Ask The Vet: Everything About Sedating Cats For Travel

We ask the Vet: “Apart from sedating for surgery, should we be sedating cats at all? And are there any viable alternatives to sedation for travel?”

Should you? Shouldn’t you?

In this day and age, should we even be sedating cats for travel? I bet you wouldn’t want to be sedated for any kind of travel, so why should your beloved cat?

But then, what if it’s actually in the best interests of the cat to be sedated?

As an animal rights campaigner, those are the issues at the forefront of my mind as I write this article.

Although the focus of this article is everything relating to sedating cats for travel, I’m tempted to ask, “apart from sedating for surgery, should we be sedating cats at all?” Are there any viable alternatives to sedation?

However, if we must sedate, what is the best way to avoid the inevitable side effects?

In this article, we will consider what the Vets and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) say about sedating cats for travel.

But first, we spoke to somebody who is totally against sedation.

Reasons not to sedate

Jenny Dean is a cat parent and cat blogger at Floppycats.com. She tells us she’s not a fan of sedating cats in general. 

I am not a fan of sedating cats in general for stress.

JENNY DEAN, CAT PARENT AND CAT BLOGGER AT FLOPPYCATS.COM

According to her, there are other things you can try:

• Spritz a calming spray for cats
• If it’s a road trip you’re going on, try shorter trips to get them used to the car.

Here’s more from Jenny Dean:

I did an interview with PetRelocation.Com sometime ago and they said,  “Sedation can be dangerous because it interferes with a pet’s coping systems and may disrupt regular breathing…You should never tranquilize your pet before you travel.  Not only is it dangerous, but many airlines will not allow pets to fly if they see they are sedated.  The best way to help your pet be calm during transport is by getting him used to his travel crate well before the day of your trip.”  

As an animal rights campaigner, I can totally relate to Jenny Dean’s viewpoint. But can we really say absolutely no sedation for travel or stress? What do the Vets, the AVMA and other experts say?

Should we be sedating for travel – What do the Vets say?

To help us fully understand the question of whether or not to sedate cats for travel, we spoke spoke to the amazing Dr. Michelle Burch, DVM.

But first, let’s meet Dr. Burch.

Ask the Vet: Q&A with Dr. Burch, DVM

We asked Dr. Burch a range of questions on sedating cats for travel. Here are excerpts…

Question #1: Should We Be Sedating Cats For Travel?

I recommend sedation or anti-anxiety medication for cats not used to travel or who have a higher reaction to unfamiliar situations. A prescription will allow for less stress on your pet and make for more comfortable travel. 

Question #2: What are the benefits of sedation?

Sedation or anti-anxiety medication will reduce your cat’s stress during travel. Stress in cat signs includes yowling, hissing, aggression, and inappropriate urination or defecation.  Medication will help to prevent these stress symptoms from occurring. 

Question #3: What are the side effects of sedation?

The most common side effects I see are increased drowsiness, incoordination, or nausea.

DR. MICHELLE BURCH, DVM, SAFE HOUNDS PET INSURANCE

Each sedative medication can have different side effects.  Full information regarding the side effects of the medication being used should be discussed with your veterinarian.  The most common side effects I see are increased drowsiness, incoordination, or nausea.

Question #4: If we must sedate a cat for travel, what’s the best way to go about it?

If you need to sedate your cat for travel, I recommend speaking with your veterinarian about the best option.  For your cat’s needs, they may only need a natural supplementation but may also require prescription medication. 

Question #5: What are the best practices for sedation?

I recommend performing a trial run before the day of travel.  In the trial run, you may see that your cat does not need much sedation or may need more sedation to produce the best effects.

Question #6: Are there any alternatives to sedation?

Alternatives include pheromone sprays such as Feliway.  Natural calming medications are also available for purchase over the counter to help reduce stress and anxiety.  Most products will need to be started 4-6 weeks before your planned travel. 

Question #7: As a Pet parent, have you ever sedated your cat for travel?

I have used sedation and anti-anxiety medication for my cats with travel. My cats have traveled across the country in an RV and airplane.  The medication helped immensely prevent inter-cat aggression and fights with the result of abscess formation while on the road. 

More Q&A With Dr. Michelle Burch, DVM

The questions in this section are taken from the People Also Ask (PAA) Boxes on Google for the keyword “Sedating cats for travel”. They represent a cross section of the commonly asked questions by worried Cat moms and dads.

