Cat Pain Management

Expert Veterinary Pain Relief for Cats at Lubbock Animal Medical Center

At Lubbock Animal Medical Center, we understand how challenging it can be to recognize when your cat is in pain. Cats are instinctively programmed to hide signs of discomfort, making it difficult for even the most attentive owners to notice. Whether the pain is due to arthritis, surgery, bladder stones, or another condition, our veterinary team is here to help your cat find safe and lasting relief.

Below are the most common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for managing pain in cats.

Common Signs of Pain in Cats

Cats express pain differently than dogs or people. Even subtle changes in posture, activity, or personality can indicate discomfort. Here are some common signs that may suggest your cat is experiencing pain:

Vocalization

  • Meowing more or less than usual

  • Growling or hissing

  • Purring excessively (sometimes a sign of self-soothing)

Activity Changes

  • Reduced activity level or reluctance to move

  • Restlessness or inability to settle down

  • Shaking, pacing, or trembling

  • Becoming unusually clingy

  • Refusal or inability to jump as high as before

Self-Protection Behaviors

  • Guarding or lying on a painful area

  • Hiding or withdrawing from people and pets

  • Limping or stiffness

  • Resistance to being picked up or touched

Behavior and Attitude Changes

  • Sleeping much more—or less—than normal

  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat

  • Lethargy or decreased interest in play

  • Panting or open-mouth breathing (a sign of stress or pain)

  • Aggression or irritability

  • Decreased grooming or excessive licking of one area

  • Avoiding the litter box or having accidents outside it

Postural Changes

  • Sitting with feet tucked under and head down

  • Arched back or hunched posture

If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can prevent pain from worsening and improve your cat’s quality of life.

Pain Management and Medications for Cats

Once pain is confirmed, our veterinarians determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. In some cases, treating the root issue—such as a urinary tract infection—can bring fast relief. However, many cats benefit from additional pain medications for either short-term recovery (after surgery) or long-term management (as with arthritis).

Below are common medications and supplements used safely and effectively at Lubbock Animal Medical Center.

Onsior (NSAID)

Onsior is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) specifically formulated for cats. It provides quick pain relief and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for short-term pain management after surgery or injury.
Because cats metabolize NSAIDs differently from dogs and humans, these medications must be used with extreme care and only under veterinary supervision.

Gabapentin

Gabapentin is used to treat nerve-related pain, such as that caused by spinal issues, neck pain, or nerve compression. It can cause mild drowsiness but is typically well tolerated and provides effective relief.

Tramadol

Although research on Tramadol’s pain control in cats is limited, it can sometimes be helpful when used in combination with other medications. Our veterinarians may prescribe it selectively for cases that benefit from multimodal pain management.

Supplements

Many cats benefit from long-term use of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements support joint health, reduce inflammation, and may lessen the need for daily medications in chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.

Never Give Human Pain Medications to Cats

It is extremely dangerous to give cats human pain medications. Cats metabolize drugs very differently than humans, and even small doses can be toxic or fatal.

⚠️ Important: Tylenol (acetaminophen) can kill a cat within 24 hours.

Never give your cat aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or any other human pain relievers. If your cat appears to be in pain, always contact our veterinarians first. We can prescribe safe, effective, and properly dosed medications for your pet’s specific needs.

Think Your Cat Is in Pain? We Can Help.

If you suspect your cat is hurting, don’t wait. Our compassionate veterinary team at Lubbock Animal Medical Center can help determine the cause of your cat’s pain and create a customized pain management plan to restore comfort and well-being.

???? Call us today at (806) 794-4118 or scroll down to schedule an appointment online.
We’re here to ensure your cat lives a healthy, happy, and pain-free life.