Just like humans, our feline companions can experience anxiety disorders. Whether it’s generalized anxiety or specific triggers like thunderstorms or separation anxiety, cats can suffer significantly. If you suspect your cat is struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone and help is available. Understanding Cat Anxiety Medication is the first step in helping your furry friend regain their peace of mind.
The initial and most crucial step in addressing your cat’s anxiety is a consultation with your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your cat’s anxious behavior and discuss whether cat anxiety medication is the right path forward. Your vet might also recommend environmental changes, behavioral therapy, or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist, a specialist in animal behavior.
It’s important to understand that medication is often just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Managing your cat’s environment and incorporating behavior modification techniques are equally vital for long-term success in alleviating feline anxiety.
How Does Cat Anxiety Medication Work?
Anxiety in cats can manifest in diverse ways, from excessive meowing and hiding to aggression and inappropriate elimination. To address this range of symptoms, there are both long-term and short-term cat anxiety medications available.
Long-Term Cat Anxiety Medications for Daily Management
Long-term cat anxiety medications are designed for daily use and require consistent administration to build up in your cat’s system. These medications typically take four to six weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect.
If your veterinarian prescribes a long-term medication and it proves effective, your cat will likely need to continue it for a minimum of two to three months. During this time, you can work on behavior modification and environmental adjustments to further support your cat’s well-being. Once your cat’s behavior is stable, your vet can guide you on gradually weaning them off the medication if appropriate.
For some cats with chronic anxiety, long-term medication may be beneficial for six months, a year, or even longer. Regular veterinary check-ups, including blood work and behavioral re-evaluations, are essential to ensure the medication remains the best course of action and that your cat’s overall health is monitored.
Short-Term Cat Anxiety Medications for Occasional Stress
Short-term cat anxiety medications offer rapid relief and are designed for situational anxiety triggers. These medications take effect more quickly and their effects last for a shorter duration, typically a few hours. They are ideal for predictable stressful events like car rides, vet visits, or fireworks.
Because short-term medications are used as needed, there’s usually no requirement to wean your cat off them if they are not used regularly. However, always follow your veterinarian’s specific instructions.
Exploring Different Types of Cat Anxiety Medications
It’s crucial to note that many medications used to treat anxiety in cats are used “off-label.” This means the medication isn’t specifically approved for use in cats by regulatory bodies but can be prescribed by a veterinarian when they believe it’s the most appropriate treatment, especially when no approved medications are suitable. This is legal and common practice in veterinary medicine.
Many cat anxiety medications are formulated as tablets that may be too large for easy administration to cats. In such cases, your veterinarian might recommend compounding the medication through a specialty pharmacy. Compounding allows the medication to be customized into palatable forms like flavored chewable tablets, liquid solutions, capsules, or even transdermal gels that are absorbed through the skin.
Here’s an overview of commonly prescribed cat anxiety medications, categorized by their type and use, along with potential side effects:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a class of antidepressants commonly used for long-term anxiety management in cats. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and behavior.
Fluoxetine
Indications:
- Generalized anxiety (moderate to severe)
- Aggression towards people or other animals
- Compulsive behaviors
- Urine spraying
- Inappropriate urination
- Panic disorder
- Fearful behavior
- Overgrooming
Fluoxetine (often known by the brand name Prozac, though generics are available) is a widely used SSRI in veterinary medicine. It blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available. Increased serotonin levels can help reduce anxiety, reactivity, and impulsive behaviors over time.
This medication requires consistent daily administration and typically takes four to six weeks to reach its full effect.
Potential Side Effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Agitation
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Urine retention
Many side effects are mild and tend to subside within the first couple of weeks. However, if your cat experiences a significant decrease in appetite, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian, as an alternative medication may be necessary.
Paroxetine
Indications:
- Generalized anxiety (moderate to severe)
- Aggression towards people or other cats
- Compulsive behaviors
- Urine spraying
- Inappropriate urination
- Fearful behavior
- Overgrooming
Paroxetine (brand name Paxil, generics available) is another SSRI option, similar to fluoxetine in its mechanism of action. It can be a suitable alternative for cats who experience agitation or appetite suppression with fluoxetine, as it is generally considered less sedating.
Paroxetine also requires four to six weeks to become fully effective and is administered once daily. Abruptly stopping this medication is not recommended. Caution is advised when using paroxetine in cats with pre-existing heart conditions.
Potential Side Effects:
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty urinating
Sertraline
Indications:
- Generalized anxiety (mild to moderate)
- Inappropriate elimination
- Fearful behavior
- Urine spraying
- Impulse or compulsion issues
Sertraline (brand name Zoloft, generics available) is another SSRI that functions similarly to fluoxetine and paroxetine, increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It is often considered for milder cases of anxiety.
Like other SSRIs, sertraline takes four to six weeks to reach full effectiveness and is given once daily. Discontinuation should be gradual, under veterinary guidance.
Potential Side Effects:
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Agitation
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Sertraline is often reported to have a lower incidence of side effects compared to other SSRIs, making it a well-tolerated option for many cats.
Clomipramine
Indications:
- Generalized anxiety (moderate to severe)
- Aggression towards people, cats, or other animals
- Compulsive behaviors
- Urine spraying
- Inappropriate urination
- Panic disorder
- Fearful behavior
- Separation anxiety
Clomipramine (brand name Clomicalm, generics available) is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). TCAs, including clomipramine, modulate both serotonin and norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. This dual action helps reduce anxiety and aggression in cats.