A total of 14 commonly asked questions. And our expert Vet, Dr. Michelle Burch, DVM has agreed to answer all of them.

Are you ready? Awesome.

I recommend speaking with your veterinarian…

Dr. Michelle Burch, DVM, Safe Hounds Pet Insurance

Let’s dive right in.

#1. How can I naturally sedate my cat?

For natural sedation, I recommend using Anxitane with the active ingredient of L-Theanine (50 mg). When your cat experiences a stressful situation, the supplement is started 12 hours before the event, then 2 hours before the event, and continued every 6 hours as needed during the event.

#2. What can you give a cat before traveling?

I recommend giving Bach Rescue Remedy Pet 1-2 hours before travel to decrease stress and anxiety. Rescue Remedy Pet is a blend of five flowers in an alcohol-free formula.

Another supplement to help with travel anxiety that would need to be started one to two days before travel is Zylkene. Zylkene is a supplement with the main ingredient cow’s milk casein, proven to be a natural anti-anxiety.

For natural sedation, I recommend using Anxitane with the active ingredient of L-Theanine (50 mg). When your cat experiences a stressful situation, the supplement is started 12 hours before the event, then 2 hours before the event, and continued every 6 hours as needed during the event.

#3. Can I give a cat Benadryl?

Benadryl is an antihistamine that has the side effect of sedation in some animals. Benadryl can be given to cats but may not produce the sedative effect that is needed for travel. Also, in rare cases, cats can have the opposite effect, with your cat becoming hyperactive.

Many cats will also think Benadryl is a poison when you give it to them. Many cats will drool and foam for up to 15 to 20 minutes after administering.

#4. How much Benadryl can I give my cat to sedate?

I recommend a trial of Benadryl before traveling with your cat to see if there are any sedative effects. Cats can have 1 mg per pound of Benadryl every 8-12 hours. I recommend giving the Benadryl one to two hours before travel.

#5. What can you give a cat before traveling?

I recommend giving Bach Rescue Remedy Pet 1-2 hours before travel to decrease stress and anxiety. Rescue Remedy Pet is a blend of five flowers in an alcohol-free formula.

Another supplement to help with travel anxiety that would need to be started one to two days before travel is Zylkene. Zylkene is a supplement with the main ingredient cow’s milk casein, proven to be a natural anti-anxiety.

For natural sedation, I recommend using Anxitane with the active ingredient of L-Theanine (50 mg). When your cat experiences a stressful situation, the supplement is started 12 hours before the event, then 2 hours before the event, and continued every 6 hours as needed during the event.

#6. What can I give my cat for travel anxiety?

To help your cat with travel anxiety, I recommend using Feliway pheromone spray in the car. Feliway is a synthetic hormone that mimics that one produced by mothers to calm their kittens.

Compression jackets such as Thundershirt can help decrease anxiety while traveling.

I recommend giving Bach Rescue Remedy Pet 1-2 hours before travel to decrease stress and anxiety. Rescue Remedy Pet is a blend of five flowers in an alcohol-free formula.

Another supplement to help with travel anxiety that would need to be started one to two days before travel is Zylkene. Zylkene is a supplement with the main ingredient cow’s milk casein, proven to be a natural anti-anxiety.

If these supplements are not helping your cat with travel anxiety, I recommend speaking with your veterinarian about additional medication.

#7. What is a good sedative for cats?

For natural sedation, I recommend using Anxitane with the active ingredient of L-Theanine (50 mg). When your cat experiences a stressful situation, the supplement is started 12 hours before the event, then 2 hours before the event, and continued every 6 hours as needed during the event.

If supplemental medication is not enough to help sedate your cat, I recommend speaking with your veterinarian about prescription medication such as gabapentin, clonazepam, or trazodone.

#8. What can be used to calm cats?

Many steps can be taken to help calm an anxious cat. The first recommendation I give cat owners is to use pheromone therapy. The pheromones used are synthetic, which mimic the ones produced by mother cats to calm their kittens. I recommend the Feliway brand for room diffusers and sprays. I recommend NutureCalm for pheromone collars.

I also recommend using compression jackets such as the ThunderShirt to decrease anxiety and stress. The jackets apply a gentle, constant pressure that has a significant calming effect.

The use of long-term natural anxiety medication can be beneficial to decrease the anxiety in your cat. Products that I recommend using include Zylekene, Anxitane, VetriScience Composure, and Solliquin.

