Hi. My cat gets car sick, but we need to travel with him for the holiday. I'd like to make the trip as comfortable as possible for everyone. My vet said to give our kitty Dramamine. Has anyone done this before? I don't want to totally knock him out, and dramamine is strong. We'll give him only a little, but I'm still concerned about the side effects.
2006-11-22 02:55:49 · 8 answers · asked by tish 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
PS: Thank you for your concern about the vet. As my question states, my vet suggested Dramamine in the first place (and gave us dosage). I was looking for real world experience from other pet owners b/c a doctors advice alone isn't always enough to assuage my fears.
2006-11-22 06:40:42 · update #1
One of my own cats suffers from motion sickness, and has a knack for vomiting when we're in sight of our destination but not quite there yet. Most human drugs will work with cats; dramamine and meclazine are the two most common drugs (they're called anti-emetics - emetic = vomit). One usually works better than the other, so it might be a good idea to purchase both and do a test run before you actually head out for the long haul. The dosages are very similar.
One question, though: does he do fine, and vomit without any sort of stress associated, or does he vomit as a result of panic from the car ride itself? Vomiting from motion sickness and vomiting from stress have very different causes, and drugs like meclazine and dramamine suppress the part of the nervous system that causes the nausea; it will not stop vomiting that's associated with a cat that's fired up simply from being in the car. If you find it's most likely stress induced, you can obtain light sedatives from your veterinarian (most common being a drug called acepromazine - if dosed correctly, it'll just take the edge off, not knock him on his bottom).
It also might be helpful to pull his food at midnight tonight - if he's got less in his belly, he's less likely to feel icky. He should be able to go 24 or so hours without food and not experience any problems. (Exception: diabetic)
Have a great holiday, and I hope your travel goes smoothly!
2006-11-22 03:45:58 · answer #1 · answered by sjlawson12 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ditto "ladsmrt's" advice. contact your vet, that's the only person to ask for this type of situation.
good luck.
**"Blue Eyes" we are simply saying that she needs to refer back to her vet to know exactly how much Dramamine to give the kitty where it won't be harmful, that's all. Animal's systems are delicate so she may need to give him a little less than half, but we are no experts so she will need to refer to one.
I am glad for the question, I didn't even know that cats could even take Dramamine. Personally, Dramamine works wonders for me. I get motion sickness easily but not once did I get sick on a seven day cruise I just took, all because I took Dramamine. ;)
2006-11-22 03:05:02 · answer #2 · answered by Mia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your vet said to use Dramamine, then he should have given you a precise doseage, not "only a little". He would have said 1/4 of a tablet or whatever.
Give him a call back and see what the exact doseage you should give and when you should give it. usually, medication for traveling is given 1/2 to 1 hour before the trip in order to start working.
2006-11-22 03:42:01 · answer #3 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dramamine may be too harsh for your cat (due to size). Here are a few things you can do to prevent kitty sickness while traveling.
Turn on the fresh-air vent and/or fan.
Make sure you do not have any smelly air fresherners in your car for the smell of it can irritate the cat's tummy. Stronger smells in smaller places can make anyone sick to their stomach.
Another option is placing you cat high enough for you to see him/her. This will limit anxiety and motion sickness.
A small dose of Thorazine (a sedative) may help your cat too. Talk to your vet before traveling.
Hope these help you! Happy Holidays!
2006-11-22 04:58:26 · answer #4 · answered by no 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Cat Gets Car Sick
2017-02-23 09:26:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ladsmart. Use your brain and read the question. She said her VET told her to use it. As far as the question goes, I always use 1/2 Tylenol pm. What ever you give your cat make sure it doesn't have aspirin in it.
2006-11-22 03:08:59 · answer #6 · answered by Blue Eyes 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Will you please use your brain and call your vet?
Do not depend on idiots to answer a question that may actually contribute to this little angel's illness or death. Go to an expert for advice.
2006-11-22 03:01:35 · answer #7 · answered by ladsmrt 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
follow your vet's advice
2006-11-22 03:03:17 · answer #8 · answered by libbet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