# What Can I Give My Cat for Pain? Safe Options and Risks If your cat is hurting, the safest answer to "what can I give my cat for pain" is a medication prescribed by your veterinarian, not something from your own medicine cabinet. Most human painkillers, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can cause severe or fatal poisoning in cats. A few cat-specific drugs exist, but they require a veterinary diagnosis and a dose calculated for your cat's weight and health. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Never give your cat ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. Cats are very sensitive to these drugs, and ibuprofen can cause severe kidney failure even at small or repeated doses [1]. - Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved injectable opioid for controlling pain in cats after surgery, given as a single dose by a veterinarian [2]. - Meloxicam and robenacoxib are the NSAIDs veterinarians use most often in cats, but they are prescription-only and dosed by your vet [3][4]. - A cat in pain needs a veterinary exam, because the cause (tooth, joint, leg, or mouth) changes the treatment. - If your cat ate a human painkiller, call a veterinarian or poison control right away. Do not wait for symptoms. ## Why Human Painkillers Are Dangerous for Cats Cats do not process drugs the way people or dogs do. Their liver breaks down many medications slowly, so a dose that would be mild for a human can build up to a toxic level in a cat. Ibuprofen is a common example. Pet owners sometimes give it without realizing the damage it can do, and severe signs can occur after an overdose or repeated doses, including severe kidney failure [1]. There are many dog-safe NSAIDs on the market, but there are no NSAIDs designed for long-term use in cats, because cats cannot tolerate the medication [1]. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is even more dangerous. It damages red blood cells and the liver in cats, and a single tablet can be fatal. Aspirin and naproxen carry similar risks. This is why the answer to "what can I give my cat for pain relief" is almost never a human over-the-counter product. If you are sorting out which human medicines are ever acceptable, our guide to [what human medications are safe for cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/human-medications-safe-for-cats) walks through the short list. Pain relievers are not on it. ## What Veterinarians Actually Use for Cat Pain Veterinarians have a small but effective toolbox for feline pain. The choice depends on whether the pain is acute (after surgery, an injury, or a dental problem) or chronic (arthritis and joint pain). ### Buprenorphine Buprenorphine is an opioid pain medication. In 2018 the FDA approved Simbadol, an injectable form for controlling post-operative pain in cats, which gave veterinarians the first FDA-approved, single-dose opioid analgesic for cats recovering from surgery [2]. A single dose is attractive because it minimizes handling of a stressed cat who is recovering [2]. Studies suggest buprenorphine provides good pain relief and is safe in cats recovering from surgery [2]. In a study of feral cats having spay surgery, a subcutaneous dose of 0.02 mg/kg of buprenorphine was used to test whether it could keep postoperative pain scores below intervention thresholds [5]. ### NSAIDs (Meloxicam and Robenacoxib) NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain. In a global survey of veterinarians, meloxicam (76.4%) and buprenorphine (48.1%) were the most frequently used analgesics for acute pain in cats, and meloxicam (62.6%) and robenacoxib (25.2%) were the most used NSAIDs for chronic pain [3]. A European survey found the same pattern, with meloxicam and robenacoxib leading for chronic pain management [4]. These drugs work well, but they are not risk-free. They require a veterinary exam, sometimes bloodwork, and a dose tailored to your cat. Never use a leftover supply from a previous pet or a friend's cat. ### Other Options For major surgery, veterinarians may combine techniques. One study found that a sacrococcygeal epidural injection of morphine and ropivacaine provided analgesia after feline spay surgery, with pain assessed using the Feline Grimace Scale and a multidimensional pain scale [6]. This is a hospital procedure, not something an owner can do at home. ## How These Medications Work Buprenorphine attaches to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord and changes how pain signals are perceived. It does not treat the underlying cause, it reduces the suffering caused by it. NSAIDs work differently. They block enzymes that produce prostaglandins, the chemicals that drive inflammation and pain. This is why they help with joint pain and dental pain, where inflammation is part of the problem. It is also why they carry risks to the kidneys and stomach, since prostaglandins help protect those organs. Because the two classes work in different ways, veterinarians often combine them or add local anesthetics for a multimodal approach. Multimodal