There are a few veterinary medicine that are commonly used for treating anxiety in cats. Trazodone is one of these medications and it can be very effective in treating felines and canine anxiety disorders.
It is important to know the dosage guidelines for Trazodone when administering it to your cat, as improper dosing can lead to adverse effects.
This article is a comprehensive guide about Trazodone for cats, its benefits, side effect, safe serving ideas and more. Keep reading.
Key Takeaways:
- Trazodone treats anxiety in cats, including Fireworks Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Rescue and shelter Anxiety, and Fear Anxiety.
- The FDA does not approve this medicine for felines, but it can be prescribed legally as an extra-label medication.
- The safe trazodone dosage for cats is 2-5 mg/kg or 2-3 mg/lb. As a general rule, you can give trazodone 50mg/cat.
- Overdosing on the medicine is toxic and can lead your kitty to severe side effects.
- Ensure to follow your veterinarian’s advice and avoid self-medication.
What is Trazodone for cats?
Trazodone is a medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety in cats. It is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor, which means it works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This action helps to increase levels of serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Trazodone is also a dopamine agonist, which means it can help to stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation, so this effect can help to improve your cat’s overall mood.
Trazodone come in 50mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg oral tablets.
This drug is not approved by the FDA but it can be prescribed legally as an extra-label medication. Trazodone for dogs is also an effective medication to treat behavioral and anxiety issues.
Is Trazodone safe for cats?
Trazodone is generally safe for cats when used as directed. However, side effects can occur, so it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you have.
Trazodone can interact with other medications, so make sure your veterinarian is aware of all the medications your cat is taking.
Trazodone Dosage For Cats
The safe trazodone dosage for cats is 2-5 mg/kg or 2-3 mg/lb. As a general rule you can give trazodone 50mg/cat. The dose can be increases and decrease of the medication can depend on the several factors include feline body weight, severity of the anxiety or behavioral issue and overall health condition of the kitty.
The exact dosage and frequency will depend on your cat’s individual needs and should be determined by your veterinarian.
Always make sure to follow your veterinarian advice and avoid self-medication.
Dosage Calculator
Trazodone for Cats Dosage Chart by Weight
| Cat Weight in lbs. | Cat Weight in kg | Trazodone Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 lb | 2-3 kg | 5-15 mg |
| 8-11 lb | 4-5 kg | 8-25 mg |
| 13-17 lb | 6-8 kg | 12-40 mg |
| 19-26 lb | 9-12 kg | 18-50 mg |
50mg & 100mg Tablets Dosage Chart
| Cat Weight | 50mg Trazodone | 100mg Trazodone |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 kg | 1/4 Tablet | 1/6 Tablet |
| 4-5 kg | 1/3 Tablet | 1/4 Tablet |
| 6-8 kg | 1/2 Tablet | 1/3 Tablet |
| 9-12 kg | 1 Tablet | 1/2 Tablet |
Trazodone Uses for cats
Trazodone can aid your feline in many ways. Some of the most popular used of Trazodone for cats are:
1. Anxiety such as Fireworks Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Rescue and shelter Anxiety and Fear Anxiety
2. Noise Phobias Such as fireworks and thunderstorm
3. Visiting a veterinarian or Going for a Travel
4. Hospitalization or Adopting new House
5. Postoperative hospital
6. Adjunctive therapy
What are the benefits of Trazodone for cats?
Trazodone can be an effective treatment for anxiety in cats. It can help to reduce symptoms such as restlessness, pacing, meowing, and destructive behaviors.
Trazodone can also help to improve your kitty overall mood and make her feel more relaxed. In some cases, Trazodone can also be used to help cats with separation anxiety.
Side effects
The most common side effect of Trazodone is drowsiness. This effect is usually mild and goes away within a few days of starting the medication. Other possible side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea & vomiting
- Ataxia
- GI Upset
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Agitation (excitement, agitated state)
- Tachycardia
- Behavioral disinhibition
If you notice any of these side effects, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian.
How do I give my cat Trazodone?
1) Trazodone can be given orally or injected but the most used from for felines is the trazodone 50mg oral tablets. The oral form is usually given once daily.
2) Place the safe amount of trazodone tablet in your palm and offer it to your feline friend, encouraging them to sniff and lick it.
3) Gently rub your cat’s cheek with the tablet to stimulate their natural grooming reflex and help them swallow the medicine.
4) Offer a small amount of water after administering the tablet to help wash it down.
5) If your pet refuses to take the tablet, you can try hiding it in their food or wrapping it in a treat.
6) Give the tablet on empty stomach. If your cat has issue on empty stomach give the medicine after meal.
7) Do not overdose your kitty with trazodone overdosing is toxic and can lead to severe health complications
What happens if i give my cat too much trazodone?
Overdosing of any medicine is toxic and can lead your cat to severe health issues and even death. The same is the case for trazodone. If you give your pet too much trazodone, it can cause an overdose which can be very dangerous and life threatening for your feline.
Some of the symptoms of a trazodone overdose in cats include:
- 1) Vomiting
- 2) Diarrhea
- 3) Seizures
- 4) Extreme drowsiness or sleepiness
- 5) Coma
- 6) Death
If you think that your kitty has ingested too much trazodone, then it is important to seek professional medical help immediately and bring them to the vet.
How long does it take for Trazodone to work in cats?
The effects of Trazodone can be seen within a few hours. However, it may take several days or weeks for the full effects to be seen.
How long does Trazodone last in cats?
Trazodone typically lasts for six to eight hours in cats.
What to keep in mind when giving cat Trazodone?
When giving your cat Trazodone, it’s important to follow the dosage and frequency prescribed by your veterinarian. Trazodone can cause drowsiness, so make sure your cat has a safe place to rest after taking the medication.
Do not give Trazodone to kittens or pregnant cats unless directed by your veterinarian.
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Trazodone vs gabapentin for cats
Gabapentin is a medication that can be used to make cats feel less anxious when they go into the vet.
It’s primarily an anticonvulsant, meaning it binds with calcium channels in their brain and reduces symptoms of fearfulness or anxiety therefrom – though this drug has been found effective for use against other mood disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar affective illness (BPII)and generalized panic attacks.
Trazodone is a sedative, rather than an anti-anxiety medication. Low doses of trazodone antagonize receptors for serotonin (5HT2A), h1histamine and alpha-adrenergic which aids sleep by inducing drowsiness with its binding to norepinephrine in the brain.
