How to calm my anxious cat for a flight? Should I use a sedative?

Plane rides can definitely be stressful for cats. There are several different sedatives that would be appropriate for a healthy young cat. Gabapentin is my favorite, but you'll have to talk with your vet to see what they are comfortable with. Acepromazine is a sedative that was commonly used previously, but is not longer recommend because we understand better that is it slows down the body, but not the mind - not so helpful for scary situations. Good luck!

I would think it would be safe for Cindy as long as she doesn't have any blood pressure issues. There are sedatives that would be safe. Talk to her veterinarian about Alprazolam which most cats tolerate very well. I recommend a trial run before the plane ride to make sure Cindy does well with it. Best of luck!

Hello, thats certainly a long flight. Cats in general have the demeanor of being cautious about new environments, noises, and objects so it is not surprising he becomes very stressed under these conditions. You may speak to your veterinarian about having calming medication prescribed to Fuzz for the long journey. I would also check with your airline provider to ensure that cargo conditions are adequate for animals, temperatures can become very hot under there and may not be safe at all for pets. There are things like zylkene tablets and other sedatives your veterinarian may be able to provide you with. Make sure Fuzz has a good thorough physical exam during his health certification to ensure he is in good shape to travel a long journey. Best of luck and hope this helps.

Ginger should be examined by the veterinarian prior to the flight to check her heart and blood pressure. She will likely need a health certificate and vaccine update (if due). If she is prone to stress, sedatives/anti-anxiety medications may help. In general, the over the counter options don't tend to be effective (though you can try them). Your veterinarian will have proven medications that work. It is also recommend to have a trial run at home a few days before your flight so you know how Ginger responds to them. Here is also a helpful article: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-travel-with-a-cat/ I hope this helps.

I know how you feel. I just flew with 5 of my own pets for a flight that was over 7 hrs. So you are a bit limited here, but there are some safe things you can do to ease the stress for Moka. 1) No sedatives- these are not safe and also not permitted due to the vast temperature ranges that your fur baby can be exposed to. Also if she is going in cargo pressure changes can make her at risk for serious injury if she is on any type of sedative/tranquilizer. 2) Stress reducing natural remedies- there are lots of options here at your local pet store. Get an associate to help you find some that will work for you. 3) Place a clothing item with your scent on it in the carrier with her 4) Don't stop giving her food or water for any period of time. You want her well hydrated and well fed. Most cats won't eat much in transit, so letting her eat is a good idea. 5) Place a pee pad or towel at the bottom of the carrier in case of accidents. You will be surprised to know that most cats hold their urine and feces well during transit, unless of course Moka has a diagnosed separation anxiety condition, in which case she may have an accident or two. 6) Relax- your pet picks up on your mood! So if you are stressed, she will be stressed! Just relax and things will be just fine.

I am glad your kitty is bonding so well with you. I would think, however, that a flight and trip in a strange place would be more stressful than staying home without you. You may consider having your pet sitter come over a few times to meet your kitty before your trip. You can also use a Feliway diffuser https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected and a calming supplement like Zylkene http://www.vetoquinolusa.com/content/zylkene or Composure to try to decrease stress while you are away.

It sounds like Bror may have had a paradoxical response after a bit that made him agitated rather than sedate. You could certainly try the full dose as prescribed but I would recommend trying it at home first. You could also let your vet know what happened and see what they would recommend- they might want to try a different sedative.