Veterinarians are becoming more cognizant of pain management in animals, particularly as advances in veterinary medicine are helping pets live longer lives. Cats experience pain similar to humans but often hide the signs until the pain is far advanced. Pain medications, also called analgesics, are useful in controlling pain in cats, but owners need to consult a veterinarian to determine the right type and dose for their particular animal.
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Opiates
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Opiates are the most powerful analgesics in both human and veterinary medicine. They mimic chemicals in the brain that limit the cat's perception of pain and are often used prior to and after surgery. Fentanyl is an opioid that is normally prescribed as a patch that transmits the drug into the skin of the cat over an extended period of time. Cats with chronic pain issues are often given tramadol because it has proven to have few side effects. Butorphanol and buprenorphine are opiates routinely given to cats because of their long-lasting properties and mild side effects. Cats prescribed these drugs have been shown to become sleepy and may have some mild gastric upset. All opiates are government controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and veterinarians must maintain strict control and up-to-date records of these drugs.
NSAIDS
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) prevent the formation of prostaglandins in the feline body that cause inflammation, swelling and the sensation of pain. These agents are not commonly prescribed for treating pain in cats because they have very dangerous side effects. They tend to linger longer in the cat's bloodstream and may result in kidney and/or liver damage. Two NSAIDS that are relatively safe for cats are meloxicam and ketoprofen, approved for use in Canada and Europe but used off-label by veterinarians in the United States. Any cat on NSAIDS will need regular monitoring by a veterinarian, including blood tests.
Steroids
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Corticosteroids mimic the cortisone that is produced in the adrenal glands of the cat and are one of the most effective treatments for inflammation and resulting pain. These drugs include prednisone/prednisalone and dexamethasone and are usually given to cats with an inflammatory or immune-mediated disease such as inflammatory bowel disease. Veterinarians will commonly prescribe corticosteroids in small doses over short periods of time because they can have major side effects with long-term use. These side effects can include increased thirst and urination, mood swings, loss of hair, liver changes, and increased blood sugar leading to diabetes.
Joint Protection
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Joint protective agents, such as glucosamine/chondroitin and Adequan, are nutritional supplements that can be safely given to cats with arthritis. They have proven to be nontoxic and somewhat effective as a pain reliever.
Considerations
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Kidney and liver function in cats must be monitored frequently if the animal is on any kind of analgesic over an extended period of time. Because these drugs are broken down by the liver and secreted out of the body through urination, they have been known to cause organ failure in some animals.
Warning
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Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Aleve are rarely recommended by veterinarians as pain relievers in cats because of their toxic side effects. As such, they should never be administered at home. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen have both been shown to cause high toxicities that have proven fatal to cats.
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