Painkiller for a cat: list, composition, description, instructions, veterinarian prescription and dosage

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Cats, like people, experience pain with certain diseases. Pain syndrome in an animal can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, shock and even death. During this period, the behavior of the pet changes, and he especially needs help and care. It must be shown to the veterinarian, who will prescribe a full treatment and prescribe the necessary pain medication for the cat.

Causes and symptoms

A number of pathologies in a cat is accompanied by the appearance of pain. It worsens the condition of the animal, his well-being. It negatively affects the lifestyle of the pet. A cat can experience pain syndrome with the following diseases, these are:

• oncology;
• surgery and recovery period after it;
• injuries, damage to internal organs, torn ligaments, dislocations, bruises and fractures;
• chronic renal failure;
• inflammatory processes of internal organs, it could be a diseasepancreas (pancreatitis), urinary disorders, otitis media and endometritis;
• peritonitis, as well as dilated stomach syndrome;
• colic both in stoves and in the liver;
• pathologies of the nervous system;
• toothache, especially when tooth decay occurs.

What are the symptoms of pain? First of all, the behavior of the cat changes. He becomes more aggressive and nervous. Anxiety appears. The pet begins to meow plaintively. When the disease begins to progress, apathy and lethargy are observed. The animal can hide in a corner and avoid all communication with the owner.

Loss of appetite, rapid pulse and rapid breathing can indicate pain. Often the pain is accompanied by salivation and stiffness of movements. To relieve pain, the pet may adopt atypical postures for him.

The owner must pay attention to the unusual behavior of the animal in time and take timely action. Is it possible to give cats painkillers on their own, without a prescription from a veterinarian? The answer is negative. After all, many analgesics that are used to treat humans should not be given to a cat because of their high toxicity. The doctor will prescribe not only a suitable painkiller for the cat, but also correctly determine the dosage. If necessary, prescribe additional therapy.

Types of painkillers

What kind of painkiller can be given to a cat, the doctor will determine during the appointment. AllPain medications used in animals fall into two categories, these are:

• Narcotic-type analgesics. These drugs are categorized as opioids. Means have a pronounced analgesic effect. They act directly on the central part of the nervous system. Affect the pain syndrome located in the brain. They have sedative and sedative properties. Can be addictive. They provoke the appearance of a number of negative phenomena.
• Non-narcotic drugs with analgesic effect. This group includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some drugs in this category can also be used to treat people. The drugs effectively relieve pain symptoms of moderate and mild severity. Widely used in the inflammatory process in the joints and muscle tissue. Involved in pathologies of the digestive system. Poorly cope with pain arising from injuries, fractures and in the postoperative period.

Homeopathic remedies can be used to relieve pain in a pet.

In addition to analgesics, antispasmodic drugs, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs, neuroleptics and other drugs can be prescribed to animals. Sometimes a topical pain reliever is prescribed for a cat.

Narcotic-type analgesics

Any owner, in case of pain in a pet, thinks about what kind of painkiller can be given to a cat. In fact, the means by which animals can be treated are not soa lot of. And drugs used for humans, dogs and other pets are not always suitable for cats.

Drug-type painkillers for cats can be of both natural and synthetic origin. Such drugs are used in the most extreme cases, as they provoke the occurrence of serious side effects and can be addictive. These drugs cannot be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. They are purchased in a regular pharmacy for people and only by prescription.

The following narcotic analgesics are considered adapted for cats:

• "Tramadol". The active ingredient is tramadol hydrochloride. The drug is used at the rate of 4 mg/kg. The interval between taking the medicine and injections is 6-8 hours. This is an approximate dosage, which may vary depending on the disease. Therapy lasts no more than five days.
• "Fentanyl". The active ingredient is fentanyl. The medicine is administered every 48-72 hours. A dosage of 5 mg is taken per 450 grams of the pet's weight. The drug is addictive, so it should not be used for a long time.

Opioid drugs are used for severe pain associated with injuries and tumors. The drugs are produced in the form of tablets, injections, capsules and drops. They can only be purchased with a prescription. Medicines provoke the appearance of such negative phenomena as vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness.

The price of ten ampoules of "Tramadol" with a volume of 2 ml is 200 rubles. Five ampoules of the drug "Fentanyl" can be purchased for 50 rubles. For external anesthesia, patches are made withfentanyl.

Omnopon is often prescribed to cats. It refers to narcotic painkillers. Contains morphine, papaverine, noscapine, codeine and thebaine. The daily dosage is 0.01-0.02 g, depending on the weight of the pet. The medicine remains effective for five hours. The drug is indicated for severe pain that occurs during injuries and due to the oncology.

An overdose of a drug can cause muscle weakness, gag reflex, drowsiness and respiratory depression. The drug is produced in ampoules for injection. The solution can have 1% and 2% concentration of the active substance. Available by prescription only.

