We all have heard of the famous slogan, “Nothing is proven stronger, or longer lasting on tough pain than Advil.” Advil is a brand name of Ibuprofen and is manufactured by Pfizer. It is a popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain or inflammation such as headache, menstrual cramps, toothache, and arthritis. Although commonly used by humans, we’re not the only ones to experience these kinds of pain — even pets do. For cat owners, it is not a good sight to see our feline pets uncomfortable because of certain discomforts. Cats also experience pain brought about by certain conditions such as arthritis. Is it advisable to give them a dose of Advil to relieve their pain?
Cats experience pain just as humans do. The problem is that it is hard to determine whether or not a cat is in pain. Some signs that reveal your cat is in pain are: behavioral change, inactive and withdrawn demeanor, just wanting to sit with back arched and paws gathered under the body, and loss of appetite. If your cat consistently shows the majority of these signs, consult with your vet right away. They will probably conduct some tests and other procedure to effectively treat your cat.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are all effective in relieving pain. However, NSAIDs of any kind are toxic to cats. Although Advil is an effective pain reliever, it is a type of NSAID that is not recommended for use in cats. It can lead to serious effects such as bleeding stomach ulcers and can be fatal if left untreated. A well-meaning cat owner might just want to make their pet feel better by giving Advil, but doing this will probably lead to even more serious damage.
Can I Give My Cat Advil? Answer: No!
Ibuprofen is a type of NSAID that is prohibited in cats because of clinical studies that show exceeding levels of toxicity in our feline friends brought about by this drug. Advil may be effective in reducing pain, but cats are highly sensitive to its side effects. It can cause your cat to vomit blood, release black tarry stools, and experience severe abdominal pain. A single tablet of Advil may lead to kidney failure and subsequent death. If your cat is showing signs of pain, do not self-medicate by giving over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil. Take them to the vet for proper medication.
Pain Management in Cats
It is true that cats seem to hide their pain exceptionally well. As a cat owner, you have to be sensitive and mindful of any physical and behavioral change your cat might display to treat a condition they might be experiencing. Loss of appetite, inactivity, and lethargy are some signs to watch out for. If your cat seems to be showing these signs frequently, take them to the vet right away to determine the cause of pain. In this way, proper treatment will be given. Do not try to self-medicate your cat by deciding on what medications to give. Follow your vet’s orders step-by-step. Make your cat comfortable by providing a soft cat bed for them to rest on.
NSAIDs and Pets
NSAIDs are manufactured for use by humans, but surprisingly, some types are administered to dogs. As long as they are given under strict supervision of a veterinarian, they can be beneficial to dogs. However, NSAIDs of any kind are not recommended for use in cats. In the United States, only one kind of NSAID is approved for use in our highly sensitive feline pets, which is Meloxicam. This has been approved only for the purpose of reducing pain after a single post-surgical injection. Proper dose is based on the cat’s weight and should not be given in a prolonged manner.
If My Cat Accidentally Ingests Advil
Call your vet right away and ask for advice. If your cat ingested the drug just recently, within the last two hours, activated charcoal might be given to induce vomiting. Watch out for signs such as blood vomiting and black tarry stools within the next 24 hours. Expect your veterinarian to require hospitalization for your cat if these signs are consistent. Medications will be given to your cat such as sucralfate and cimetidine to treat stomach ulcers. Kidney function will be checked through repeat blood work after 1 to 2 days of treatment.
My cat has lost weight the last few weeks. He is very thin, eyes not looking like they should (not focusing, and open partially). He’s on a soft bed and is as comfortable as I can make him. I have been giving him water by wetting a rag and putting it in his mouth. He’s too weak to sit up and lap it up. For the last hour, he’s been crying. I just gently pet him and talk to him. We are going to the Vet in the morning. I know he’s dying, but I want to relieve his pain. What can I do?