analgesia with opioids is considered the standard of care in companion animal practice, though availability and use vary between countries and clinics [7]. ## Dosing Basics for Cat Pain Medication Your veterinarian decides the dose. Never calculate it yourself from a human label or an online chart. Doses are based on your cat's weight, age, kidney and liver function, and the type of pain. For example, the buprenorphine dose studied in feral cats was 0.02 mg/kg given subcutaneously [5], but that number came from a specific surgical protocol and is not a home dosing instruction. Your vet may use a different drug, route, or amount. ### How It Is Given - Injectable forms are given by the veterinary team, often as a single dose after surgery [2]. - Oral liquid opioids may be sent home for short-term use. Your vet will show you how to place it in the cheek pouch, not down the throat. - NSAIDs come as liquids, chewable tablets, or flavored tablets. Give them with food unless your vet says otherwise. - Transdermal gels are sometimes used, and you must wear gloves and keep the site away from children and other pets. ### If You Miss a Dose Call your veterinarian's office and ask. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose, especially with an NSAID. Doubling an NSAID raises the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney injury. For opioids, a missed dose usually means waiting until the next scheduled time unless your vet advises otherwise. ## Side Effects: What to Watch For | Side effect | How common or serious | What to do | |---|---|---| | Sleepiness or sedation after an opioid | Common and expected, usually mild | Let your cat rest. Call your vet if your cat is hard to rouse | | Reduced appetite for a day after surgery | Common and usually mild | Offer small amounts of normal food. Call if it lasts more than 24 hours | | Vomiting or diarrhea on an NSAID | Uncommon but a warning sign | Stop the medication and call your vet the same day | | Black or tarry stool | Serious, suggests stomach bleeding | Stop the drug and seek veterinary care now | | Increased drinking and urination | Can signal kidney stress | Call your vet the same day for guidance | | Trouble breathing, swelling, or collapse | Rare but an emergency | Go to an emergency clinic immediately | Never give a second pain medication on top of a prescribed one without asking your vet first. Combining drugs can multiply the risks. ## Who Should Not Take These Medications Not every cat can safely receive every pain drug. Your veterinarian will weigh the risks in these situations. - Cats with kidney disease may not tolerate NSAIDs well, since the kidneys depend on the prostaglandins these drugs block. - Cats with liver disease may clear opioids and NSAIDs more slowly. - Cats with stomach or intestinal ulcers should avoid NSAIDs. - Kittens, pregnant cats, and nursing cats need special caution and often different choices. - Cats taking steroids, certain antibiotics, or other NSAIDs face a higher risk of ulcers and organ damage. Tell your veterinarian about every medication, supplement, and topical product your cat receives, including flea treatments. Drug interactions are a real concern with pain medications. If your cat also has digestive issues and you are tempted to reach for a human remedy, read our articles on [cat diarrhea medicine](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-diarrhea-medicine-safe) and [whether Imodium is safe for cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-imodium-diarrhea-risks-safe-alternatives). The same caution applies to pain relievers. ## Overdose and Poisoning: Act Fast If your cat swallowed a human painkiller, this is an emergency. Do not wait for vomiting, wobbliness, or collapse. By the time signs appear, damage may already be underway. Call one of these right away: - Your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. - The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. - The Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Have the bottle or package ready. Tell them the drug name, the strength, how much your cat may have eaten, and when it happened. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to. If your cat is already showing signs such as vomiting, drooling, tremors, difficulty breathing, pale gums, or collapse, go to an emergency clinic immediately. Do not stop to call first if your cat is in distress. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article gives general guidance only. Your cat's individual case needs a veterinarian who can examine, test, and prescribe for your specific pet. Contact your veterinarian the same day if: - Your cat is limping, holding up a leg, or refusing to jump. - Your cat is drooling, pawing at the mouth, or eating on one side, which can point to tooth or mouth pain. - Your cat has stopped eating or is hiding more than usual. - You gave a human painkiller by mistake, even a small amount. Go to an emergency clinic now if: - Your cat is having trouble breathing, has pale or blue gums, or has collapsed. - Your cat is having seizures or tremors. - Your cat vomited blood or has black, tarry stool. - Your cat ate acetaminophen or a large amount of ibuprofen. Schedule a routine visit if: - Your cat is slowing down, hesitating on stairs, or grooming less, which can suggest joint pain. - Your cat's appetite and activity have changed gradually over weeks. Cats hide pain well. Subtle changes in jumping, grooming, and appetite are often the first clues. