This article will explore pain relief for cats with arthritis or other injuries. Keep reading to learn practical solutions and how Space Coast Pet Services supports feline care in Viera, Suntree, and Rockledge.
As pet parents, we only want the best for our little cuties. That’s why it’s tough when our fur babies are suffering from pain. Just like humans, cats are susceptible to many painful conditions, including arthritis, cancer, and more. Pain makes it much harder for our feline friends to enjoy meals and treats, take comfy catnaps in the sun, or play with their favorite toys.
That’s why it’s essential to determine why your special kitty is in pain and provide the appropriate pain relief so your cat will live its best, most pain-free life.
Types and Causes of Pain for Cats
Pain is the overarching term for the hurt and discomfort your kitty feels, but not all pain is the same. Pain could come from different injuries or medical conditions, each varying in intensity.
The most common types of pain include:
- Acute pain is categorized as sudden and/or severe pain. Acute pain usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks without intervention.
- Chronic pain is categorized as long-term pain lasting twelve weeks or longer. Chronic pain may not be as severe as acute pain but often impedes your cat’s ability to perform everyday tasks without pain.
- Neuropathic pain is categorized as pain caused by nerve damage. Neuropathic pain could be a result of trauma or an underlying medical condition.
- Inflammatory pain is categorized as pain caused by inflammation.
Identifying what type of pain is only half the battle; however, you’ll then need to determine the cause. From there, you’ll have all you need to create an effective plan of action to address your cat’s pain and get them back to good health. Make an appointment with your vet ASAP to get your cat on the path to pain relief.
Common causes of pain include injuries, which could be as superficial as nicks, cuts, and bruises or as severe as major lacerations, broken bones, and more; diseases like arthritis, cancer, and kidney disease; and medical conditions, such as pancreatitis and hyperthyroidism.
Dental health plays a role here, too, as tooth decay and gum disease will likely cause your kitty discomfort that dissuades them from eating their meals. As if they needed any more reasons to boycott their food!
Ill-fitting collars are another common yet overlooked problem, so be sure to check that you have an appropriately sized collar before resorting to more substantial pain relief measures. And try not to mention that they put on a little weight to make the collar tighter in the first place. They’re sensitive about their feline figures!
Types of Pain Relief for Cats
Once we know what kind of pain our pet is in and the cause, we can begin to consider what method of pain relief to use.
It’s crucial that, before administering any medication or pain relief treatment, you discuss the options with your veterinarian. Even if you are relatively sure of the following steps, the opinion of a qualified medical professional will provide peace of mind that you are making the right choice for your precious pet.
Prescription & OTC Pain Relief for Cats
Your vet might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen, prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs like carprofen or meloxicam. In the most extreme cases, the vet might prescribe opioids, like fentanyl, hydrocodone, or oxycodone, for which there will be very strict instructions regarding how and how much to administer.
Other Pain Relief Options for Cats
Some vets might recommend complementary or alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care. These therapies could be useful components in your cat’s overall care management plan, but we don’t recommend substituting medical care for them.
Always consult and discuss pain management plans with your veterinarian before administering medication. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry.
How to Administer Pain Relief for Cats
Your vet will provide explicit instructions regarding how to administer your cat’s medication, especially if they are prescribing medications that are considered controlled substances.
The medication’s packaging often includes additional information, such as how often to give the medicine, whether or not to give it with food, and other pertinent information.
Pills can be problematic for cats, as they’re often not keen on swallowing the pill. You can try to sneak it into their food if taking the drugs with food is required or not otherwise medically contraindicated, but cats are less likely to gobble it all up the way a dog might.
For that reason, pet supply manufacturers make syringe-shaped pill dispensers that let you load a pill and essentially shoot it down your cat’s throat. While it may seem a bit cruel, letting them refuse the medicine will often be the greater of two evils.
Liquid medications use a syringe similarly. Be sure to be precise when measuring each dose and clean the syringe thoroughly between uses.
Final Thoughts on Getting Your Kitty Pain Relief
Pain really puts a damper on things for your cat. To ensure they’re living their best, healthiest life, work with your vet to identify the type and cause of pain your cat is experiencing and, from there, create an effective plan for treatment.
Monitoring your cat’s condition before, during, and after they receive pain management or treatment will be especially important. That might not be easy to do, along with your other responsibilities. Trust us at Space Coast Pet Services to pop in and give your kitty a little TLC while you’re out of the house. We’re available for various services, including drop-in home cat sitting pet visits, so we’re happy to visit your feline friend and ensure they’re doing okay while you’re away! Contact us or book online today for more information.
Pain is never good, but it’s manageable with the proper care. By working with your vet and getting an accurate diagnosis and corresponding treatment plan, your cat will soon be on its way to returning to its best life. Either way, don’t fret – you’re on the way to getting your cat some much-needed relief from their pain.
Here’s to a healthy & happy kitty! We can’t wait to meet you!
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