Companion Animals

Companion Cat Pancreatitis Pain Management

Feline pancreatitis is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated for pain, causing significant avoidable suffering in affected cats.

Key Facts

Feline pancreatitis occurs in acute and chronic forms, often with concurrent IBD or cholangiohepatitis
Cats show non-specific signs including lethargy, anorexia, and hypothermia rather than vomiting
Specific feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI) test improves diagnosis accuracy
NSAIDs are generally avoided in cats with pancreatitis due to side effects
Buprenorphine is the most commonly used feline-safe analgesic for pancreatitis pain

Welfare Considerations

Pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain that is frequently missed in cats due to their tendency to hide illness and show atypical signs. The welfare cost of unrecognised, untreated pancreatic pain is significant. Diagnosis requires specific testing that must be actively requested. Pain management with appropriate feline-safe analgesics transforms the welfare of affected cats during the acute phase of disease.

What You Can Do

Request specific fPLI testing if your cat shows lethargy and reduced appetite
Ask your vet about pain management when pancreatitis is diagnosed
Monitor for recurrence as feline pancreatitis frequently becomes chronic