Sedative for cats on the road: a list of drugs, instructions for use and advice from veterinarians

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Cats are surprisingly graceful and freedom-loving creatures. But despite their independence and some waywardness in behavior, they are incredibly sensitive and vulnerable animals. There can be many reasons for stress in cats: a trip to the veterinarian, the appearance of a new tenant in the apartment, moving to a new place, being on the road. And it doesn’t matter at all whether this trip will be several days long or it will be an hour trip to the grandmother’s country house: the animal will be worried and stressed from being in an unfamiliar environment for him. Of course, there are unique "instances" of adventurous cats and cats that perceive any movement in an unfamiliar space with joy. However, this is rather an exception that proves the rule: cats have a hard time on the road. In such situations, a sedative for cats can come to the rescue. It is a must to take it on the road.

Why can a catexperience stress on the road

Mostly animals, and cats are no exception, obey the natural instinct of self-preservation. The basic principle of this instinct is the ability to control the situation and anticipate danger in time. And four-legged pets can easily cope with this task within the walls of their home - where all objects and corners have long been studied, smells are familiar, food and water are within visible limits, and a place to sleep is agreed with the owners. Another thing is the travel situation. It can be difficult to do without sedatives for cats on the road. After all, almost everything, from unfamiliar smells and sounds, ending with the elementary uncertainty of their future, frightens the animal. If, in addition, the cat is naturally sensitive or has recently had an illness, then there will be even more stress. An important factor is the habitat of a fluffy traveler - if a cat or a cat lives in a private house with the ability to go outside, then the trip will not be such a severe test. Conversely, in the case where the animal did not go beyond the limits of the landing, any movement outside will lead him to a state of nervous excitement.

Advice from veterinarians before the road

There are a few simple tips for owners to help reduce the anxiety level of the animal. So:

1. Cats, as mentioned above, are very receptive and sensitive creatures. They literally read the mood of their owner. So before the tripit is necessary to remain calm: it is worth avoiding the turmoil when collecting things. Excessive emotionality and excitability will instantly be transferred to a furry friend. The best solution would be to gradually collect things and not rush.
2. It is necessary to take care in advance about the choice of a sedative for the cat on the road. It is advisable to give preference to one or another drug after visiting the veterinarian and receiving his recommendations. Reading owner reviews will be of great help.
3. Special attention should be paid to a cat carrier - it must be made of quality materials and match the size and weight of the animal. If the carrier is not used for the first time, then there will probably be odors and animal hair in it - this will facilitate the task of staying in it. If the cat travels for the first time, then it is worth putting the purchased house for the road in a conspicuous place so that it can properly examine it.
4. It is worth taking care of the food of the animal on the road. It is likely that due to stress, the cat will completely refuse to eat. However, food and water should be on hand. Experts also advise taking your furry friend's favorite treat with you.
5. If your cat has a favorite toy or personal bedding, be sure to take them with you on the road. These pieces of home will give you confidence in stressful situations.

Plant-Based Preparations: Methods of Use

The most popular cat sedatives in this category are:

1. "Fiteks" (liquid for instillation). Contains medicinal herbs. This remedy should not be used for low blood pressure in a pet. Give 3-5 drops in the morning, afternoon and evening. Can be added to food provided that it is completely eaten.
2. "Stop stress" (drops) - soothing drops for cats. Similar in composition to the drug "Fitex", but also contain phenibut. Apply at the rate of 1 kg of animal - 1 drop of the product. Give in two doses.
3. "Cat Bayun" (tablets and infusion). They contain only plant substances, they can be given to cats from 10 months. The result is achieved after 5-7 days of use.
4. "Phospasim" (liquid for injections and drops). The drug is fast acting. Consists of medicinal herbs and mineral components. Injections are administered subcutaneously or into the muscle, 0.1 ml per 1 kg of animal weight. Drops - 10-15 drops 1-2 times a day. The course lasts about 10 days.
5. "Feliway" (in the form of a spray or a bottle with a substance for connecting to an outlet). Its distinguishing feature is that it contains pheromone F. The drug is odorless and colorless. Non-toxic.