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I give my cat ibuprofen for pain? No. Ibuprofen is not safe for cats, and its use is not recommended because cats are very sensitive to the drug. Severe signs can occur after an overdose or repeated doses, including severe kidney failure [1]. ### Is there an FDA-approved pain medication for cats? Yes. Simbadol (buprenorphine) is an injectable pain control medication approved for controlling post-operative pain in cats, and it was the first FDA-approved, single-dose opioid analgesic for cats recovering from surgery [2]. It is given by a veterinarian, not at home. ### What do veterinarians give cats for joint pain? Meloxicam and robenacoxib are the NSAIDs most used for chronic pain management in cats [3][4]. Both are prescription medications, and your vet will check your cat's kidney and liver health before and during treatment. ### What can I give my cat for tooth pain? Nothing from your medicine cabinet. Dental pain needs a veterinary exam, and treatment usually means a dental cleaning or extraction under anesthesia with proper pain control. Your vet may prescribe an NSAID or an opioid for the days around the procedure. ### What should I do if my cat ate my pain medication? Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or a pet poison control hotline immediately, even if your cat seems fine. Bring the medication packaging so the team knows the drug, strength, and amount involved. Early treatment saves lives. If you are ever unsure whether a human medication is safe for your cat, our guide to [human pain relievers and what is safe](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/human-pain-relievers-for-dogs-safe) explains the differences between species, and our article on [melatonin for cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/can-i-give-my-cat-melatonin) covers another common owner question. When in doubt, call your vet before you give anything. ## Related Articles - [Cat Diarrhea Medicine: What's Safe to Give?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-diarrhea-medicine-safe) - [What Human Medications Are Safe for Cats? A Vet's Guide to OTC Options](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/human-medications-safe-for-cats) - [Can I Give My Cat Imodium for Diarrhea? Risks and Safe Alternatives](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/digestive-and-urinary-care/cat-imodium-diarrhea-risks-safe-alternatives) - [Can I Give My Cat Melatonin? Safety, Dosage, and When to Avoid It](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/can-i-give-my-cat-melatonin) - [Can You Give Your Dog Human Pain Relievers? What's Safe and What's Not](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/human-pain-relievers-for-dogs-safe) - [Cat Vomiting: When to Worry and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/online-vet-and-care-costs/cat-vomiting-when-to-worry-what-to-do) ## References 1. [Is Ibuprofen Safe for Cats](https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/is-ibuprofen-safe-for-cats/). Pet Poison Helpline. 2. [Newly approved pain drug for cats](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/cat-health-news/newly-approved-pain-drug-cats). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 3. [A global survey of attitudes and practices of veterinarians about pain management in cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41962800/). Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997), 2026. 4. [EXPRESS: Attitudes and practices of veterinarians regarding feline pain management in Western versus Eastern Europe](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42655881/). Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 2026. 5. [Evaluation of buprenorphine as optimisation of postoperative analgesia in feral cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy under field conditions](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41332342/). The Journal of small animal practice, 2026. 6. [Sacrococcygeal epidural injection of morphine and ropivacaine provides analgesia after feline ovariohysterectomy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41791227/). American journal of veterinary research, 2026. 7. [Opioid use and perioperative pain management practices in dogs and cats in Latvia: A national survey highlighting regional disparities and generational differences](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42764963/). Veterinary world, 2026. ## Further Reading - [American Veterinary Medical Association: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information)