What's the best way to sedate a cat for a car ride? NO GUNSHOT JOKES Pleez!?

Answer 1

Besides using a pet carrier, the only drug-free way that works with my cat (a Siamese mix) is to "wear him out" by having him play and run around quite a bit before I put him in the carrier. That helps a tiny bit, as he's tired. Let's just say he HATES the carrier and has bloodied his nose on it before and gives a high-pitched "Yowl!"

Petsmart has anti-anxiety pet treats the cat can chew. However, my cat will no longer eat them, as he figured out what they were after having them two times. Also, pet stores sell something like "Calm Down," which is in liquid form. Of course, don't mix those with the treats, unless your vet says to do it. BOTH of those worked for my cat, and he just meowed a little during a two hour car trip, but slept through most of it. That's pretty good for him.

Vets also have anti-anxiety meds they can give cats. My cat's previous vet (from before I moved) said he doesn't recommend giving an anti-anxiety medication for cats who are traveling by car for two hours or less unless they have health problems. This was after I told him how my cat reacts to car rides.

Answer 2

Though I may receive heck for saying this, I will tell you what I do for my cat.

My cat is now one year old. We routinely take him with us on a three hour drive when we visit my in-laws. Though he is "used" to being in the car, my cat absolutely hates being in the carrier. He does more damage to himself by trying to get out of it. When I travel, my husband drives, and I calm the cat until he is comfortable. Once we are safely on the highway, I will let him out of the carrier. He will sniff around and look out a few windows just to see what is going on. I hold him for a bit and then he will typically crawl back into his carrier with his favorite blanket and curl up and sleep. Off an on throughout the trip, he gets up and makes sure I am still there, but for the main part, as long as I leave the carrier door open, he will stay in there curled up and will remain calm and either sleep or stare off into space.

I have tried those kitty calming treats and have never found any that work. Going to the vet to get a calming medication is just too costly for my family as much as we travel.

Answer 3

Anti Anxiety Medication For Cats

Answer 4

Cat's chemistry is strange - the ONLY sedative that will not take an opposite effect on them is valium and their doctor can give you some - they only get 2.5 mg each. I flew my cats from London to Orlando when we moved here and that's what the doctor gave them.

Answer 5

Talk to you vet. He or she will give you a sedative that will be exactly right for your kitty's size and age. Also please use a pet carrier so your cat will be safe and not distract you while you're driving!

Answer 6

I have always worn a hoodie and my cat will snuggle up inside for security. With the heat it can be easier to make a kitty taco by wrapping them up in a blanket/towel to keep them from spazzing out.

Answer 7

your vet can provide you a prescription of low dose valium. i work in a vet clinic, and it is commonly used to calm cats down during a long trip. of course, a cat carrier is a good idea as well.

Answer 8

See the vet- she can give you a sedative. I did this when we moved- one cat was groggy but the other one fought it and howled all the way to the new house.

Answer 9

The BEST is what the vet would give.
keep the cat in a carrier.

Answer 10

go to your vet. they have injections you can buy that they give you for the car rides. i am pretty sure you have to do it yourself though.......but i am not positive. they do have injections that you buy. i would only trust getting the injections from your veterinarian. they may need to give ur pet certian tests for the medication.