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OTC sedation for cats.

Species: Cat
Breed: Domestic short hair
Age: 11-15 years
I just brought my two cats home from their dental cleaning and found out that they both have kidney disease. Treatment will be a change of food. Both cats are active, eat well, drink water, and are not lethargic. They like to pay with my 18 mos grandson and like to play ball with me. I was shocked to find out they were sick. I was also shocked by the $700. bill. My question is: Are there any safe OTC sedatives for cats? I have to take them on a one hour trip? I asked my vet for a sedative and he told he that I had to come back. I'm a senior citizen and cannot afford any more expense. Both cats are also traumatized from going to vet. And, it is extremely difficult for me to put them in their cat carriers. Can you advice me? One cat weighs 9.60 and the other 13.80.

I believe my Vet is a good professional, but I simply cannot afford any more medical care for them. And, it bothers me that they are so very strssed out after their visit. Thanks.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that you and your kitties are having these struggles.

The medication that I use the most often for sedation for travel is something called Acepromazine (also known as acevet or atravaet). However, it's not a good idea to give acepromazine to cats with kidney disease. But, if there is only really mild kidney disease I will sometimes go ahead and prescribe it.

I'm guessing that the reason that the vet needs to see the cats again is to recheck their kidneys to make sure that we are not going to do more harm than good with the medication.

There are no over the counter medications that work really well and safely for sedation for cats. However, I do have some clients who swear by a product called Rescue Remedy to help calm an anxious cat. This product is safe to use and it may help somewhat.

I've also had decent success with Feliway.

One other thought...your vet may possibly be willing to phone a prescription for medication in to a pharmacy near you. This would save you having to go back in again.

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you so much. I'm going to try the Rescue Remedy. It's really unfortunate that pet dental cleaning is so expensive. There are so many good things in America, but not many people can afford it. I feel sorry for the pets that need dental cleaning and can't get it. We need Universal health coverage for animals.

You are very sweet. I wish your office was near us. I've been a psychologist my whole adult life and appreciate it when I come across someone who is kind and caring.

Enjoy your day.

Anastasia Wells


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome. I'd love for you to report back and tell me how the Rescue Rememdy works for you.

I definitely understand what you are saying about the price of dental care. It breaks my heart to see animals that need dental care and can't get it because of finances.

But it is also true that it costs us a lot. The fact that pets need anesthesia for their dental care is what drives the price up. If we needed a general anesthetic for our dental procedures they would be a lot more expensive!

I should add that if you paid $700 for a dentistry for two cats this is actually quite a good price. I am just this moment in between dentistries and they will average about $700 each today.

Thanks for your kind words!

Dr. Marie.



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.