Managing pain in feline patients.

This article reviews the current knowledge of pain assessment in cats and the most effective methods for its alleviation. Excellent acute pain management is achievable in cats by using opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alpha(2)-agonists, and local anesthetics. A multimodal approach using agents that work at different places in the pain pathway is encouraged because this can have added benefits. Management of chronic pain in cats can be challenging, but there is now an approved NSAID for long-term use. As we gain experience with less traditional analgesics, such as gabapentin, and critically evaluate complimentary therapies, our ability to provide comfort to this population of cats should improve.