Cats are surprisingly graceful and freedom-loving creatures. But despite their independence and a certain waywardness in behavior, they are incredibly sensitive and vulnerable animals. Cats can have many reasons for stress : going to the vet, the appearance of a new tenant in the apartment, moving to a new place, staying on the road. And it doesn’t matter at all whether this trip will be several days long or it will be an hour-long trip to the grandmother’s cottage: the animal will worry and experience stress from being in an unfamiliar environment. Of course, there are unique “specimens” of adventurous cats and cats that perceive any movement in an unfamiliar space with joy. However, this is rather an exception, confirming the rule: cats have a hard time on the road. A sedative for cats can come to the rescue in such situations. On the road, you need to take it.
Why can a cat feel stress while traveling
For the most part, 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 the danger in time. And the four-legged pets can easily cope with this task within the walls of their home - where all objects and angles have long been studied, smells are familiar, food and water are within visible limits, and the place to sleep is agreed with the owners. Another thing is the situation in travel. It is difficult to do without sedatives for cats on the road. Indeed, almost everything, from unfamiliar odors and sounds, ending with the elementary unknown of its future, scares the animal. If, moreover, the cat is sensitive in nature or has recently suffered a disease, then there will be even more stress. An important factor is the habitat of the furry traveler - if a cat or 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 when the animal did not go beyond the limits of the landing, any movement outside will lead him to a state of nervous excitement.
Veterinarian tips before the road
There are a few simple guidelines for hosts to help reduce your animal’s experience. So:
- Cats, as mentioned above, are very receptive and sensitive creatures. They literally read the mood of their owner. Therefore, you must remain calm before the trip: you should avoid the clutter when collecting things. Excessive emotionality and excitability will instantly be transmitted to a furry friend. The most optimal solution would be a gradual collection of things and the absence of rush.
- It is necessary to take care in advance of choosing a sedative for the cat on the road. It is advisable to give preference to a particular drug after visiting a veterinarian and receiving his recommendations. A great help will be reading the reviews of the owners.
- Special attention should be paid to carrying a cat - it should be made of quality materials and appropriate for the size and weight of the animal. If the carrier is used not for the first time, then the smell and coat of the animal must have remained in it - this will facilitate the task of staying in it. If the cat is traveling for the first time, then it is worth putting the acquired house for the road in a prominent place so that it can properly examine it.
- It is worth taking care of the nutrition 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 at hand. Experts also advise you to bring your furry friend’s favorite treat with you.
- If the cat has a favorite toy or personal litter, be sure to take them with you on the road. These parts of the house will give confidence in stressful situations.
Herbal preparations: methods of use
The most popular sedatives for cats in this category are:
- Fiteks (liquid for instillation). As a part - medicinal herbs. This tool can not be used at low pressure in a pet. It should be given 3-5 drops in the morning, afternoon and evening. You can add to the food, provided that it is completely eaten.
- “Stop stress” (drops) - sedative drops for cats. They are similar in composition to the Fiteks preparation, but also contain phenibut. They are used per 1 kg of animal - 1 drop of the product. It should be given in two divided doses.
- "Cat Bayun" (pills and infusion). They contain only plant substances; cats can be given from 10 months. The result is achieved after 5-7 days of administration.
- "Fospasim" (liquid for injections and drops). The drug is quick enough. Consists of medicinal herbs and mineral components. Injections are injected subcutaneously or into the muscle at 0.1 ml per 1 kg of animal weight. Drops - 10-15 drops 1-2 times a day. The course lasts about 10 days.
- “Felivey” (in the form of a spray or a bottle with a substance for connecting to an outlet). Its distinguishing feature is pheromone F. It is odorless and colorless. Non toxic
Chemical preparations
These funds can be used only after consulting with a veterinarian and after prescribing the necessary dosage for each specific cat. They have quite a few contraindications and are used exclusively in emergency situations:
- Buspirone (tablets). Effective stress reliever for cats. However, the effect of the drug does not begin immediately, but after several weeks of administration (about a month). It has the effect of accumulation in the body of the animal. It is prescribed for phobias in animals.
- Diazepam is a powerful tranquilizer. It quickly calms and relieves aggressiveness in a cat, however, it has a number of contraindications.
- "Vetranquil" (liquid for injections). Very quickly calms, eliminates the excitability and nervousness of the animal. It takes effect in a few minutes.
- "Amitriptyline" (liquid for injections). It is used for injection into the muscles and veins of the animal. It has a pronounced sedative effect. Relieves aggression and severe stress in a cat. Acts fast. It has a number of contraindications.
- "Xylazine" (liquid for injections). It has a pronounced sedative effect. It begins to act 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.
Recommendations for using sedatives for cats on the go
It should be remembered that when choosing a sedative for a furry friend, many factors must be taken into account. In the first place is to put the well-being and individual characteristics of the animal and only then focus on ease of use. Preparations with chemicals in their composition can cause allergies in cats, so they should be given with caution, making sure the pet's health. Means containing components of plant origin are more preferred. However, they can cause side effects. Therefore, it is worth starting to give them gradually, in small dosages. And, just making sure the cats are well, continue the course of taking this type of sedative for cats on the road. Often, the effect of homeopathic remedies begins after 1-2 weeks of admission.
Soothing for cats on the road: reviews
When choosing a sedative for a cat, many owners are prejudiced by reviews of drugs on the Internet and do not pay attention to them. There are two sides to the coin: on the one hand, each animal is individual and difficult to say in advance what exactly suits him best. On the other hand, there are drugs with a 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 the means containing chemicals, the best alternative to choosing a drug, according to reviews, would be a personal consultation with a veterinarian who will be able to accurately calculate the dosage and answer exciting questions. 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 worthwhile to give certain funds, as mentioned above, after consulting a veterinarian. In addition, the absolute prohibition will be the use of sedatives during the pregnancy of the cat, feeding her kittens, as well as under the age of one year. Contraindications for health reasons include: renal or genitourinary pathologies, problems with pressure and vision, the period of illness of the animal. Also, in no case should you give such a popular valerian for cats. She along with catnip causes drug intoxication and harms the health of the animal.
Assistants sedatives: how else to help a four-legged friend
Do not forget that the furry pet, although it behaves periodically, willfully and excessively mannered, depends on heat 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 the animal up. The warm words of support spoken by the cat’s native voice will prove to be a powerful help in the fight against nervous tension. And it doesn’t matter that the meaning of the words is unclear to the cat - the intonation with which they are spoken, the emotional message is much more important. 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 transmitted to the animal intuitively. Perhaps you should take care not only of a sedative for the cat on the road, but also in the event of stress and poor emotional well-being during the trip, acquire a human sedative. Enjoy your trip and good mood all along the way for both the owner and his furry pet!