What is a unique reaction seen in cats when given opioids?

• A. Sedation
• B. Excitement
• C. Vomiting
• D. Hypersalivation

Answer: (B)

In cats, opioids can produce a paradoxical reaction: they may become excited or dysphoric rather than sedated. This feline response, especially with morphine, is a well-known idiosyncrasy where agitation, restlessness, and vocalization can precede or accompany analgesia. It contrasts with many other species, like dogs, where opioids more reliably cause calmness and sedation.

So, the best answer is excitement because it captures this unique feline reaction to opioids. Sedation can occur but is less characteristic of cats and more typical in other species. Vomiting and hypersalivation can happen with opioids but aren’t the distinctive, defining feline response like excitability.