Clomipramine, like SSRIs, requires four to six weeks to become fully effective and is administered once daily. It should not be stopped abruptly. Caution is advised in cats with heart disease or epilepsy.
Potential Side Effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Urine retention
Azapirones
Azapirones are another class of anxiolytic medications that work differently from SSRIs and TCAs, primarily affecting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain.
Buspirone
Indications:
- Generalized anxiety (mild to moderate)
- Fearful behavior
Buspirone (brand name Buspar, generics available) is an azapirone that targets serotonin and dopamine receptors. It is often used for milder anxiety cases and can be particularly helpful for fear-related anxiety.
Buspirone also requires four to six weeks to reach its therapeutic effect and is given once daily. It should not be discontinued suddenly.
Potential Side Effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Sedation
- Increased affection towards the owner
- Increased confidence
Interestingly, some cats on buspirone may exhibit increased confidence, even becoming more assertive in multi-cat households if they were previously timid.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of fast-acting tranquilizers that enhance the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve signals, resulting in a calming effect. These medications are typically used for short-term anxiety relief.
Alprazolam
Indications:
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Panic disorder
- Fear
- Urine spraying
Alprazolam (brand name Xanax, generics available) is a short-acting benzodiazepine that takes effect rapidly, usually within 30 minutes. It can be administered every eight to twelve hours as needed for anxiety-provoking events.
Tolerance and dependence can develop with daily use of alprazolam. If a cat has been on it long-term, it should be weaned off gradually under veterinary supervision. Alprazolam should be used cautiously in cats with aggression issues, as it can sometimes lower inhibitions and paradoxically worsen aggression in some individuals.
Potential Side Effects:
- Lethargy
- Sedation
- Loss of motor coordination
- Increased appetite
- Excitement
- Aggressive behavior
Lorazepam
Indications:
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Panic disorder
- Fear
Lorazepam (brand name Ativan, generics available) is another short-acting benzodiazepine similar to alprazolam in its mechanism and onset of action. It also works by enhancing GABA activity and takes effect within 30 minutes. It is typically given every 12 hours.
Like alprazolam, lorazepam carries the risk of tolerance and dependence with daily use and requires gradual withdrawal after prolonged use. It should also be used cautiously in cats with pre-existing aggression.
Potential Side Effects:
- Lethargy
- Sedation
- Loss of motor coordination
- Increased appetite
- Paradoxical excitement
- Disinhibition of aggressive behavior
Oxazepam
Indications:
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Panic disorder
- Fear
Oxazepam (brand name Serax, generics available) is a benzodiazepine with a slightly longer duration of action compared to alprazolam and lorazepam. It also works by enhancing GABA activity and takes effect within 30 minutes. It can be administered every 24 hours.
Oxazepam also carries the risk of tolerance and dependence with daily use and requires gradual withdrawal after prolonged use. It should be used cautiously in cats with pre-existing aggression.
Potential Side Effects:
- Lethargy
- Sedation
- Loss of motor coordination
- Increased appetite
- Paradoxical excitement
- Disinhibition of aggressive behavior
Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARIs)
SARIs are a class of antidepressants that work through a combination of mechanisms, including increasing serotonin levels and blocking certain serotonin receptors.
Trazodone
Indications:
- Anxiety
- Aggression
Trazodone (brand name Desyrel, generics available) is a SARI that increases serotonin levels in the central nervous system. It is a short-acting medication, taking effect within 60 to 90 minutes, and its effects last for approximately eight to twelve hours.
Trazodone is often used for situational anxiety, such as vet visits or travel, and can also be used for post-surgical calming.
Potential Side Effects:
- Lethargy
- Sedation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Drooling
Anticonvulsants
While primarily used to control seizures, some anticonvulsants also have anxiety-reducing properties.
Gabapentin
Indications:
- Anxiety related to pain
- Aggression related to pain
Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin, generics available) is an anticonvulsant that works by affecting calcium channels in the brain, reducing neuronal excitability. It is particularly useful for anxiety associated with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, nerve pain, or cancer.
Important Note: Avoid using human oral solutions of gabapentin, as they often contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to cats. Veterinary-specific formulations are available and safe for cats.
Gabapentin is short-acting, taking effect within 60 to 90 minutes, and its effects last for about eight to twelve hours.
Potential Side Effects:
- Lethargy
- Sedation
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Agitation
- Drooling
Featured Image: iStock.com/w-ings
Conclusion: Partnering with Your Vet for a Calmer Cat
Cat anxiety medication can be a valuable tool in managing feline anxiety and improving your cat’s quality of life. However, it’s crucial to remember that medication is most effective when combined with environmental management and behavior modification strategies.
Always consult with your veterinarian as the first step in addressing your cat’s anxiety. They can diagnose the underlying cause of the anxiety, recommend the most appropriate medication if needed, and guide you on a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your cat’s specific needs. With the right approach and veterinary guidance, you can help your anxious cat find calm and live a happier, more relaxed life.
WRITTEN BY
Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB
Veterinarian
Dr. Wailani Sung is a veterinarian passionate about helping pet owners prevent and manage behavior problems in companion animals, improving the bond between pets and their families.