Environmental enrichment is crucial to have a happy, healthy cat that has minimal to no anxiety. Cats need to have a variety of toys, including ones for self-play and interactive play with you. Also, ensure with environmental enrichment, your cat has multiple places to hide and have high vantage points so they can observe their environment.

#9. How can I calm my cat down while cutting his nails?

The best option for keeping your cat calm during nail trims is desensitization to the event. My recommendations for this process:

When you are ready to cut your cat’s nails, make sure to choose a quiet area of the house. Sit in a chair and allow your cat to become comfortable. Gently massage your cat’s paw for no longer than 3 seconds. Suppose your cat pulls away, then gentle move with your cat but maintain contact.

Attempt to extend the nail by gentle pressing on the paw pad. When the pin is exposed, trim the sharp portion and avoid the pink area, which is the quick. The quick contains blood vessels and nerves, which are very sensitive. Continue trimming each nail as long as your cat is comfortable and not resisting.

Do not punish your cat or raise your voice if your cat is becoming upset. If you cannot trim all of the nails at one time, then stop and allow your cat to calm down. Stopping between toes and giving treats can help keep your cat calm.

If these supplements are not helping, then I recommend speaking with your veterinarian about prescription medication.

DR. MICHELLE BURCH, DVM, SAFE HOUNDS PET INSURANCE

If you need additional support for the nails’ desensitization process and trimming, then I recommend using Bach Rescue Remedy Pets, Anxitane, or Zylekene. If these supplements are not helping, then I recommend speaking with your veterinarian about prescription medication.

#10. How do you calm an anxious cat?

Many steps can be taken to help calm an anxious cat. The first recommendation I give cat owners is to use pheromone therapy. The pheromones used are synthetic, which mimic the ones produced by mother cats to calm their kittens. I recommend the Feliway brand for room diffusers and sprays. I recommend NutureCalm for pheromone collars.

I also recommend using compression jackets such as the ThunderShirt to decrease anxiety and stress. The jackets apply a gentle, constant pressure that has a significant calming effect.

The use of long-term natural anxiety medication can be beneficial to decrease the anxiety in your cat. Products that I recommend using include Zylekene, Anxitane, VetriScience Composure, and Solliquin.

Environmental enrichment is crucial to have a happy, healthy cat that has minimal to no anxiety. Cats need to have a variety of toys, including ones for self-play and interactive play with you. Also, ensure with environmental enrichment, your cat has multiple places to hide and have high vantage points so they can observe their environment.

#11. What can I use to sedate my cat for grooming?

For natural sedation, I recommend using Anxitane with the active ingredient of L-Theanine (50 mg). When your cat experiences a stressful situation, the supplement is started 12 hours before the event, then 2 hours before the event, and continued every 6 hours as needed during the event.

If supplemental medication is not enough to help sedate your cat, I recommend speaking with your veterinarian about prescription medication such as gabapentin, clonazepam, or trazodone.

#12. Does catnip help cats with anxiety?

Catnip has been shown to decrease anxiety in some cats. When using catnip as a calming product during stressful events or travel, I recommend using a catnip pillow instead of loose leaves.

#13. Should I cover the cat carrier when traveling?

I do recommend covering your cat’s carrier with a towel or a blanket during travel. Cats that can see movement out of the car can become anxious and motion sick at times, leading to anxiety.

#14. How can I help my cat travel better?

I recommend working on desensitization of the carrier and the car before travel. Keep your cat’s carrier out in their environment at all times with the door open. Have a bed in the carrier to encourage your cat to sleep in the carrier. Also, feed a meal or treats routinely to show your cat the carrier can be a happy place.

After your cat is used to the carrier, then move to the car to start desensitization. Spend multiple sessions in the car with your cat in the carrier. During these sessions, feed meals or treats and try to play or show affection to your cat. Also, play classical music that has been shown to produce a calming effect for your pet.

When it is time to travel, make sure to play classical music. Also, use calming supplements or pheromones as needed.

Thanks Dr. Burch

Our appreciation and thanks to Dr. Burch, DVM, for your willingness to share your expertise with our readers.

What the AVMA says about sedating pets for travel

It is not exactly correct to say that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) “now strongly discourages use of any type of sedation, because it can confuse and upset animals, putting them at greater risk instead of calming them”, as has been suggested on some websites and online forums.

