Can I sedate my cat for plane?

Sedatives can interfere with regular breathing and other bodily responses, and pets may react differently and unexpectedly to medications when they are in the air. In fact, most airlines will not fly a sedated pet, as over-sedation can be a cause of animal death during air transport.



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Buprenorphine (brand names Buprenex®, Simbadol® ), gabapentin (brand name Neurontin®), and alprazolam (brand names: Xanax®, Niravam®) are examples of medications that are sometimes prescribed by veterinarians to reduce the anxiety that some cats experience when traveling.

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Confine your pet Use a pet restraint, preferably a hard-shelled crate, to keep your cat contained in the car. If you're flying to your new home, follow your airline's recommendations for the proper crate or carrier. Make sure the carrier is secured and level in a seat with a vent pointing toward it for ventilation.

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The mild sedative used in Benadryl is sometimes recommended by veterinarians for anxiety. An example would be traveling by car or airplane. Some cats get quite anxious or upset when traveling and giving Benadryl can be an excellent sedative for traveling.

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Benadryl dosage for cats However, recommended doses of Benadryl for cats are typically 1 mg per 1 pound, to be given every 8-12 hours as needed. Consult your vet and use this interactive calculator to determine how much Benadryl you should give your cat.

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Benadryl dosage for cats You should always consult your vet before beginning any medication regimen. However, recommended doses of Benadryl for cats are typically 1 mg per 1 pound, to be given every 8-12 hours as needed.

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Yes, you can give your cat melatonin. Melatonin supplements are often given to cats to help with anxiety or stress-related issues that may cause difficulty sleeping.

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During your flight, don't take antihistamines, and reduce your chance of a blood clot by drinking lots of water, stretching in your seat, and moving about the cabin as much as is appropriate.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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Here are a few things you can do to make kitty's ride less stressful. Play classical music specifically composed for cats and/or purring sounds. Through a Cat's ear and purr apps are great options. Spray Feliway, a calming pheromone, in your car and/or the carrier 10- 15 minutes prior to your cat entering.

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As in humans, Benadryl can also have a sedative effect in cats, but Eddy cautions that it can have the opposite effect as well: Instead of calming your cat, your cat could become even more fired up, he says. Finally, you could potentially use Benadryl to prevent motion sickness in your cat before riding in the car.

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