Trazodone is considered safe for cats, though it can lead to side effects like sleepiness or watery eyes. If veterinary visits or other anxiety-inducing situations are stressing your cat out, talk to your veterinarian about using trazodone to help your cat calm down.
About Trazodone for Cats
Trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist (5-HT2A) reuptake inhibitor. This means it is a type of antidepressant medication.
In the US, trazodone is neither a federally scheduled nor a controlled substance. In certain jurisdictions, it is still regarded as a drug of interest that necessitates further oversight by veterinary healthcare professionals.
It is typically used to address behavioral issues and situational stress or anxiety, with a focus on shorter-term benefits. Typical feline stressors include hospital stays, car or plane travel, and veterinary clinic visits.
Although trazodone is more frequently used in dogs, studies in cats have demonstrated that it is a feasible option for cats as well.
For the long term treatment of anxiety and other behavioral disorders in dogs, trazodone may be used in conjunction with other medications. But this isn’t a typical sign that cats are using it.
Also Read: Best Large Cat Carriers For Travel Reviewed
Trazodone for Cats Dosage
Trazodone is not FDA-approved for use in cats. It is regarded as off-label use in cats, which is highly typical in veterinary medicine. Doses are frequently determined by research, clinical expertise, and patient responses.
In the 10-cat study from JAVMA, a dose of 50mg per cat (not 50mg per kilogram) was used 60-90 minutes prior to a veterinary visit and a generally good response was seen.
However, the optimal dosage and length of trazodone use vary greatly amongst patients. For instance, in a different study, 100 mg was used, but peak sedation didn’t happen for two hours. The cats’ behavior did not considerably improve in this study.
In another study, when used with about 100mg of gabapentin, a reduced dose of trazodone of about 25 mg, was used.
Because of this, it’s advisable to talk to your veterinarian about trazodone dosage before taking it. This is particularly relevant if your cat is currently taking additional stress or anxiety medications.
Cats may be treated with the sedative and anxiety-reducing drug trazodone. It is particularly helpful for providing momentary relief from tension and anxiety associated with travel or veterinary visits. It appears to be well-tolerated in general. On the other hand, cats taking other medications, particularly those for anxiety relief, should use it with caution.
Also Read: The 7 Best Calming Cat Treats
Will trazodone put my cat to sleep?
Yes, trazodone can assist in giving cats some sedation if by “put to sleep” we mean sedation. When given at standard dosages to cats who are otherwise healthy, it rarely results in excessive sedation.
FAQ
How much trazodone can I give to my cat?
Is there a difference between human trazodone and pet trazodone?
Can animals take human trazodone?
How long before a vet should you give trazodone?