My cat bites when I comb him. Can I use a tranquilizer for grooming?

Some vets can sedate cats and then groom them or even clip them short so that you don’t need to worry about brushing as frequently. You could also try a pheromone diffuser or spray like Feliway if it’s available near you but it may not be quite enough to get the job done.

Acepromazine is commonly used in cats for tranquilization, but does have some potential side effects. I am attaching a link to a handout below which discusses Acepromazine in more detail for you. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=570 I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

There is nothing OTC that you can safely give that will effectively calm her down enough for grooming. You may need to have her lightly sedated by your veterinarian so she can be safely shaved or clipped. Using scissors at home can lead to a laceration if you aren't careful. An exam is also a good idea to determine why Xena is not grooming herself.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is nothing over the counter that is likely to make much difference, though pheromone products such as the Feliway diffuser can definitely help cats feel more relaxed. There are prescription medications that can be safely given for situations requiring mild sedation or anti-anxiety relaxation, so if a pheromone such as Feliway isn’t enough, I recommend asking your vet for their recommendations for Peaches. Hope this helps!

Hello. This may work, all you can do is try. Use the dose recommended by your veterinarian, & if this does not do the trick, then consider having her professionally groomed or sedated & shaved by your veterinarian. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In general, the active ingredient in this product (acepromazine) is safe for otherwise healthy pets. The main adverse reactions are sleepiness for an extended period of time (like 12-24 hours), and low blood pressure. Always try the low end of the dose range first, and if that is not sufficient, increase the dose. Use as directed on the box or by your veterinarian to make it as safe as possible. This drug is meant for occasional use (like a trip to the vet). I would not recommend it for daily use (except in short term cases like for a few days after a surgery when the patient needs to stay quiet). Hope this helps and best of luck to you and you cat!

If he isn't grooming as he once did, there may be an underlying medical cause, especially given his age. A physical exam by your veterinarian would be recommended along with blood work to assess major organ function.. If he gets a clean bill of health, you can discuss mild sedation and a clip down with the veterinarian.