Boswellia not only reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system, but may also have cancer-fighting effects. Studies in rodents indicate it helps reduce the chemical mediators of arthritis. You can find more research on PubMed.
The recommended dose for Boswellia is 150 mg orally, once a day. For enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, consider combining it with curcumin supplementation.
#4. Arnica Montana
Arnica Montana is a popular herbal remedy known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild pain-relieving properties.
Holistic veterinarians often use Arnica alongside conventional treatments to reduce inflammation and discomfort from conditions like osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal issues, and cancer. However, potential side effects, such as gastric ulcers and bleeding, should be noted.
Zumalka Products You Should Consider for Cat Pain Relief
- EMERGENCYPET is the ultimate natural solution for your pet's recovery, supporting the healing of skin, bones, and ligaments after an injury. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery or a sprain, this product is perfect for cats and dogs in emergency situations. A must-have for every pet owner.
- Is your pet struggling to stay active? GET UP N GO is a natural formula designed to ease discomfort from stiff and painful joints. It supports healthy cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, promoting better joint health and an improved quality of life for both cats and dogs.
- CALMPET supports your pet’s nervous system, promoting healthy stress responses and improved social behavior. Enriched with Arnica for enhanced healing, this homeopathic blend is a gentle, holistic alternative to chemical additives—suitable for both cats and dogs.
And as a bonus premium natural product for your cat's pain problems...
FLAMEPET is a homeopathic solution designed to relieve tissue inflammation in cats and dogs. It helps soothe swelling, alleviate pain, reduce bruising, and bring down fevers, boosting your pet’s natural ability to heal and fight infections.
A Final Word
When it comes to managing pain and joint issues in cats, it's best to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian during your pet's annual wellness exam. Senior care for cats is important, and many vets can work with you to develop a pain management plan for your cat.
Don't reach for that human pain medication! Talk to your pet homeopathy expert or vet today about senior cat care and natural pain relief for cats.
About the author
Hi Barbara, you sound like a great pet parent who is doing her best to support her cat! If you would like some specific recommendations to help him out please look for the email we sent you and our homeopath can make a free recommendation.
Hi I am new this is helping more to keep my 11 yr old cat to be healthy for while longer so I am investigating as much as possible for him sharing with my family as possible to for others as well with there pets others shops watching around too
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