How do I know if my cat is in pain?
Well, you know your cat, so if your cat is limping and that's not something you usually see, or if you pick up your cat and it cries out in pain, that's a signal. Additionally, if your cat is much more wary, that’s an alert that something might be off and you should pay attention to it.
What are the most common causes of pain in cats?
Cats can jump off things and injure their legs. Despite the myth, they don't always land on their feet. Cat fights are another common source of pain because when cats fight, they tend to bite and scratch, leading to infections or abscesses. These are probably the two most common types of pain: trauma-related or bite wound-related pain.
How can I manage my cat's pain at home if it's a simple issue?
For a simple issue, like a lameness in a leg, you can massage the limb or apply hot or cold packs. Cold packs are generally used if the area is a bit swollen, while warm packs, like a warm moist washcloth, help stimulate blood flow. If you're unsure, give us a call, and we can advise you on simple things. Massaging or rubbing the area can sometimes help as well.
What treatment options are available for pain relief in cats?
There are medications similar to those for humans. Gabapentin, which modulates the pain impulse in the spinal cord, can be given as a powder mixed into food or as a liquid. There's a non-steroidal drug called Onor, which is similar to human Advil, but I don't recommend Advil or Tylenol for cats. We also have cold laser therapy, which delivers light energy into the tissue and helps promote blood flow and healing.
What are the potential side effects of pain medications in cats?
Giving acetaminophen or over-the-counter Tylenol by mistake can be fatal to your cat. Advil or Ibuprofen can cause kidney damage, so you have to be careful. Onor, which is a non-steroidal drug approved for cats, is generally very safe. You'd have to grossly overdose it to cause problems. There are also some narcotic medications such as Buprenex, and Gabapentin, which can cause drowsiness.
Is physical therapy beneficial for cats in pain?
Absolutely. Physical therapy involves stretching and manipulating the tissue to get it back to normal. You can combine it with hot or cold packs, depending on the tissue condition. Physical therapy can also be complemented by laser therapy, combining various treatments for relief.
What are the signs that my cat's pain is either improving or worsening?
You know your cat, so if, for example, the right front leg was tender and now, after medication, you can handle it without issues, that indicates improvement. However, if the cat is still reactive, crying out in pain, or reluctant to use the leg, bring them back in for re-evaluation.
How can weight management help reduce my cat's pain?
If your cat is heavy, it puts more force on the joints, delaying healing and making rehabilitation harder. Weight management can be just as important as other treatments.
What are the best ways to keep my arthritic cat comfortable?
Consider the setup for your older cat. Move food and water bowls to a lower level if they’re currently upstairs. If the litter box is downstairs, place it on the same level. An open, flat litter box can be useful for older cats. There’s also a medication called Cencia, a nerve growth factor inhibitor, that can relieve arthritic pain.
How often should my cat be re-evaluated for pain management?
It depends on their reaction to the medications. If things are improving, a simple phone call or email might suffice. If there’s no expected response, we’ll want to re-evaluate and see what else might be going on.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (402) 489-0501, or you can email us at staff@vhvet.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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