To be a cat owner, it’s necessary to learn how to sedate a cat. It doesn’t sound like the most fun activity in the world, but it has to be done.
Cats are very aggressive creatures. They’ll snap or claw at you if they find out you’re taking them on an adventure to the groomer or vet. Also, they may not enjoy the idea of travel either. Let’s face it.
All cats need to be groomed. It’s part of their health. Even though cats can groom themselves, they won’t be able to get rid of the fleas themselves.
Sedating a cat will help them feel safe and also make them feel less stressed about certain situations. Before you ever sedate your cat, talk with a veterinarian to make sure you have specific directions and medication. As the Mill House Veterinarian & Surgery Hospital explains, sedation will also calm a cats central nervous system.
In this article is eight effective ways on how to sedate your cat.
Table of Contents
1. Choosing the Right Medication
First of all, ask your vet regarding the numbers of different sedation. And also make sure your cat is examined correctly, so you’ll know if they’re healthy enough to be sedated. Once the vet gives you the clear, it’s time to discuss time frame, your cat’s weight, and how much medication to sedate them.
Medications
- Benzodiazepines – Reduces stress
- SARiz – Relieves anxiety
- Clonidine and Gabapentin – Treat blood pressure and nerve pain in humans, but this medication will treat to a cat’s anxiety
- Chlorpheniramine – An allergy and cold medicines that will treat epilepsy
2. Cat Sedative Medications to Inhale
There are many forms of medications you can give to sedate your cat. Of which include: Halothane, Isoflurane, and Sevoflurane. Cats will be able to inhale this sedative as it is a gas. However, studies have shown that cats won’t sit still and dislike the feeling of a mask sitting around their faces. It’s not a comfortable feeling for us all.
If cat owners would like to test out inhale sedatives they must place their cat into an acrylic box. A mixture of oxygen and gas is then pumped out, and effects will slowly register.
3. Using Anesthesia
Sedating a cat through anesthesia is said to be one of the safest possible ways. So, if your cat holds any associated health issues in its respiratory, then anesthesia is the most reliable option. Therefore, carefully monitor the cat’s behavior and breathing to make sure of no side effects.
4. Over the Counter Sedatives
Using over the counter drugs is not recommended, especially when cat owners don’t consult with the veterinarian first. Furthermore, certain medicines like diphenhydramine may help sedation, but could also negatively affect your cat’s health. It may change a cat’s blood pressure or glaucoma.
5. Injections
If you want to sedate your cat by injection, then you must use Acepromazine, diazepam, hydromorphone and ketamine sedatives. Based upon your cat’s weight the vet will determine for you how much you need to give them in dosage. Moreover, divide each sedation into small separate dosages so you won’t give your cat too much.
6. Wrap Your Kitty in a Blanket
One of the best practical ways to sedate a cat is wrapping them up in a blanket or even a body wrap. Body wraps give your cat a tender hug and instantly make your cat feel calm.
7. Sedate Your Cat Orally
Sedatives also come in pill form. Pills are the most popular of sedative medications pet owners give their cats. There are pills prescribed to just cats to sedate them.
Most common oral pill sedatives are:
- Buspirone
- Alprazolam
- Gabapentin
Although giving your cat a sedation pill seems more comfortable than other ways listen, you may have to trick your cat into taking medicine. Cats are known for being stubborn. Instead of trying to force it down their throats hide it in their food.
Lucky for you, Gabapentin comes in powdered form and will easily blend in. Your cat will not know the difference. That way, you won’t have bloody scratches on your hand.
8. Preparing for Sedation
If you have a cat who is too smart, then you must insert the medication into its mouth on your own. Similarly, take your cat and wrap her up into a blanket for close comfort. Kneel over them on two knees and hold them in a straddled position.
Then place your thumb and middle finger along the line of its jaw. Once you gently open their mouth, put the pill inside as far back in the mouth. Before they run off to make sure that they don’t spit the pill out, gently lift their face upwards and gently rub the throat area. Also, encourage your cat to swallow it as if it were a cute juicy mouse.
Remember, you’re the boss. Don’t let the cat win.
Side Effects
Well, there is a long record of side effects that could affect your cat’s overall health. All medications include these side effects.
- Dry Mouth
- Hallucinations
- Problems Urinating
- Disorientation
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Restless
- Loss of Appetite or Increased Appetite
- Anxiety, Agitation, and Hypotension
Note Their Responses
Depending on which sedation medication you have decided to treat your cat it’s essential to keep an eye on their behavior. Also, take note of any of their adverse reactions. The outcome is that your cat should be relaxed and looked tired. A cat should NEVER be unconscious.
Conclusion
Finally, sedating your cat is never easy. There are many ways owners can sedate their cats. The critical fact to always remember is that you must consult with your veterinarian before sedation. Some adverse side effects could occur to your cat’s health.
Be sure to figure out and take note of your cat’s behavior and responses to medication. Every species of cat reacts differently to medication. Likewise, never go by assumption. You should go by what works best for your cat. You’re only trying to make them feel less anxious. Thus, you don’t want to become anxious either.
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