Preparations with a chemical composition

These funds can be used only after consultation with a veterinarian and after prescribing the necessary dosage for each individual cat. They have quite a few contraindications and are used exclusively in emergency situations:

1. "Buspirone" (tablets). An effective stress reliever for cats. However, the effect of the drug does not begin immediately, but after a few weeks of admission (about a month). It has the effect of accumulation in the body of the animal. It is prescribed for phobias in an animal.
2. "Diazepam" is a strong tranquilizer. Quickly calms and relieves aggression in a cat, however, it has a number of contraindications.
3. "Vetranquil" (fluid for injections). Very quickly calms, eliminates the excitability and nervousness of the animal. Begins to work in a few minutes.
4. "Amitriptyline" (liquid for injections). It is used for injections into the muscles and veins of the animal. It has a strong sedative effect. Relieves aggression and severe stress in cats. Acts quickly. Has a number of contraindications.
5. "Xylazine" (fluid for injections). It has a strong sedative effect. It starts working in a few minutes. It will help to remove the strong excitability of the animal, aggression, tension. It has a fairly large list of contraindications.

Recommendation for using sedatives for cats on the road

It should be remembered that when choosing a sedative for a furry friend, many factors must be taken into account. In the first place it is worth putting the well-being and individual characteristics of the animal, and only then focus on ease of use. Preparations that have chemicals in their composition can cause allergies in a cat, so they should be given with caution, making sure that the pet is he althy. Means containing components of plant origin are more preferable. However, they can also cause side effects. So it's worth startinggive them gradually, in small dosages. And, only after making sure that the cat is in good he alth, continue the course of taking this type of sedative for cats on the road. Often, the action of homeopathic remedies begins after 1-2 weeks of admission.

Sedative for cats on the go: reviews

When choosing a sedative for a cat, many owners are prejudiced against reviews of drugs on the Internet and do not pay attention to them. There are two sides of the coin: on the one hand, each animal is individual and it is difficult to say in advance what exactly suits him best. On the other hand, there are drugs with the majority of positive votes, respectively, trust in them may initially become higher. In general, reviews about herbal sedatives are good, the owners are satisfied with the results. As for products containing chemicals, the best alternative to choosing a drug, according to reviews, would be a personal consultation with a veterinarian who can accurately calculate the dosage and answer questions of concern. It should be remembered that each animal is individual and has a number of distinctive character traits.

Contraindications to the use of sedatives

Do not forget that any remedy, even homeopathic, has a number of contraindications. Therefore, it is still worth giving certain funds, as mentioned above, after consulting a veterinarian. In addition, under the absolute ban will be the use of sedatives during pregnancy.cats, feeding her kittens, as well as under the age of one year. Contraindications for he alth reasons include: renal or genitourinary pathologies, problems with pressure and vision, the period of the animal's illness. Also, in no case should you give such a popular valerian for cats. It, along with catnip, causes drug intoxication and harms the he alth of the animal.

Handy sedatives: how else to help a four-legged friend

Do not forget that a fluffy pet, although it sometimes behaves capriciously and overly mannered, depends on warmth and affection. Especially in a stressful situation, when everything familiar is replaced by the unknown and dangerous. A simple stroking and tickling behind the ear will cheer up the animal. Warm words of support, uttered in a native voice for a cat, will be a powerful help in the fight against nervous tension. And it doesn’t matter that the meaning of the words to the cat will be incomprehensible - much more important is the intonation with which they will be said, the emotional message. After all, only the owner knows how to caress and cheer up his furry friend. And, of course, do not forget about calmness - the state of its owner will be intuitively transmitted to the animal. It may be worth taking care not only of a sedative for a cat on the road, but also in case of stress and poor emotional well-being on a trip, purchase a human sedative. Have a nice trip and good mood all the way to both the owner and his furry pet!