Pain Medications for Cats: A Guide to Safe Options for Feline Pain Relief

A key part of a good quality of life for a cat is pain relief. Pain relief for cats is important whether they have chronic pain, such as from a condition like arthritis or cancer, or temporary pain, such as from a surgery or injury.  

Your veterinarian will recommend pain medications for your cat based on your cat’s overall health, their specific ailment, and any other medications they take. 

Find out which pain medications are safe for cats, what they’re used for, and why you should never give human pain medications to cats.

Pain medications for cats

Here are common pain medications your veterinarian may prescribe for your cat.

Gabapentin for cats

Gabapentin is most useful for relieving nerve pain and reducing anxiety in cats. Most commonly, this medication is used alongside other pain-relieving medications. Used by itself, gabapentin is unlikely to provide enough pain control for most cats.

Gabapentin is used off-label in cats, but it is still commonly used in veterinary medicine. It is usually given to cats in tablet or oral liquid form. Transdermal gabapentin is also available for cats. But more research is needed to determine if the transdermal version is as effective at reducing pain. 

The most common side effect of gabapentin in cats is sedation. The medication is considered safe for long-term use in cats.

Meloxicam for cats

Meloxicam (Metacam) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be used for both chronic and acute pain in cats. It’s FDA approved for cats as a one-time injection given under the skin before surgery. 

The FDA warns against using meloxicam long term in cats due to its negative effects on the kidneys. But some veterinarians may prescribe low-dose oral meloxicam for cats with chronic pain, such as from arthritis. Oral solutions are available for giving your cat the medication at home. Meloxicam is usually given by mouth once daily.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Recognizing cat pain: Cats can be good at hiding their pain. But after reviewing this list of common signs of feline pain, you’ll be able to catch it early.

• Cat arthritis treatments: Arthritis is a common cause of pain in cats. In addition to pain medications, learn what can help relieve your feline friend’s discomfort.

• Human medications for pets: Your cat can take some of the same medications you would fill at your own pharmacy. Here’s how to fill one of these prescriptions for your pet.

The most common side effects of meloxicam include:

• Vomiting

• Soft stool

• Decreased appetite

Meloxicam should be used with caution in cats with kidney disease, liver disease, or bleeding disorders.

Robenacoxib for cats

Robenacoxib is an NSAID that is FDA approved for pain and inflammation after spaying, neutering, or orthopedic surgery. Currently, the medication is sold under the brand name Onsior.

Injectable and oral formulations are available for cats. The oral tablets are more commonly prescribed for use at home. The medication is FDA approved to be given to cats once daily for up to 3 days.

The most commonly reported side effects of robenacoxib in cats include:

• Soft stools

• Vomiting

Severe side effects are uncommon but can occur. These side effects include stomach ulceration, kidney damage, and inappropriate bleeding. These are known risks of all NSAIDs for cats.

Buprenorphine for cats

Buprenorphine is an opioid pain medication. It can be used for both acute and chronic pain in cats. Two forms of buprenorphine are FDA approved for use in cats: Simbadol and Zorbium. 

Simbadol is a high-dose injection of buprenorphine that lasts for 24 hours in cats. Zorbium is a topical solution applied to a cat’s skin to provide 4 days of pain relief. 

Generic buprenorphine is frequently used off-label in veterinary medicine. The generic version can be effective at relieving moderate-to-severe pain when given in intermittent doses. 

Buprenorphine is often injected when given at the veterinary clinic. But it can also be used in a different form at home. At home, buprenorphine is applied to your cat’s gums. This is called transmucosal use. 

Common side effects of buprenorphine in cats include:

• Pupil dilation

• Elevated body temperature

• Increased affection

• Increased hyperactive behaviors

• Sedation

• Lethargy

• Vomiting

• Decreased appetite 

Buprenorphine is considered a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means you may need to follow extra guidelines to fill your cat’s prescription.

Tramadol for cats

Tramadol is not commonly used as a pain medication in cats. There’s limited evidence that tramadol works well for cats. 

But tramadol is an alternative option for cats who have severe pain or can’t take NSAIDs. As an opioid, tramadol is also controlled by the DEA. Use in cats is considered extra-label. Tramadol is available in oral forms for cats. 

Common side effects include sedation, dilated pupils, and drooling. If you notice any of the following symptoms, stop giving the medication and contact your veterinarian: 

• Tremors

• Incoordination

• Vomiting

• Constipation

• Shallow breathing

Amantadine for cats

Amantadine is a type of pain-relieving medication called an NMDA antagonist. Medications in this class stop nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. This reduces a pet’s sensation of pain. 

