What painkillers can be given to cats for injuries? - briefly
Only veterinarian-prescribed medications, such as buprenorphine or meloxicam, should be administered to cats for pain relief, as many human painkillers are toxic to them.
What painkillers can be given to cats for injuries? - in detail
Administering painkillers to cats for injuries requires extreme caution, as many medications safe for humans or dogs can be toxic to felines. Cats have unique metabolic pathways, particularly in their liver, which makes them highly susceptible to adverse effects from certain drugs. For mild to moderate pain, veterinarians may prescribe buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that is effective and relatively safe for cats. It can be administered orally or as an injection. Another option is gabapentin, which is often used for neuropathic pain and can also help with anxiety. For more severe pain, veterinarians might use opioids like morphine or fentanyl, but these are strictly controlled and administered in clinical settings due to their potency and potential side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are rarely used in cats and only under strict veterinary supervision, as they can cause kidney failure or gastrointestinal ulcers. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen are extremely dangerous for cats and should never be given. Always consult a veterinarian before administering any medication to a cat, as they will assess the injury, the cat’s overall health, and recommend the safest and most effective treatment plan. Self-medicating a cat can lead to severe complications or even fatal outcomes.