Can you sedate a cat

Improving the feline experience at the time of the veterinary visit and time surrounding that visit is imperative in cats. Cats, however, can be a far more challenging species to judge behaviorally as they are often less interactive and more elusive than dogs.

The therapies included in this brief article are meant to reduce anxiety and arousal in cats, with the goal of enhancing the entire veterinary visit experience for all involved.

Whenever possible, a full physical exam should be done before prescribing pre-hospital sedatives. Gabapentin binds to calcium a 2 -d receptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and forebrain, having an inhibitory effect. In the acute setting, sedation following gabapentin administration is often profound.

This was highlighted in a recent study in which both owners and veterinarians observed stress reduction, improved compliance, and less aggression in cats that received gabapentin 90 minutes prior to transport to the veterinary hospital. Cats should be more closely supervised on stairs or when jumping place to place given ataxia that may occur following administration.

Dosing recommendations and timelines are proposed below Table 1. Trazodone is classified as a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor SARI , 1,7,8 with historical use in anxious dogs. Two recent studies in two different feline populations — 1 a research setting 7 and 2 client-owned cats in the clinical setting 8 — indicated that trazodone was well tolerated and resulted in cats with improved behavior and tractability scores.

Of note in the clinical study was that owners, too, observed key behavioral improvements following trazodone administration in comparison to placebo. Pharmacokinetic data have not been measured, but studies indicate peak sedation within hours after dosing Table 1.

There are various ways to sedate a cat for grooming but extreme care and consultation with your vet is necessary if you opt for a method that requires medication. You can effectively sedate your cat before the grooming session with the use of over the counter sedatives.

However, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian before administering this type of sedatives. Make sure to ask your vet how far ahead of time should you give the medication before the actual grooming session.

Discuss your options and choice of sedatives with your vet or better yet ask your vet for the best recommendations that he can give. Aside from over the counter sedatives, there are also natural alternatives you may use to sedate your cat :. Trough the use of CBD oil.

Try CBD oil or favorite is Chill Paws , which helps many cats with anxiety, agression and other behavioral problems. Through the use of synthetic pheromones. Through the use of body wraps and towel wraps. Here are some things to keep in mind as you arrive with your cat for the surgery:. Our veterinary surgical team will monitor your cat carefully before, during and after your cat's procedure.

Your cat may feel sedated for a period of time after it goes home. Some cats may not regain their appetite until they next day. Our staff will talk to you about your cat's home-care plan. You will receive specific instructions before your cat is released.

If you should have any questions or concerns, please call Metropolitan Veterinary Center right away. We are here to help! Visit our office to get the latest in top-quality veterinary care along with unparalleled service. Address: S. Michigan Avenue, Ste. Share this.

Author Recent Posts. Sarah Holliday. Head Vet Nurse at Vet4life - Teddington. She has certificates in feline and canine behaviour and is currently studying for a certificate in nursing exotic animals. Latest posts by Sarah Holliday see all. Search for:. Contact Us Teddington: Shepperton: Surbiton: Or send us a message. Our Reviews. Big Bear Award Here are some of the stories of courage and bravery, and some the wonderful animals we work with every day.