So what exactly is the position of the American Veterinary Medical Association on sedation for travel?

In answer to the question, “Should I tranquilize or sedate my pet for long flights?” the American Veterinary Medical Association says,

Tranquilization reduces anxiety and induces a sense of tranquility without drowsiness, while sedation has a more profound effect and produces drowsiness and hypnosis. In most cases, it’s not recommended that pets be sedated for air travel.

However, it may benefit some animals to be tranquilized for air travel. Discuss this with your veterinarian well in advance of your expected travel date.

If your veterinarian recommends tranquilization for your pet, be sure to follow the veterinarian’s exact dosing recommendation. In many cases, the same drug used for tranquilizing can result in sedation at higher doses.

American Veterinary Medical Association, Traveling with your pet FAQ

What is the best way to travel with a cat?

We will answer this question in terms of both car travel and air travel. But first, prior preparation is key to an enjoyable journey with your cat.

According to Dr. Tammy Hunter, DVM and Dr. Robin Downing, DVM,

A successful road trip with a cat begins long before the day of travel. The best time to teach a cat to travel easily is when she is still a kitten. However, even for an adult cat, the sequence of learning to travel is essentially the same.

Teach your cat that her carrier is a great everyday place to hang out. Have the carrier open and available at all times in order to make it as inviting as possible. Feeding your cat in her carrier can create a positive association. Practice entry and exit from the carrier to make it as routine a process as possible, as this will be important during travel.

Once your cat is used to her carrier, place the cat inside, close it up, and walk around the house with her. Be sure to reward her with a treat when she exits. Remember, the carrier needs to be a happy space. Once she is comfortable with an in-house walkabout, move her to the travel vehicle. Simply start it up, run the engine for a bit, then take her back into the house. Once this sequence has occurred a few times, take a quick drive around the block, then back home, into the house, out of her carrier, and a treat for her good behavior!

Dr. Tammy Hunter, DVM and Dr. Robin Downing, DVM, Road Trips and Car Travel With Your Cat

How can I help my cat travel better? Car travel

It is recommended that you feed your cat 3-4 hours prior to setting out on your journey. This is important as it would enable the to settle so your cat does not vomit during the journey.

It is also a good idea to surround your cat inside the carrier with a shawl or blanket that smells of home. Your pet will derive some comfort from a scent that it recognizes.

Be sure to secure the carrier in the car so it doesn’t lurch forward or topple in a sudden stop. Ideally, position the carrier where your cat can see you. If possible, secure the carrier with a seatbelt.

Make arrangements to feed and provide water for your cat during the journey at its normal meal times. If possible, do allow a little playtime while you stop for your own break.

If you leave the cat in the car when you get out of the car for any length of time, be sure to lower the windows about an inch. As cats are good at wiggling out of tight spaces, it is not advisable to roll down windows any farther than an inch. Both the ASPCA and the RSPCA caution against leaving the cat in a parked car for more than a few minutes, no matter the weather. This is very important as cold can quickly cause hypothermia, and warm days can heat up a car to dangerous temperatures just as fast.

How can I help my cat travel better? Air travel

Carry out your research, and as much as possible try to book a direct flight, and if not possible, then book a flight with the fewest stops.

One of the best things you can for air travel is to consult your chosen airlines for their animal policies. Find out early on whether or not your cat can travel with you. Some airlines might decide it must travel in the cargo area.

If you ask me, I think it’s always better for the cat to be close to you 🙂

Find out about limits on how many animals one person can travel with, what kind of carrier they require and any medical requirements. And not to forget about costs.

Always a good idea to have an identification tag for the cat that has all your relevant details printed it – name, address, email address, telephone number, the cat’s microchip number (if it has one) and your destination. Best to use a new tag for each journey.

Sedating cats for travel – Your turn

Are you a pet parent?

All pet Moms and Dads know this reality their beloved pets: Each is different, and cats are no exception.

And as you’ve seen from this article, sedating cats for travel is not a one size fits all because it may not apply to every cat. However, if your cat is either not used to travel or has a higher reaction to unfamiliar situations, then it would be a good idea to speak to your vet about sedation for travel.

And that is another reason why it is very important to connect with your cat at an emotional level and understand your cat.

But on the whole, what do you think of the idea of sedating cats for travel?

Have you ever sedated your cat for travel? What was the experience like?

Do you feel your cat suffered any lasting side effects?

Why not join this all important conversation by leaving a comment?