7 Natural Pain Remedies for Your Cats to Try at Home

Dealing with your cat’s pain can be hard on your emotions, and most of the time, medicine is the best way to help. However, besides pharmaceutical choices, there are other options, such as natural pain relief for cats, that can be used on their own or along with medicines. Make an appointment with your vet right away if you think your cat is in pain, so they can give it a full checkup and possibly run some tests to find out what’s causing the pain and how bad it is.

Once the cause is determined, the veterinarian can devise a comprehensive treatment plan, incorporating various pain management strategies, including natural pain relief for cats, which is particularly beneficial for chronic conditions like arthritis.

How to Know if Your Cat is in Pain

Similar to people, cats can suffer from pain as they get older due to various reasons such as arthritis, injuries, post-surgical recovery, or other factors. Cats instinctively conceal their discomfort, making it challenging to detect when they are in pain.

To ascertain if your cat is in pain, observe for slight deviations in their regular activities. Cats are habitual animals, sticking to familiar routines. Pain in cats often manifests as alterations in their usual activities, including grooming, sleeping, and eating patterns.

Some typical signs indicating that your cat might be in pain are:

• Increased irritability
• Signs of unease or restlessness
• Vocal expressions like meowing, growling, or hissing
• Altered posture
• Reluctance to be touched or held
• Changes in litter box usage
• Decreased appetite
• Rapid or shallow breathing
• Twitching of the tail
• Challenges with jumping or climbing

Natural Pain Relief Options for Cats at Home

If you suspect your cat is experiencing discomfort, it’s essential to promptly reach out to your veterinarian for a comprehensive diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatment. Following a thorough examination by your vet, you can incorporate the following home-based pain relief strategies in coordination with the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian:

Turmeric

For numerous cats, pain often stems from conditions like arthritis or inflammation that become more prevalent with age. That said, a natural pain relief for cats with arthritis is turmeric, which, with its inherent natural anti-inflammatory properties, can be a valuable aid in alleviating joint pain in your cat.

The key anti-inflammatory component in turmeric, curcumin, is a superfood recognized for its antifungal, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antiseptic, astringent, and wound-healing properties. Additionally, it has potential benefits for liver function in cats.

To enhance absorption, mix a small amount of turmeric with a healthy fat such as fish oil or coconut oil, making it more digestible for your cat’s body.

Cold and Hot Compress

In the event of a recent injury, implementing cold therapy can be beneficial for your cat by numbing the affected area and mitigating swelling, redness, and pain. Employ items like ice packs, a cold towel, or a wrapped towel containing a bag of frozen vegetables, applying them to your cat’s injury for 10 to 20 minutes at intervals.

In cases involving chronic pain or prolonged injuries, heat therapy proves more effective. Utilize a warm towel, a hot water bottle, or a heating pad to promote muscle relaxation and enhance blood circulation in the affected area. Heat therapy is particularly effective in soothing aching joints as well.

Heat and ice therapy can be effective for your cat at home, but it’s important to consult your vet for additional advice. Here are some useful guidelines:

• Opt for a regular hot water bottle or an ice pack.
• Make sure to use a cloth or a similar barrier between your cat’s skin and the heat or cooling source. Direct contact with these devices should always be avoided.
• Before applying any heated item to your pet, check its temperature on your own skin.
• Be cautious with heating pads, especially if your cat is unable to move away on its own, to prevent the risk of thermal burns.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Some natural anti-inflammatory remedies for cats are omega-3 supplements such as fish oil or tailor-made formulations. These play a crucial role in alleviating inflammation, thereby providing relief from pain associated with conditions like arthritis, allergies, and kidney disease in cats.

The primary active components in these fatty acid supplements, EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are instrumental in managing inflammation within your cat’s body. Additionally, exploring cat foods enriched with added EPA and DHA can offer an alternative approach to ensuring your feline companion receives these beneficial elements.

CBD Oil

While CBD oil is more commonly associated with humans and dogs, numerous cat owners have reported positive outcomes when incorporating it into their feline companions’ routines. Although clinical studies are in their infancy, there’s substantial anecdotal evidence suggesting its efficacy in managing pain in cats.

CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system in cats, which is integral to regulating various bodily functions, including their response to pain. This interaction may alter the way cats perceive pain, potentially easing various forms of chronic and acute discomfort. Besides pain relief, CBD oil is also believed to assist in managing anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and other conditions.

However, it’s imperative to consult with a veterinarian before introducing CBD oil into your cat’s healthcare regimen.

Physical Therapy

A Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRV) is a vet with extra training in physical therapy for cats and dogs. They help pets, especially after surgery or if they have muscle or nerve issues. The goals include reducing pain, making muscles move better, improving how they walk, and boosting stamina.

For cats, physical therapy can involve:

• Easy exercises for moving joints.
• More active exercises.
• Stretching.
• Using special equipment like electrotherapy.
• Therapeutic ultrasound.
• Massages.
• Special exercises.

You can do physical therapy at a vet’s office or with a vet who comes to you. It’s usually part of a plan to manage pain, but it can be helpful on its own. The rehab practitioner will make a plan, and you’ll have tasks to do at home and regular appointments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA), is a specialized approach that can assist cats in managing pain. Similar to acupuncture for humans, tiny needles are carefully placed at specific points on your cat’s body to trigger a response that aids in alleviating pain and anxiety.

This method proves effective for various conditions, including traumatic nerve injuries, musculoskeletal pain, and arthritis. Acupuncture can be employed alongside other pain management methods or as a standalone treatment. The therapy sessions can take place at your home or a veterinary office, providing flexibility in their application.

Changing Your Cat’s Diet

The issue of obesity in cats is increasingly common and significantly contributes to discomfort in their daily activities. In the United States alone, around 56 million cats are either overweight or obese. This excess weight strains their joints, potentially causing pain and leading to health problems as they age.

Consulting with your veterinarian is key to establishing a healthy weight goal for your cat and creating a suitable dietary plan. Often, the root of weight gain in cats is improper feeding practices at home. It’s important to calculate the right amount of daily calories your cat requires and ensure they receive this specific portion daily.

Keep Your Cat Comfortable Even While in Pain with Some Effective Natural Pain Relief

Remember, your cat’s well-being is paramount. If you notice any signs of pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. Together, you can explore a range of effective pain management strategies, from natural pain relief for cats to dietary adjustments, to ensure your feline friend enjoys a comfortable and healthy life.