Evidence suggests that amantadine may help with chronic pain in some cats, such as cats who have arthritis. Amantadine may increase quality of life and mobility in these cats. Most commonly, amantadine is used alongside other pain medications, like meloxicam.

Use of amantadine in cats is off-label. Amantadine may be given as tablets, capsules, or an oral liquid. 

Side effects of amantadine in cats include:

• Incoordination

• Sedation

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

Amitriptyline for cats

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can be prescribed to cats. While it’s usually used for behavioral conditions like anxiety, it is sometimes used to help with chronic nerve pain. Amitriptyline may also be helpful for pain and inflammation associated with feline lower urinary tract disease. But it’s not clear that it’s effective for this type of pain in cats.

Amitriptyline can be given to cats as capsules, tablets, or an oral liquid. There are also transdermal formulations that are applied inside the ear. But transdermal amitryptiline is not currently recommended by veterinarians because it might not work as well as other forms. 

Side effects cats taking amitriptyline may experience include:

• Sedation

• Excessive drooling

• Decreased appetite

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Incoordination

Prednisolone and other steroids for cats

Prednisolone and other steroids primarily help with pain by reducing inflammation. Generally, prednisolone is only given to cats for short-term pain from conditions like:

• Allergies

• Autoimmune diseases

• Cancer 

It is not used for acute pain, and long-term use for chronic pain is not recommended when other options are available. Injections of steroids directly into the joints may help manage cat arthritis, though studies are ongoing. 

Prednisolone is FDA approved for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in dogs. But its use in cats is extra-label. Prednisolone is usually given to cats as an oral tablet or liquid.

Common side effects of prednisolone and other steroids include:

• Weight gain

• Diarrhea

• Excessive drinking and urinating

At higher dosages, steroids can suppress the immune system. Long-term use may be associated with diabetes in cats.

Pet owners should note that steroids are not included in the pain management guidelines set by the International Society of Feline Medicine. Similarly, prednisolone is not included in the pain management guidelines published by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Solensia for cats

Frunevetmab (Solensia) was FDA approved for cats in 2022 and is a first-choice treatment option for feline arthritis. Solensia is a monoclonal antibody that works by targeting nerve growth factor. This is a protein that plays an important role in the sensation of pain for cats with arthritis.

Solensia is an injectable medication given to cats by a veterinarian under the skin once monthly. It can take several weeks to start seeing improvement in your cat’s symptoms.

The most common side effects of Solensia in cats include:

• Injection site reactions, such as swelling, hair loss, and itchiness

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

When should you use pain medications for cats?

Your veterinarian is your best resource for determining if your cat may benefit from pain medications. They will weigh your cat’s individual health history with the risks and benefits of medications to select the best option for your pet. 

Common situations in which cat pain relief is recommended include:

• Post-surgery pain

• Traumatic injury or wound

• Chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis or cancer

Why are human pain medications dangerous for cats?

Human pain medications are not safe for cats. Even low doses of these medications can prove fatal for cats.

NSAIDs to relieve pain in humans, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause the following signs of toxicity in cats:

• Stomach ulcers that lead to vomiting, loss of appetite, and blood in vomit and/or stool

• Kidney failure

• Seizures

There is no safe dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for cats. Acetaminophen causes severe damage to the feline liver that can result in: 

• Jaundice

• Vomiting

• Facial and paw swelling

• Depression

• Difficulty breathing

• Death 

When should you see a vet about your cat’s pain?

It is always a good idea to seek veterinary care for a cat in pain. But some mild cases of pain may be OK to monitor at home. 

For example, if you notice that your cat is limping but otherwise acting normally, you may watch them for a day. If your cat’s pain worsens or doesn’t improve, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation. 

Keep in mind that cats can act relatively normal while in pain, and signs of pain in cats are sometimes subtle.

Signs that your cat should be seen immediately for pain include:

• Straining and/or vocalizing in the litter box

• Collapse

• Difficulty breathing

• Reactivity to having their abdomen touched (e.g., yowling or biting)

• Swollen abdomen

• Open wounds

• Bone fractures

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

Besides medication, how can you comfort a cat in pain?

Pain-relieving medications aren’t the only way you can help comfort your cat if they’re experiencing pain. Other options to consider include:

• Icing or applying heat packs to injuries

• Physical rehabilitation with a licensed specialist

• Vet-approved supplements

• Home modifications (e.g., soft beds, ramps, etc.)

• Acupuncture

• Laser treatments

• Massage

If you are interested in trying these alternative treatments, contact your veterinarian for advice.

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Written by:

Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH

Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH has been involved in veterinary medicine for over a decade. Her clinical practice has mostly revolved around providing care to shelter animals, low-cost services to underprivileged families, and wellness care for pet parents.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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