Codeine is another narcotic analgesic used to treat pain in cats. The drug is a derivative of the opioid methylmorphine. The drug is not as effective as the above drugs. Therefore, they remove the pain syndrome of only moderate severity. The daily dosage is 0.01-0.05 g. The daily rate is divided into several doses. Depends on the body weight of the animal. Side effects include constipation, slowness of movement, and vomiting. The drug is produced in the form of tablets and injection solution. The price of ten pills varies around 50 rubles.

If the veterinarian prescribed a narcotic painkiller to the cat, then in order to avoid stomach irritation, it is better to choose the injection form of the drug.

NSAIDs for cats

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillerspills for cats not only relieve pain, but also eliminate inflammation. Not addictive. Among them, the following drugs are most popular:

• "Ketofen". The pain reliever belongs to the group of carboxylic acids. The drug is produced both in the form of tablets and in ampoules for injection. The active ingredient is Ketaprofen. Administered subcutaneously to cats at a dosage of 2 mg/kg. Only once a day, for three days. The drug is used for problems of the musculoskeletal system. It is prescribed for injuries. For external use, gels and ointments containing ketaprofen are available. Ten tablets cost around 450 rubles. The drug is well tolerated by animals and practically does not cause side effects. The exception is allergy to the components of the drug.
• "Ketonal". The active ingredient is ketoprofen. It is produced in the form of tablets, injection solution and in the form of a gel. It is a strong pain reliever. Cats are prescribed in an injectable form. He is pricked at the withers once a day. Dosage 1 mg/kg. It is used for mild and moderate pain syndrome, after injuries and operations. The price of 10 ampoules is 200 rubles.
• "Meloxicam". It has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory moderate action. It is given to cats for bone disease, as well as for injuries and after surgeries. Side effects include allergies and indigestion. The active ingredient is meloxicam. On the first day, the animal is injected with 0.1 mg / kg, in the next 0.05 / kg. It is allowed to use the drug in the form of a suspension, which is mixed with food. ATthe first day they give 0.2 mg/kg, then they give it at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg. Therapeutic course - 10 days. Three ampoules of Meloxicam cost around 200 rubles. The suspension is produced under the name "Loxicom". Its cost is 1000 rubles.
• "Rimadil". The active substance is carprofen. It is produced both in the form of tablets and in the form of injections. It can be prescribed not only to relieve pain, but also to eliminate swelling and inflammation. Indicated for injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The medication is well tolerated by cats. The drug is given at a dose of 2 mg / 1 kg. For a pet weighing more than 5 kg, use ½ tablet with a dosage of 20 mg. The waste rate is divided into two doses. After a week, the therapeutic dosage is halved. The course of treatment is determined by the veterinarian. Twenty tablets cost around 500 rubles.
• Vetalgin. The drug has a wide spectrum of action. It contains two active ingredients: diclofenac sodium and drotaverine hydrochloride. It is indicated for urolithiasis, as well as for spasms of the muscles of the gastrointestinal apparatus. It is also used for diseases of the joints and bones. Treatment of cats is carried out at the rate of one tablet per kilogram of pet weight. The duration of treatment lasts from five to seven days. Ten Vetalgin tablets cost about 50 rubles.

How else can you anesthetize a cat? The permitted drugs include Baralgin, Amidopyrin, Papaverin, Butadion, Aspirin, Antipyrin, Salicylamide, Dexafort, Analgivet, Flexoprofen, Vetalgin. When treating a cat with these drugs, you should notrely on the dosage indicated in the instructions. It is approximate. A more accurate single and daily dose is prescribed by a veterinarian after a thorough assessment of the condition of the animal.

NSAIDs should only be given to a cat after a meal, as they greatly irritate the stomach lining. Often, the same medicines are used to treat cats as for people. They are most commonly used at dosages intended for children under three years of age.

Oncology in animals

Strong painkillers are given to a cat for oncology. Most often, with this disease, Tramadol is prescribed. It affects the spinal cord. It inhibits pain in the body, acts in the very center of the nervous system. The analgesic is very strong and can cause a lot of side effects in a cat. Used only in cases of emergency.

To alleviate the condition of a cat with malignant tumors, they also give Fentanyl. It can be prescribed both in tablets for oral administration and in injections. Less toxic fentanyl patch.

All narcotic analgesics are used only for he alth reasons. They can only be prescribed by a doctor. They are highly addictive, so with long-term use, these drugs need to be changed from time to time. Dose needs to be increased periodically.

NSAIDs are also used in oncology. These drugs do not have the same pain-relieving effect as opioids, but they are not addictive. Long-term therapy with these drugs is allowed. They are prescribed by veterinarians for moderate pain. But nonsteroidal drugs are far fromsafe. They can adversely affect the he alth of the animal. They have a negative effect on the kidneys, the hepatic organ and the hematopoietic system. And without a doctor's prescription, they should not be used.

What to do in this situation? What to give a cat? Painkillers of a narcotic type or medicines that are less harmful to the animal's body? This question is decided only by a specialist after examining the pet.

