- Some cats hide when they're in pain, and others growl or become aggressive. Other signs of pain in cats include resting in a hunched position, lack of appetite, rapid or shallow breathing, not grooming, sleeping more than usual and yowling or excessive vocalization.
- Some commonly prescribed pain medications for cats are Tramadol, Fentanyl patches, Buprenex and Metacam. Although Buprenex is usually given as an injection, it can also be made into a patch, and the injectable liquid can be given orally.
- All prescription pain medications can cause side effects in cats. The package insert will explain how to use the drug and will list all cautions and potential side effects.
- Cats can safely take 1/4 tablet of low-dose or baby aspirin every three or four days for relief of mild pain. Other over-the-counter pain killers, including Tylenol and other products containing ibuprofen, are toxic to cats and can be deadly.
- Arnica and traumeel are among the homeopathic remedies that relieve pain in cats. Homeopathic remedies work best when customized for the individual cat and its symptoms and should be given under the supervision of a holistic veterinarian.
