There are plenty of instances when sedating a cat can be the best choice for both you and your cat or kitten. However, not all cat owners understand when the best time to sedate a cat is.
If you’re wondering whether you should sedate your cat, the answer is no — at least, not on your own. Sedatives are strong medications that should only be administered by professionals.
Of course, there are alternatives to sedation that you can consider. Read on to learn about the best times to consider sedating your cat.
Can I Sedate My Cat To Cut His Nails?
You should only sedate your cat to cut his or her fingernails if:
- Your cat suffers from extreme anxiety.
- Your vet recommends sedation for nail trimming.
If both of these requirements are not met, then sedation could be too extreme for nail trimming.
Instead of sedation, you can always try to calm your cat down before a nail trimming. If trimming is not going well, then consider taking your cat in for a professional nail trimming.
Can I Sedate My Cat For A Flight?
Generally speaking no, you should not fully sedate your cat for a flight. However, there are several medications you can ask your vet to prescribe to make traveling less stressful for you and your cat.
Gabapentin
Commonly prescribed to humans, gabapentin is also great for pets like cats. In small doses, gabapentin helps soothe and relax cats, ideal for long trips in a plane or car. Ask your vet if this is the right choice for your cat.
Benedryl
While benedryl isn’t technically a sedative, side effects can cause drowsiness — perfect for short-term calming. Of course, benedryl is not the right answer for all cats, and some cats could have an adverse reaction to benedryl.
Ask your vet for tips on using benedryl with your cat before giving your cat medicine.
Can I Sedate My Cat For Teeth Cleaning?
Cat’s teeth often go ignored, and that can be bad news for your cat. Taking your cat in for an annual teeth cleaning can be great for your cat’s health. However, this process can be incredibly stressful for cats.
If you do take your cat in for a teeth cleaning, expect your cat to be sedated first. This is to ensure that nothing goes wrong during the cleaning and that your cat comes out healthier than they went in.
How To Safely Sedate A Cat
The best way to safely sedate a cat is with professional assistance. However, there are ways to relax your cat at home without strong sedatives.
- Catnip can be great for cats with anxiety.
- Supplements and herbal treatments work as natural relaxants.
- Creating a calm, stress-free environment for a cat by minimizing loud noises and bright lights can help calm your cat.
What Can I Use To Sedate My Cat For Grooming?
If you need to sedate your cat for grooming at home, catnip or benedryl could be your best options. Be sure to consult your vet before giving your cat benedryl.
FAQs for Can I Sedate My Cat?
Low-intensity sedatives, such as supplements or gabapentin, can be given to your cat at home. However, we recommend visiting a vet before giving your cat sedatives.
Cats are active in low light hours but usually sleep throughout the night. There shouldn’t be a need to sedate your cat at night.
When ingested, catnip can have a calming and relaxing effect on your cat. When sniffed, catnip acts as an energizer. Getting your cat to eat catnip can help relax it.
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