Sedative....zzzzzzzzzz

[elizabethann]

Has anyone ever had to give their cats a sedative before going to the vets? I just spoke with the receptionist at the veternarians office and she said I can give my cats a herbal sedative that is sold at specialty pet stores. My cats become traumatized when I put them in their carriers and then in the car. They drool, heave and sometimes they pee & poop! If you've given your cats a sedative, can you please tell me what the name of it is and if it worked? Also, were there any side effects associated with the sedative? Thank you.

[Randi]

When we first took Fister to the vet, we had to sedate him to even get him in box. He got 10 mg. Plegicil. However, we didn't like the effect on him, it lasted for nearly 12 hours and he was completely zonked! We talked to our vet about it, and he suggested we try Diazepam (contains the same as Valium and Stesolid) 5 mg. of this is enough and he's a big cat (over 7 kg.) The effect is so much better and doesn't last as long.

Good luck! :)

[Craftlady]

We are lucky that carrier doesnt associate "trip to vet" with our gang. They go in the carriers during tornado warnings, also they have traveled in them. RB Butterscotch loved the carrier when we had work done on the house, he could watch at a safe distance from his carrier.

I might suggest putting the carrier out in a room with door open and let them get used to it being in the room. They might even nap or play in the carrier.

[CatDad]

One of mine freaks out pretty badly too whenh they go in the carrier. I get scratched pretty good most of the time, but it is not very often. However, it not as bad as yours, once she is in the carrier everthing calms down.

Craftlady is right, before I would give seditives I would try to get yours used to the carrier. Sedating a cat is always a risky, and should only be done as a last measure. I know it is needed sometimes though.

[help!]

yes i had to give my kitties sedatives when i moved them severl hours away from home, but the vet gave me tablets called atravet, there where no side effects other than the cats being very lethargec..... ok they looked drunk, but where fine by the time we got the to the destination..... ask your vet or check the shelves...that was in canada, so i don't know what they would have here! i know you frustration, my male once pulled a tooth out biting at the bars of his crate! Good luck!

[elizabethann]

Thanks for everybody suggestions.