Long-term Cat Pain Relief

Some feline conditions leave the cat with ongoing pain. The cat owner should consult a doctor for the best treatment to manage the cat pain. There are options for veterinary treatment for long-term cat pain relief. Traditional medication, herbal remedies, and alternative medication may be used by themselves or in combinations to provide the best long-term cat pain treatment.

The owner should not use any over-the-counter pain relievers made for human consumption for cat pain relief without discussing it with a veterinarian first. Some over-the-counter pain relievers are toxic to cats or make the cat susceptible to overdose. Instead of trying to find a pain reliever for cats on their own, cat owners would be wise to discuss cat pain relief options with the veterinarian.

There are medications that are similar to pain relievers for humans that are made specifically for cats. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used after surgery or to treat persistent pain related to conditions such as arthritis. If these fail to provide pain relief, the veterinarian may prescribe something stronger. Typically, stronger medications are preferred for short-term use rather than as a long-term solution. Steroid medication, like cortisone, is sometimes used, but only on a short-term basis.

Herbal supplements for cat pain relief may be recommended. If the cat owner wants to use a natural remedy, the cat owner should discuss this option with the veterinarian. The problem with many natural and herbal treatments is the lack of scientific evidence to support their use. Many of the herbal remedies for cats have not been scientifically tested for safety and effectiveness. Cat owners should not medicate their cats with herbal remedies before seeking the opinion of a veterinarian since some herbal remedies can be dangerous.

The cat owner may want to consider other alternative treatments for cat pain. Acupuncture and chiropractic care are sometimes used to treat cat pain. If the veterinarian is not willing to discuss these options or is not knowledgeable about alternative treatments for cat pain, the cat owner may want to consult a veterinarian who specializes in holistic or alternative medicine for pets. Alternative treatments are sometimes used in conjunction with traditional medications. Many times, alternative treatments reduce the need for cat pain medication.