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Like you, your cat could become stressed due to multiple causes. The list of stress-inducing reasons includes the addition of another family member, taking the animal to the veterinarian or even moving to a new residential address. A calming prescription medication is ideal for your cat during those trying times.
Benzodiazepines and SSRIs
The veterinarian may prescribe benzodiazepines, a medicine
is given to treat anxiety-ridden cats. It is also given to felines with
aggression problems. The common medicine counter name of this compound is
lorazepam or diazepam. These drugs reduce the fear response of the cat. The
benzodiazepines, unlike other similar medications, work immediately. Your kitty
would be calm extremely quickly. Another type of anti-anxiety medication is
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. (SSRIs). The latter is prescribed to calm cats which
have behavioral problems.
These inhibitors affect the serotonin levels of the cat. The
drugs influence your kitty's serotonin- a chemical generated in the brain which
affects one's mood. The SSRIassist in reducing the cat's fear and anxiety. It
will reduce not only litter box issues, but also issues linked with other cats
present in your home or the neighborhood. Compulsive behaviors will also be
reduced. The effects, however, may not be instant. It could take even four
months for the SSRIs to be effective. Two good examples of SSRIs are sertraline
and fluoxetine.
Tests and natural medications
Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medication for
the cat if it suffers from stress for a more extended period. The animal will
show many problem behaviors like aggression or urine marking. Such medications
change the chemical nature of the cat's brain. This is done through an extended
time period. A few of these medications could be used for a more extended
period of time, like the SSRIs. Others, like benzodiazepines, could not be used
as they affect the memory of the cat. If the latter happens, the animal will
become sluggish. The medicines must be administered every day to observe any
results. If your cat takes prescription calming medications, then the kitty
must have a blood test every year. The tests will determine whether the liver
and kidneys are functioning correctly as they should. Since these medications
get metabolized by liver and kidneys, the cats suffering from medical issues in
these organs must not receive them.
You could give your natural
cat medications to calm your cat for a shorter time period, like flying with
your kitty or taking the animal to the veterinarian. The natural cat medications
to calm your cat are extracted from plants like valerian and chamomile. You do
not need a veterinarian's prescription to buy it from any shop. Add the same in
liquid form to your cat's food a little time before known anxiety causing event
for your cat.
