At one time or another, your cat may require to face her fear and buckle up for a vehicle flight or other means of travel, specifically if you’re moving. If your cat shows indications of travel stress and anxiety or worry after sufficient training, she might benefit from a feline sedative for travel.
Are Sedatives Safe for Cats?
If your cat has a moderate to serious worry of travel that she can’t appear to shake, it may be time to help her discover relief with cat sedatives. While no medication is 100 percent safe for felines, only your vet can figure out if your cat is healthy enough for sedatives, says Katherine Pankratz DVM, DACVB, a licensed veterinary behaviorist at Animal Behavioral Clinic in Portland, Ore. The benefits of a calm kitty might outweigh the dangers, however Pankratz notes that sedatives might affect your cat’s high blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate depending on her health and the kind of travel.
Every cat is various, so ask your vet to advise not just the very best sedative for felines, but the best option for your cat– you may be amazed to discover your kitty doesn’t need medication at all.
Should You Give Your Cat a Sedative for Traveling?
If your cat tends to be singing, drool heavily, pant, or otherwise act distressed or irregular when taking a trip, she may benefit from using sedatives.
Not rather ready to try feline sedatives for travel? Shelley Knudsen, DVM at All Feline Hospital in Lincoln, Neb. recommends these non-medication routes you and your cat can attempt first:
Feliway Spray
Purina Calming Care Cat Supplement
Rescue Remedy
Royal Canin Calm Food
Your cat’s preferred catnip
These anti-anxiety over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, in addition to desensitization and counterconditioning training, may do simply the technique for more pleasurable journeys with your cat.
” Sedation is only one piece of the preparation for travel,” Pankratz states. “It is really essential to assist prepare your feline for travel by training their convenience with travel itself.” If your cat still shows indications of tension after positive support and OTC soothing help, ask your vet if sedatives are ideal for her.
Feline Sedatives vs. Anti-Anxiety Medication for Travel
Feline sedatives work by coaxing your kitty into a state of sleep to keep her calm for extended periods of travel– a beneficial tool for moderate to severe cases of worry of travel. Unlike anti-anxiety medications, sedatives do not target the negative, fear-inducing emotions your kitty experiences. While anti-anxiety medications might have a sedating component, they can be an useful coping tool for cats with little to moderate anxiety.
Talk with your vet about your specific animal so you can collaborate to discover a treatment to assist provide your cat relief.
How to Sedate Your Cat for Travel Safely
Non-medicated soothing help such as pheromones are a-okay to buy as an over the counter item and use at home. If your finicky feline needs a medicated sedative, you must always consult your veterinarian for safe dosing and administering.
Cat Sedation Side Effects: How Your Kitty’s Behavior Might Be Affected Temporarily
Depending on the medication and dose as recommended by your veterinarian, your cat’s behavior could range from Zen and drowsy to really dazed with troubles strolling. “Talk to your vet about the expectations and prospective side results of sedating medication.
For lighter dosages of sedation, Pankratz states you can expect your kitty to return to regular behavior in about 5 hours or so. While your cat gradually ends up being more aware of her environments, and she gets her cat-like reflexes back, Pankratz suggests keeping her in a safe space.