Analgesics for toothache

What painkiller to give a cat with a toothache? If the oral cavity is injured, teeth are crumbling or they hurt, then the animal can be helped by applying the following gels:

• Travmatin.
• Critter.
• Metrogil Denta.
• "Strong teeth".
• Dentavedin.

Inflammation in the oral cavity can be eliminated by treating the mucous membrane with a solution of chlorhexidine several times a day. Whether it is possible for a cat to take painkillers for toothache or not, the doctor should decide. Although if the pain is unbearable and causes discomfort to the pet, then you should use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Meloxicam, Ketofen, Ketonal.

Pain with pancreatitis

Can I give cats painkillers for pancreatitis? Usually, with this disease, the pet experiences a fairly strong pain syndrome. To remove it, the following treatment regimen can be prescribed to the animal:

• If the pain is tolerable, then veterinarians recommend Biprenorphine. An anesthetic for a cat is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Single dose 0.005-0.015 mg/kg. The interval between injections is 4-8 hours.
• Severe pain is eliminated by Fentanyl. The drug is administered both intravenously and intramuscularly at a rate of 0.005-0.01 mg/kg. The medicine is given to the animal every two hours.
• In the most severe case, taking Fentanyl is combined with Ketamine. Medicines are used at a dosage of 0.002-0.004 mg/kg and administered hourly.

To fix the result, in addition to analgesics, a patch with fentanyl is prescribed. Its action is enough for 3-4 days. The veterinarian may additionally prescribe tablets, such as:

• "Butorphanol". The dosage for a cat is 0.5-1 mg/kg. The drug is taken every 6-8 hours.
• "Tramadol". The norm for a cat is 4 mg / kg. Reception frequency every 12 hours.

Painkillers for a cat with a fracture, injury and bruise

When a cat is fractured, the most powerful analgesics are prescribed, such as Tramadol and Fentanyl. In this situation, "Ketonal", "Rimadil", "Tolfedin" and "Ketofen" will help relieve pain.

In case of mild to moderate injury, painkillers can be given to a cat in injections and tablets. The most popular medicines are:

• "Baralgin";
• "Artrozan";
• "Pentalgin";
• "Papaverine".

In some cases, the cat is injected with "Analgin" with "Dimedrol". The maximum dose of "Analgin" for a cat should not exceed 0.5 g.

If there are no gaps and internaldamage, then ordinary ice will alleviate the condition with dislocations and bruises. Additionally, anesthetic patches are used, such as Kefentek, Fentonil and Ketonal.

Anesthetic gels and sprays are used for cat bruises. They are characterized by analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Among them are Travmagel, Safroderm-gel and Bio Groom Spray.

Cat castration: painkillers

Castration, like spaying, is a very unpleasant and painful procedure for a pet. At first, the animal is depressed and loses its appetite. It is at this time, that is, in the first week after the operation, that the pet should be given analgesics. In the veterinary clinic, the doctor says how to anesthetize the cat. Most often, the following medicines are used for these purposes:

• Loxicom suspension. It is produced with different concentrations of the active substance 0.5 and 1.5 mg / ml. On the first day after castration, 0.1 mg / kg is prescribed. On the second day, the cat is given 0.05 mg/kg.
• "Rimadil". Produced in tablets of 20 and 50 mg. The pills have a taste of the liver, so the animal can easily eat them. On the first day, a dosage of 4 mg/kg is given, after a week of treatment, the dose is reduced to 2 mg/kg. The 20 mg tablet is for a 5 kg animal.
• "Ketofen". A solution of 1% is prescribed at a dosage of 0.2 ml / kg. The course lasts from one to three days.
• "Ketonal". For injection, 0.2 ml of the drug is diluted with 1 ml of saline. The resulting volume is calculated for an animal weighing 5 kg. The injections are given subcutaneously once a day.

Painkiller helps the cat recover. Improves itwell-being and shortens the rehabilitation period of the animal.

Homeopathy

Both narcotic analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can not only alleviate the condition of the animal, but also cause serious side effects. Therefore, without the need, you should not resort to these medications. And with moderate pain, the use of homeopathic remedies is allowed. The most common are:

• "Traumeel". Produced in the form of a gel and injection solution. In case of injuries, the drug is given to the cat every 15 minutes during the first half of the day. In the future, the drug is used five drops every half hour. After 24 hours, the drug is used every two hours. The course of treatment is fourteen days. Before giving the medicine to a cat, the drops are diluted in water. Injections of this drug have a more pronounced effect. Adult pets are administered 1 ml once or twice a day. For kittens, a single dose is 0.5 ml.
• "Travmatin". Contains extracts of medicinal herbs and ASD-2. The drug is administered intramuscularly at a dose of 0.5-2 ml or given one tablet per day. Kittens are given ¼ tablets. The drug is not addictive and can be used for a long time.

Medicines of this group not only relieve pain, but also treat. Help the animal recover and improve he alth. Considered the safest for a cat.

About what painkillers can cats have been described in detail in this article. The final decision in the treatment of the animal remains with the veterinarian.