Tramadol Side Effects in Cats

Tramadol side effects are usually rare in cats, but cat owners need to be aware of certain symptoms so they can seek immediate care in the event their pet suffers an allergic reaction to or overdose of the medication. Let’s look at how tramadol’s pain-relieving properties work, what its common side effects are and what symptoms may indicate a life-threatening situation for your pet.

How Tramadol Helps Control Feline Pain

Pain control has been a long-standing problem for veterinarians . In many cases, medications that provide satisfactory pain relief come with unwanted side effects such as drowsiness or hallucinations. Drug researchers are now able to create medications that affect some parts of the brain without affecting others, and newer types of drugs have been developed that offer pain relief without unnecessary side effects. Tramadol is one such drug.

Tramadol provides pain relief by acting on certain receptors in the brain that control pain relief. It does not work on other receptors in the brain, such as those that control drowsiness or hallucinations. It can be used alone on as part of an overall treatment plan that includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to treat the following conditions:

  • arthritis
  • chronic pain
  • post-surgical pain

Tramadol is available in capsule, liquid, powder or tablet form. Be aware that this medication has a bitter taste, which some cats may find unpleasant. Discuss disguising this medication in food to make administering it easier on both you and your pet.


Do not attempt to give your cat a human medication called Ultracet. This product is a combination of tramadol and acetaminophen, and it can be harmful to your cat’s health. Only give your cat medication that is specifically prescribed for her.

Common Feline Side Effects

Although feline side effects from tramadol are considered rare, there are four common symptoms to be on the lookout for: constipation, drowsiness, hallucinations and stomach upset.

Constipation: When beginning tramadol, some cats become constipated. Request stool softeners from your veterinarian if you notice that your cat struggles to eliminate or begins producing dry stools that are difficult to eliminate.

Drowsiness: If your cat becomes lethargic and unresponsive after she has taken tramadol for more than a few days, discuss a dosage adjustment with your veterinarian.

Hallucinations: Like drowsiness, hallucinations are a common indication that your cat’s medication dosage may need to be adjusted. Discuss altering your cat’s dosage with your veterinarian if she begins demonstrating bizarre behavior.

Stomach upset: Some cats can experience nausea, vomiting or digestive problems when they first begin taking tramadol. In most cases, this side effects wears off after a few days and is not considered serious. If your cat continues to have stomach problems after taking tramadol for more than a few days, discuss the situation with your veterinarian because your pet’s medication dosage may need to be adjusted.

Symptoms that Indicate a Serious Reaction

Although most side effects of tramadol are minor and resolve themselves within a few days, cat owners need to be aware of what the symptoms of allergic reaction and overdose are because either event can quickly become life-threatening for a cat.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include

  • breathing problems
  • seizures
  • swelling of the face, mouth or throat

Symptoms of a possible overdose include

  • coma
  • contracted (pinpoint) pupils
  • extreme drowsiness
  • extreme weakness
  • fainting
  • mental alteration
  • seizures
  • shallow breathing
  • slow heartbeat


If your cat shows any of these symptoms after taking tramadol, contact your veterinarian’s office for additional instructions so your pet can receive the urgent care she needs to regain her health.

 

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