What Can I Give My Cat for Pain?

No one wants to see their pets in pain. Many people love their pets the way they’d love a member of their family. When you see a soul you love suffering, you feel compelled to help. Pain is an emergency, and you shouldn’t allow your cat’s discomfort to go unmanaged. Your cat’s body is very different from your body. Many of the medications that are perfectly safe for you can be harmful or toxic to your cat, even in small amounts. Before you attempt to medicate your cat with human medicine, you need to know which options are off the table.

Call the Vet Immediately

If your cat is in pain, they need immediate medical attention. Serious injuries warrant a trip to an emergency vet. If you do not have access to an emergency vet in your area, call your vet’s office and leave a message. If you don’t hear back when the office opens in the morning, call again. Your vet’s office will understand your urgency. They don’t want your animal to be in pain, and they’ll work as quickly as possible to accommodate you. If they can’t see you soon enough, they’ll likely refer you to someone who can. If your cat recently had surgery or underwent a veterinary procedure that caused pain, check your cat’s discharge paperwork. Your veterinarian likely gave you instructions for aftercare, which would include pain management. Always follow your vet’s instructions. If your cat has been in pain for a while and your vet is already aware of the situation, you may have a treatment plan in place. If that treatment plan doesn’t seem to be working, it’s only logical to seek out more helpful alternatives. Before you use alternatives, you should still speak with your vet. If the current treatment plan is falling short, your vet may be open to the idea of trying something new as long as it’s generally regarded as safe.

Do Not Give Your Cat NSAIDs Without Vet Supervision

If you’ve given your dog NSAIDs with the approval of your vet in the past, it would be easy to assume that your cat would tolerate them just as well. This is not the case. NSAIDs can cause severe gastric irritation in cats. They can negatively impact blood clotting and damage your cat’s kidneys. It’s very rare that a veterinarian will find that the risks of using ibuprofen in cats is worth the potential harm these drugs may do. Only one NSAID drug has been formulated and approved for use in cats. Even still, this drug cannot be administered for periods longer than three days. Your vet may prescribe Onicor for temporary use, but it isn’t a solution in the management of chronic or long term pain in cats.

Never Give Your Cat Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also known as paracetamol. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver in an extensive process that can potentially cause damage to the human liver with long term use. A cat’s liver is much less resilient. Even half a dose of acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage to your cat, worsening their pain and causing a new set of health issues to contend with. Never give your cat Tylenol under any circumstances.

Treating Pain in Cats

Your cat may require a management plan for the treatment of their pain. Your veterinarian will work to establish an appropriate pain management strategy depending on the source of the pain.

Severe Pain

Following a traumatic event like surgery, an amputation, or a bone break, your veterinarian may prescribe a short source of an opioid medication called buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a pain medication used in both humans and animals. It works to relieve pain with minimal mind altering effects. This medication is very strong and should be administered to your cat according to a strict schedule. Keeping a written schedule posted and making one person responsible for the medications schedule of your cat can prevent misunderstandings that would lead to overdose or severe side effects.

Joint Pain or Arthritis

Cats with chronic joint pain or inflammatory conditions like arthritis require a lifelong management plan. This may involve the use of medications. Therapies and special diets are often used to promote your cat’s health and wellbeing throughout the management of many different conditions that contribute to pain or discomfort.

Natural Options for Feline Pain Relief

If your cat’s pain or discomfort is temporary or occasional, natural options may provide sufficient relief. Under the advice of a vet, natural options may be used in conjunction with other treatment plans.

A Diet for Optimal Health

Some foods, particularly those high in omega 3 fats, can help to reduce inflammation within the body. Many cat foods are already formulated with fish, which is a valuable source of omega 3 fatty acids. A whole, fresh, nutritious cat food made with salmon can naturally help to support your cat’s health. Your cat may also benefit from omega 3s in the form of healthier skin and softer fur. If your cat is already on a special diet, don’t modify that diet without vet approval. In some cases, fish oil based omega 3 supplements can be added to your pet’s current diet to provide benefits without interfering with any special dietary needs your cat may have.

Weight Reduction

If your cat is overweight, this excess weight can put additional stress on joints and exacerbate pain. Safely reducing the amount that you feed your cat in accordance with your vet’s recommendation can lead to gradual weight reduction. Eliminating treats and “people food” (even food safe for cats) from your cat’s diet is important at this time. Your cat can enjoy the occasional treat once they’ve reached their target weight. As your cat begins to feel better, creating opportunities for active play will further enhance weight reduction efforts. Cats may not enjoy a walk through the park, but toys that inspire your cat to chase or pounce should be sufficient enough to engage your cat while encouraging movement.

CBD Products

VETCBD Hemp’s CBD tincture and topical CBD balm can help to improve your cat’s joint mobility. CBD doesn’t get your cat high. Instead, it works to support your cat’s body as it naturally recovers. Use CBD products under the advice of a veterinarian, and in conjunction with any other vet recommended treatment methods.

Keeping Your Cat Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable

Although pain is a sign that something is wrong, it shouldn’t be the only reason to prioritize your cat’s wellness. Proper grooming, great nutrition, adequate exercise, and wellness support may be able to prevent or minimize the extent of certain conditions that may cause your cat pain or discomfort. Any positive changes you make to your cat’s routine should be continued under a vet’s guidance for the rest of your cat’s years. CBD may be a valuable long-term wellness tool that will benefit your cat. VETCBD’s CBD products provide holistic support to your cat. In addition to promoting joint mobility, CBD can help to soothe your cat in times of increased stress while promoting overall brain and digestive health. Ask your cat’s vet about CBD. Sources: Ibuprofen Poisoning in Cats | VCA Animal Hospital The diagnosis of acetaminophen toxicosis in a cat | National Institutes of Health A Review of the Studies Using Buprenorphine in Cats | National Institutes of Health