Painkillers for Cats

Just like humans, cats can experience pain due to injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions like arthritis. However, it’s important to know that cats react differently to many medications, so giving them painkillers meant for humans or other animals can be dangerous.

Why You Should Never Use Human Painkillers for Cats

Cats have a unique metabolism, meaning their bodies process drugs differently from dogs or humans. Some medications that might help other animals or people can be toxic to cats. For instance, ibuprofen and paracetamol (e.g. Panadol), which are common over-the-counter painkillers for humans, can be deadly to cats.

Signs Your Cat Might Be in Pain

Cats are masters at hiding their pain, but there are a few signs you can look out for:

Limping or difficulty moving
Unusual hiding or avoiding interaction
Reduced appetite
Overgrooming or licking a specific area excessively
Hissing, growling, or becoming aggressive when touched
Less activity or reluctance to jump or climb

Common Types of Painkillers for Cats

1. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

These are the most common painkillers for mild to moderate pain. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, which helps with pain from conditions like arthritis or after surgery.

Long term use of NSAID can affect the liver and the kidneys.

Meloxicam (Metacam): One of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for cats, often used for arthritis or post-surgery recovery.
Administer: liquid form.
Robenacoxib (Onsior): Another NSAID frequently used in cats, especially for short-term pain relief after surgeries like spaying or neutering.
Administer: tablet or injectable.

2. OPIOIDS

Opioids are stronger painkillers used for severe pain, such as post-surgery or injury recovery. They don’t reduce inflammation but block the pain signals in the brain.

Opioids can cause side effects like drowsiness or gastrointestinal issues.

Buprenorphine: This is one of the most common opioids used in cats. It provides effective pain relief without heavy sedation. This can be effective in long term pain management, however, it is an expensive option.
Administer: transmucosal (apply to gums) or injectable.
Fentanyl: Sometimes used for extreme pain (e.g. post surgery), this opioid is often given via a patch applied to the cat’s skin, which releases the medication slowly over time.
Administer: patch

3. GABAPENTIN

Gabapentin is a medication often used to treat nerve pain, which can be beneficial for cats with chronic pain conditions like arthritis. It's generally well-tolerated by cats and is sometimes used in combination with other painkillers to enhance pain relief. Another benefit of gabapentin is that it can help reduce anxiety in cats, especially during vet visits or for aggressive cats.

Administer: oral tablet, capsule, liquid, transdermal (inner ear)

4. CORTICOSTEROIDS

These medications reduce inflammation and can be helpful for cats with certain painful conditions like allergies or autoimmune disorders.

Long term use can cause diabetes, liver and kidney issues.

Prednisolone / Prednisone: Commonly used to treat inflammation from conditions such as asthma, it can also provide pain relief. However, it is usually reserved for specific cases since long-term use can cause side effects, such as weight gain or increased thirst.
Administer: tablet, liquid, injectable
Depredil: Commonly used to treat inflammation, immune system conditions and severe allergies.
Administer: injectable
Dexamethasone: Severe inflammation, autoimmune diseases, cancer-related issues.
Administer: injectable, oral.