Managing chronic pain in cats requires creativity because cats metabolize drugs differently from dogs and humans, making several common pain medications unsafe, but multiple effective alternatives now exist.
Chronic pain management in cats is underserved compared to dogs because fewer licensed options exist and cats hide pain effectively. The development of targeted anti-nerve growth factor therapy (Solensia) has transformed feline arthritis management by providing safe, effective monthly pain control without the monitoring burden of NSAIDs. Gabapentin provides another evidence-based option for neuropathic pain. The welfare imperative is using available effective options rather than undertreating pain because the cat appears stoic. Combining Solensia with environmental modification addresses both the physiological and behavioral dimensions of arthritis welfare.