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Safe pain relievers for cats
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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Analgesics are medications that are used to relieve pain. There are many classes of painkillers. All of them should be used with caution on cats. Even though painkillers are a common household item, they should not be given to cats.
Demerol, morphine, codeine, and other narcotics are subject to federal regulations and are not available without a prescription. The effects of these drugs on cats are highly unpredictable. Morphine, at a dose suitable for a small dog, causes a cat to become fearful, excitable, and salivate. If the minimum dose is exceeded, it can cause seizures and death in cats. Fentanyl, usually in the form of a patch that is applied to the skin, is a pain reliever used on cats. However, it should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian because it can have severe side effects.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a drug in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Buffered or enteric-coated aspirin is a safe analgesic for home use in dogs, but must be given with extreme caution to cats. Small doses of aspirin can cause loss of appetite, depression, and vomiting in cats. One aspirin tablet daily for 3 to 4 days is enough to cause salivation, dehydration, vomiting, and unsteadiness. Severe acid-base imbalances may follow. There may be signs of bone marrow and liver toxicity. Gastrointestinal bleeding is common.
Be aware of potential toxicity and use aspirin only under veterinary supervision. The recommended dose for cats is 5 mg per pound of body weight every 48 to 72 hours. One adult aspirin tablet (324 mg) is eight recommended doses for an 8-pound cat. Children's aspirin given every three days is a typical safe dose for cats. It should only be given with food and not on an empty stomach. Stop taking the drug at the first sign of toxicity.
Meloxicam is a relatively safe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for cats, but it is currently only approved in the U.S. for injection. It should also only be used after consultation with your veterinarian.
Toxic analgesics
Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and other aspirin substitutes, which are used to treat pain in humans, are toxic to cats. In addition, these drugs are not as well tolerated as aspirin. Their absorption by small animals is very unpredictable. As a result, these drugs are not suitable for cats.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another analgesic that should never be given to cats. Cats given even a pediatric dose of Tylenol can develop fatal hemolytic anemia and liver failure.
Butazolidin (phenylbutazone) is an analgesic that is prescribed to horses, dogs, and other animals. When used as recommended for these animals, it can be safe and effective. In cats, it causes toxicity similar to aspirin and acetaminophen. In addition, phenylbutazone causes kidney failure. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in cats.
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