The use of Fentanyl Patches on Cats

While it’s not typically used for managing mild pain, like osteoarthritis, it is highly effective for post-operative pain or more severe conditions. By providing a continuous release of fentanyl through the skin, the patch helps maintain consistent pain control without the need for frequent medication doses.

How is the patch applied?

The fentanyl patch is carefully glued to your cat’s skin, and a light dressing is placed over the top to keep it secure. You’ll notice the dressing is labelled with important details, such as the name of the medication, when it was applied, and when it is expected to expire. Typically, the patch provides pain relief for around 72 hours, though this may sometimes extend a bit longer.

Key precautions

It’s important to keep an eye on your cat to ensure it doesn’t pull off or ingest the patch. If you notice your cat paying unusual attention to the area where the patch is applied, please contact us immediately. We can provide an Elizabethan collar (also known as a cone) to prevent your cat from accessing the patch and causing harm.

Once the patch has expired, we’ll give you clear instructions on when to remove it. Simply place the used patch into a plastic bag and dispose of it in the bin.