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If your cat has been prescribed “pain medication” known as a “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug” (or NSAID) then please read the following information carefully:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are commonly used in humans and other animal species to help relieve pain, fever and inflammation most commonly when associated with degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Controlling your cat’s pain is crucial for their welfare and many cats can greatly benefit from these drugs showing better mobility, less pain, increased appetite and an improved quality of life.

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats

Degenerative joint disease (including osteoarthritis) is common, especially in older cats. As with other conditions, cats may mask the signs of this disease.

Problems and behaviour changes noted in cats with DJD may include:

• Decreased activity – sleeping more, not moving around as much, playing or hunting less
• Decreased mobility – reduced willingness to jump, not jumping as high, difficulty using the litter tray, stiffness, and sometimes obvious lameness
• Decreased grooming – reduced time or difficulty grooming, a poor coat, overgrown claws
• Altered personality – less keen to interact with people or pets, seeking solitude, “grumpier”
• Other signs – may include aggression or vocalisation when touched and loss of appetite

Understanding these changes helps alert you and your vet to the possible existence of pain and DJD and will help you monitor whether therapy is helpful or not.

Are NSAIDs safe in cats?

NSAIDs play a vital role in therapy for many cats but there are significant differences in drug metabolism and toxicity with cats compared to other animals. This means that you should only ever give your cat a drug that has been specifically prescribed for your cat by your veterinarian. Many human drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol can be highly toxic to cats and administering these is life-threatening. Adverse effects can be seen with NSAIDs, just as with all drugs. Some cats may be at increased risk of developing adverse effects such as older cats and cats with certain other diseases. Your veterinarian may recommend to increase the frequency of monitoring along with careful adjustment of therapy to find the lowest effective dose of the drug for your cat.

What adverse effects should I look out for?

There are a small number of licensed NSAIDS that have been found to be safe for use in cats. However, even with these “safer” drugs adverse effects can still occur. Potential adverse reactions to NSAIDS may involve the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys, the cardiovascular system or the liver. Most effects are mild however in some cats this can become more serious.

Symptoms of potential adverse reactions to NSAIDS may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lethargy and dullness/depression
• Altered thirst and/or urination
• Diarrhoea and/or black-coloured faeces
• Yellowing of the skin, gums, or whites of the eyes

What do I need to know?

✔ Make sure you understand how much of the drug to give, how frequently, and for how long. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian.

✔ Always read the label instructions on your cat’s medication carefully. Many medications need to be shaken thoroughly prior to use.

✔ Always give the medication with or after food. Your vet may suggest feeding canned rather than dry food to help encourage good fluid intake, as maintaining a good fluid intake is important.

✔ If your cat does not eat then DO NOT give the medication. Contact your veterinarian.

✔ Talk to your veterinarian about what monitoring should be done to safeguard your cat, how frequently your cat should be re-examined, what blood and urine tests should be done, and how frequently these should be done.

✔ Never give your cat any other medication at the same time without first speaking to your veterinarian.

✔ If at any stage you have concerns, or see any potential adverse effects such as vomiting or dark stools then STOP giving the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.

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