Cat pain relief is notoriously difficult. Because pain meds routinely given to people and dogs can be toxic to cats, pet parents are left wondering, "what are the safest and most effective pain meds for cats?"
First, pet parents need to be aware of the dangers associated with many pain meds, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), that are found around the typical home. Examples of NSAIDs include: aspirin and ibuprofen for people, and carprofen, etodolac, and deracoxib for cats. Cats are extremely sensitive to the side effects of NSAIDs, so this class of medication needs to be used with extreme caution (if at all) and always under the close supervision of a veterinarian.
Why are NSAIDs Dangerous for Cats?
NSAIDs work by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase that is responsible for producing prostaglandins. Prostaglandins promote inflammation, fever, and pain but also play a myriad of other roles in the body, including the maintenance of adequate blood flow to the kidneys, the production of a layer of mucus that protects the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract from stomach acid, and the formation of normal blood clots.
Tasty Tips
Cats are roughly two to five times more sensitive to NSAIDs than dogs are. Because of this:
- Feline doses of these drugs are greatly reduced from those that are routinely used in other species
- The medications are given to cats for a short period of time only
- Dosing intervals (the time that lapses between each dose) are much longer for cats than typically seen with people or dogs
- NSAIDs are generally only used for cats when safer forms of pain relief aren’t sufficient
When these guidelines are not followed, and sometimes even if they are, cats can develop vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, kidney and liver dysfunction or failure, bleeding disorders, and may die regardless of treatment.
For the complete slideshow on Are Pain Meds Safe for Cats?, visit petMD!
Related products
Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Related articles
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you also save her life. Here's why getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense.
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
Fun Games for Exercising Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.