Cats are happy souls. Every cat owner can relate that with the cheerful vibe they spread. Even the slightest discomfort in a cat’s health may emotionally affect the entire family. All cat owners must have adequate knowledge in regard to the treatment for their cat’s good upkeep. However, some cat owners often find themselves in limbo, oftentimes wondering what can I give my cat for pain relief? This blog is going to cover some pain relief measures for cats.
Every disease has distinct signs and symptoms. It is essential for every pet owner to understand its root cause.
Causes of Pain in Cats
Some of the primary cat diseases and their symptoms are as follows:
Pain in a Specific Region
Cats might suffer from pain in a particular area, for example, bones, skin, or any other part of the body. But, mostly, after surgery, cats feel immense pain. Therefore, it is crucial to take proper care of the cats, especially after surgery or any other primary treatment, for early recovery.
Cat Arthritis
Cat arthritis is a common ailment among cats that can cause extreme pain in their bones. This condition may cause swelling, severe pain, lethargy, and stiffness resulting in restricted flexibility.
Gut Problems
Gut problems may also cause pain in cats. Gut issues may cause dehydration in the cats. Moreover, it may also cause restlessness and difficulty in movement.
Cancer in Cats
Cancer is also one of the concerns when discussing pain in cats. This pain is also traumatizing for cats because they are hamstrung in their fun activities.
Neurological Conditions
Several neurological conditions can cause pain in cats. For example, if the nerve of a particular area is damaged, it will leave intense pressure and cause acute pain in the cat’s body.
Skin Conditions
Different skin issues can cause pain in cats. It may include dermatitis, rashes, sores, itching, redness, and swelling in the cat’s skin. In addition, skin conditions in cats may occur due to fleas, ringworm yeast, or bacterial infections.
Open and Sudden Wounds
Sudden wounds also cause significant pain in cats. Therefore, immediate treatment is vital for a timely recovery. In addition, such injuries can create shock in the cat’s body.
Some Signs and Symptoms of Pain in the Cats
For the treatment of any health condition, it is crucial to identify its symptoms. Listed below are some of the signs that require immediate attention and treatment:
- Lack of appetite and not drinking enough water.
- Painful moans. Unlike humans, cats can not explain their pain in words, but they can vocalize it in their language.
- Extremely weak—being lethargic over time due to indigestion or lack of food intake.
- Restlessness—the pain due to underlying health conditions may cause instability in cats.
- Inability to move due to lack of energy in their body.
- Limping due to rigidity and numbness in their limbs. Sometimes the pain is unbearable; they cannot put the weight on their paws and claws.
- Longer sleep cycles—simply because it’s hard for them to move with pain or lack of vigor.
- Violent behavior—in some cases, cats can become aggressive, which stems from their frustration.
- Lack of interest in day-to-day activities.
- Fast pulse rate.
What Can I Give My Cat for Pain—a Pain Relief First Aid
Pain relief for cats is an utmost priority of every cat owner. Therefore, a basic first aid kit is a must for every cat owner. Try to place it over the easily accessible counter so it is approachable to every cat caregiver in the event of an emergency. The kit must contain all of the below-listed items:
- The first aid kit must have all official documents of the cats, including their health and vaccine reports.
- Gauze pad
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic spray and ointments
- Betadine or chlorhexidine solutions
- Rectal Thermometer
- Pain relief medicine prescribed by the vet
- Gloves and scissors
What Can I Give My Cat for Pain & Self-Medication
The answer is a big no! Never give regular human medications to cats, no matter how much pain they are experiencing. Cat’s liver cannot digest the medicine that a human liver can. Even in extreme conditions, avoid giving unprescribed medication to the cats. Just because they are available over the counter, it does not mean its suitable for cats’ consumption.
Even ibuprofen and paracetamol are not safe for cats. These medicines may cause toxicity in the cat’s body. In addition, the toxicity can lead to mild or severe reactions. It may include vomiting, shallow breathing, pale gums, and swelling in the abdomen.
Pain Medicine for Cats: NSAIDs and Tylenol
Most of the time, pain relievers cause adverse effects in cats, notably, in the case of consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and Tylenol.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatories for Cats
Cats do not have the same enzymes as humans, so their bodies can not process these medications effectively. Moreover, cats are less prone to removing and metabolizing these medications from their system.
Some Common Adverse Effects of These Medications Are:
- Stomach and intestinal injury, such as an ulcer.
- Blood clotting issues.
- Damage in the kidneys.
Can I Give Tylenol to My Cate
Acetaminophen or Tylenol is a worse medication than NSAIDs for cats. Therefore, it is advisable not to provide this medicine to cats under any condition. This medicine can be life-threatening for cats. The end product of this medication can damage liver cells, tissue, and kidneys. Moreover, it affects the circulation of blood throughout the body.
When to Consult a Vet
All cat owners must have a vet’s number in their emergency dial list. Do not wait for any significant symptoms to appear before calling the vet. If the simple question, what can I give my cat for pain, raises in your mind, it is time to dash to a veterinary clinic.
What Can You Give A Cat For Pain: Preventive Measures and Home Remedies
Just remember, never give any medication to the cats without the vet’s prescription. Usually, vets recommend buprenorphine for acute pains in cats. This medication is an opioid pain reliever. Chronic pains, which mainly occur due to inflammation, require multiple approaches to counter the condition.
Anti-inflammatory Diet
An inadequate diet could also be responsible for the inflammation in a cat’s body. Therefore, providing a balanced diet to your cat is quite helpful in treating and preventing inflammatory diseases.
Supplements for Better Immunity
Multivitamins and fatty acid supplements are vital for the well-being of cats. They also reduce inflammation and pain.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
For chronic health conditions in cats like arthritis, acupuncture is a viable option for cats. However, it depends upon the state of the cat’s health.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy does wonders for pain relief in cats. In addition, heat therapy may help reduce stiffness and numbness in the cat’s body.
What Can I Give My Cat for Pain—Bottom Line
Cats are pure souls, and the slightest pain in their lives negatively impacts their lives and their owner’s lives. Therefore, cat owners should provide them a balanced meal for optimal growth and immunity to prevent diseases.
Diet is just one of the factors in a cat’s health. Interact with them daily, see their behaviors and notice any physical or mental changes. As we all know, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it’s better to diagnose and treat the ailment in the early stages.
Try to keep the cat’s first aid kit handy to use it in the event of an emergency. Moreover, if the condition is not treatable at home, immediately consult a vet for timely treatment. Remember, healthy cats are happy cats.