If you are a cat parent, chances are that you will need a good and reliable sedative. Whether you travelling or maybe your cat is feeling stressed. The use of melatonin can greatly help to calm your cat down.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that controls sleep. This hormone is often used in cats as a relaxer, it can soothe anxiety, relieve tension and induce rest. This hormone has many benefits and is safe to use on cats, when used at a recommended dosage.
This hormone is also a nutritional supplement that promotes the well being of your cat. It regulates kitties immune system, provides healing to the body, acts as an antioxidant and can help with skin problems when applied topically.
This hormone can be bought at any drug store in many different forms such as drops, chewy bites or pills in which you are able to sedate your cat at home without the need of a vet, provided you adhere to the dosage recommended when administering.
Normally the dosage of melatonin in cats are 2 to 6 mg orally every twelve hours. The dose may change according to the weight of the cat, however its important to read the instructions and consult with a vet for more information.
How does Melatonin Work?
Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. This hormone known as the “sleep hormone” when released, lets the cats body know that its night.
This hormone works with the cats internal clock, thus the cat will become relaxed, more at ease, and breathing will lessen and become less deep as the body prepares for rest.
The hormone itself doesn’t make the cat fall asleep but it works with the body almost like a signal that alerts the body preparing it for sleep.
Melatonin Recommended Products.
- Nature’s Synergy Hemp Oil & Melatonin for Cats. These drops can help to calm cats down, help with separation anxiety and stress, can help with pain and it promotes healthy body, skin and coat. Checkout the latest prices on Amazon.
- Can be purchased in Pill form but a prescription may be needed.
- NaturVet Melatonin chews perfect for any stressful situations and is easy to administer. Get it now conveniently from Amazon.
Benefits of Melatonin in cats ?
There are numerous benefits associated with the use of melatonin as long as its used in consideration to the recommended dosage. Benefits include:
- Helps with behavioral disorders in cats.
- Great antioxidant that targets free radicals.
- Can regulate reproductive cycles.
- Used to soothe anxiety, fear.
- Helps with sleeping disorders.
- Can promote fur growth.
- Good sedative for traveling or grooming.
- Good for cats are recovering from sickness or surgery.
- Helps cats who are emotionally unstable.
Common Uses of Melatonin?
You can use melatonin in cats to solve a variety of issues.
- When traveling, cats tend to become restless or some cats may totally freak out. Melatonin can help with relaxation.
- When grooming, it might be difficult to get the job done effectively since cats are very fidgety, the hormone can bring relief.
- Can be used in sick cats to promote healing.
- When relocating to a new home cats can become very depressed and stressed out. Cats love routine and anything new and strange might trigger an adverse reaction in the cats behaviour. Melatonin can be used to create a smooth transition into the new apartment.
- Hormone is also commonly used to treat sleep deprivation issues in cats, dogs and humans.
- Works well for cats with multiple personalities or aggressive/ fearful cats.
- Works well for hyperactive cats, those high energy cats that have difficulty to rest.
Is human Melatonin Safe for Cats ?
No, while melatonin is safe to use on humans and cats you cannot use the human pill for your cat. There are multiple reasons as to why this isn’t approved as it can be dangerous since humans and felines have different anatomy and physiology.
- Cats and humans are different internally, therefore the human form may not work for cats and can be dangerous.
- The hormone must be given in recommendation to weight, humans are a lot bigger in size than cats therefore the dosage will be higher and dangerous to use on cats.
- Melatonin in the human form comes in pills which are suited for humans. The cat form of the hormone comes in chewy bites that are easy to administer.
- You cannot use human medication or supplements on cats or other pets regardless. Since these medication are structured to work in the bodies of humans and not of pets.
- The human form of melatonin may have other hormones and proteins that may not be adaptable for cats.
Is Melatonin Dangerous for Cats ?
Melatonin is a natural sedative that is safe for cats. It can be used as a short-term or long-term option to treat anxiety, fears or phobias. While this sedative maybe regarded as safe its not approved by the food and drug administration buts its not illegal either. This sedative can be purchased over the counter without the need of any prescription.
Using melatonin can be dangerous if you exceed the recommended dosage. The correct dose is given for optimal results once exceeded your cat may overdose and it could be fatal or cause an adverse reaction.
Correct Dosage
If you decide to use melatonin, you must use it wisely and not abuse it. This hormone have side effects which can be triggered with over use.
The hormone supplement comes in different quantities such as the 1mg , 3 mg and 5 mg. Its comes in chewy bite snacks, pills and drops, each option have it’s own quantity be sure to read the directions.
The best option is to start with the 1mg about 30 minutes before the required sleep time. You want to observe the cats reaction and if the dosage doesn’t work feel free to add another pill.
But Be careful not to exceed 6mg in twelve hours.
Normally cats with an average weight of about 8-10 pounds can take about 1-3 mg for optimal results. For bigger cats you can use between 3-5 mg.
Before you can administer the hormone, always seek expert advice from your vet.
Side Effects of using Melatonin in Cats.
First of all the hormone cannot be used on pregnant or lactating cats as well as those cats that are on coagulants, immuno suppressants, or diabetes medications.
Side effects will vary in each cat depending on the duration of the use of the hormone, either long-term, short-term or even periodically.
Side effects include:
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Extended sleeping period.
- Can alter sexual hormone patterns.
- Long-term use can cause a change in sleeping patterns.
Melatonin for Aggressive and Fearful Cats.
No matter how friendly and sweet your cat may be, at times in difficult situations your cat may act out. I know when traveling with cats or even visiting new places your cat will become uncomfortable or aggressive.
The use of melatonin can help to ease the tension on the cat.
We know that cats love routine as they are driven by instincts. So whenever your cat is faced with an unfamiliar situation its possible that their behaviour will temporarily change.
Recently when my family and I went out for an holiday, my cat wasn’t pleased at all with living in an hotel. Under normal situations I’d describe my cat as being docile and calm but given the situation little kitty was stressed out and very fearful.
Luckily I had some melatonin drops that worked well in little to no time.
The hormone also works well for recovering cats that might have been sick or had been through trauma. The induced rests will aid in healing and kitty will recover much quicker.
For cats that are emotionally attached to their owners, this hormone will help to relieve the cat and help with separation.
Melatonin Implants for Female Cats.
Cat breeders aim to suppress the sexual cycle of their cats for a defined period. The use of normal oral melatonin can be used but over a period of time it can cause side effects.
The melatonin implant that is inserted underneath the skin can be used to successfully suppress the Oestrous cycle for a significant period. More tests and studies are being carried out to find out the extent and reliability of this option.
