Just curious...
2007-05-20 08:35:46 · 5 answers · asked by Mother Inferior 9 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Because pain killing is a difficult thing in cats. Paracetomol and ibuprofen are deadly for them, even aspirin is dodgy. Basically, there just isn't anything safe enough to allow people to buy over the counter. Opiates are actually the safest analgesic to use in cats, but of course opiates can't be allowed to be sold over the counter!
Meloxicam is pretty much the only pain killer vets allow owners to take home for their cats, as far as I know. It's a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and it's just become officially licensed for use in cats. Even with this stuff it must only be given with strict dosage instructions.
Cat's kidneys are very sensitive to pain killing drugs, which is why they should only be administered under veterinary supervision, or you risk destroying their kidney function. Meloxicam can only be given as an injection once, and as oral suspension for a limited amount of time.
Chalice
2007-05-20 08:43:52 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because cats don't metabolize OTC (Human) medications like humans and dogs do. Their systems don't react in the same ways a dogs' would with some medications. Of course, some OTC for humans aren't safe for dogs either.
2007-05-20 08:41:03 · answer #2 · answered by amyaz_98 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are homeopathic preparations and there is none in that repertoire that is specifically for pain. Arnica, Hyperium, Bryonia are used for pain and you still need a diagnosis from a qualified veterinary homeopath on which to use and at what dosage as they are specific for strains and inflammation, nerve damage, etc. Arnica is used for inflammation - reducing inflammation swelling from a injury will relieve pain and it is not a "pain" medication per se. There are over 4,000 homeopathic remedies.
Cats are just very different from dogs and people. They metablolize things differently and are in great danger of getting their kidneys or livers fatally damaged by using painkillers we use.
2007-05-20 09:05:22 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are more sensitive than humans and dogs. They metabolize pain killers different than we and other animals do so the use of pain killers in cats need to be regulated by the FDA and by veterinarians.
2007-05-20 08:40:37 · answer #4 · answered by VetTech1016 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because with cats it is too easy to overdose them and also, they have weird reactions to drugs and it is really not safe for them to be treated by someone untrained.
2007-05-20 08:41:37 · answer #5 · answered by bonnie g 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