Are you looking for natural and effective alternative pain relief for your cat? As a pet owner, it can be hard to watch your feline friend in pain–especially if you are unable to help her. It is often best to avoid pharmaceuticals when possible, as they are expensive and have side effects. So, what can you do? In this article, we look at signs your cat is in pain, explore five alternative pain relief for cats, and discuss when you should take your cat to the vet.
How to Tell if Your Cat is in Pain
It can be hard to tell if your cat is in pain because they’re evolved not to show signs of weakness. In most cases, cats don’t let you know that they’re in pain until it is too much for them to bear. So, how can you tell if your cat is in pain?
Signs Your Cat is in Pain
Here are some of the telltale signs:
- Your cat is more aggressive than usual and quick to bite, hiss, and scratch
- She’s spending more time staying in dark areas such as under the furniture, in cabinets, etc.
- Has stopped her usual playful and active behavior
- She has started panting or has a faster breathing pattern
- Has a smaller appetite than usual
- Has a faster pulse and heart rate than before
Alternative Pain Relief for Cats
In the long term, pain meds can do more harm than good, which is why some people prefer the natural and holistic approach. Let’s take a look at some of the best alternative pain relief treatments for cats.
Massage Therapy
This simple yet effective pain relief treatment works best on cats with arthritis. A gentle body massage helps reduce pain by increasing the flow of oxygen via blood to your kitty’s muscles and joints. Massage therapy assists your cat’s body to release endorphins that help reduce pain. It would be best if you massage your cat two to three times per week for best results.
Chamomile
Chamomile has been used for pain relief in holistic medicine for centuries and is still an effective pain relief method. You can give this mild sedative to orally to your cat or apply it topically to the affected area. Chamomile contains Apigenin, which works like aspirin does and reduces inflammation. You can give your cat some caffeine-free Chamomile tea to sip on, add a drop or two of Chamomile essential oil to her food, or massage the affected area using Chamomile essential oil mixed with a base oil.
CBD Oil for Cats
Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound in the hemp plant along with tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is what gets one high while CBD is the non-intoxicating compound that helps with pain relief, asthma, seizures, etc. Studies have found that CBD oil has many benefits and potential for relieving pain. Many low-grade CBD oils on the market are diluted; therefore, they have little to no effect. It is crucial to choose a high-quality CBD oil such as the Relievet CBD oil for cats, which is natural, organic, and lab tested. You can either add a few drops of CBD to your cat’s food or massage it directly on the affected area. CBD oil is FDA-approved and can help improve the quality of your cat’s life by managing pain.
Heat Pads
Heat pads do the same thing that a massage does–they help improve blood circulation, which in turn, increases the flow of oxygen to the affected areas. By increasing the flow of oxygen, this triggers the release of endorphins that allows your cat to get natural pain relief. These are an excellent choice if your cat suffers from joint pain. You can use them every day or three times a week for the best results.
Feline Acupuncture
Feline acupuncture has been a part of ancient Asian medicine for centuries. Acupuncture is one of the best alternative pain relief treatments for cats. Of course, it does have its cons. By placing small pins on the meridian lines on your cat’s body, this helps to restore the chi or the flow of energy. A single session is enough to notice improvement. However, your cat will need additional sessions for chronic pain. You’ll have to book sessions as the acupuncturist recommends.
When You Should Take Your Cat to the Vet
If you’ve been noticing the symptoms of pain for an extended period, or if they worsen, it is best to see a vet. Also, if your cat has never had any previously diagnosed condition that would cause her pain, you should take her to a vet right away to determine why she is in pain.
Some common reasons include:
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Cancer
- Digestive obstruction
- Ear infection
- Periodontal disease
- Eye problem
- Bladder infection
It is best to take a holistic or natural route when possible–pharmaceuticals, although extremely effective, come with risks of their own. The alternative pain relief treatments that we mentioned in this blog post have a high success rate and work well for cats of all ages.
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