Should you give your cat Prozac? If your cat suffers from anxiety, you may be considering medication. But you might also be wondering if it’s safe, and whether it’s the right choice for your feline friend.
Today, more and more veterinarians are recommending Prozac for cats. Let’s discuss the most common symptoms of anxiety in cats, when medication is warranted, and more.
What is Prozac for Cats?
Before we dive into whether Prozac is the right choice for your kitty companion, let’s talk about what Prozac is, and how it works.
Prozac, also known under its generic name Fluoxetine, is a medication that may help with mood-related disorders in cats. It can help treat:
- Inappropriate urination (such as urinating outside the litterbox)
- Destructiveness
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Symptoms that can indicate depression
The Prozac that is prescribed for cats is the same medication that is used in humans. However, the dosage used is different, since your cat’s weight is much less than the weight of a human being.
Your veterinarian will tell you the exact dosage you will need to give your cat based on her size, age, how severe her anxiety appears to be, and other factors.
How Does Prozac for Cats Work?
Prozac is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is believed to work by increasing the amount of serotonin –– a chemical that regulates mood –– that’s retained in the brain.
Your cat’s anxiety may be caused by an imbalance of serotonin, but only your veterinarian can make that call. That’s why a visit with your veterinarian is the first thing you should do if your cat seems anxious.
When Do Vets Prescribe Prozac for Cats?
As a cat owner, you know that cats have a lot of behaviors –– some delightful, others downright mystifying! But when your cat’s habits change, or even become destructive or a physical health concern, you’re almost certainly beginning to worry.
Your veterinarian can determine whether or not your cat has an anxiety disorder. Some common behaviors that may prompt your veterinarian to prescribe Prozac for your cat can include:
Hiding
Cats love to hide; it’s in their nature. As predators, cats investigate those nooks and crannies humans don’t want to poke our fingers into.
But if your cat is hiding excessively and can’t be coaxed out, or if she seems to be afraid of coming out of a hiding space, she may be suffering from anxiety.
Becoming Withdrawn
Just as in humans, a cat who has anxiety may stop seeking out companions and instead will become withdrawn. She might avoid your company where once she sought you out. This symptom can also indicate depression in cats.
No Longer Wanting to Play
An anxious cat may become less active. This is because anxiety causes a state of high alertness. When a cat suffers from anxiety, she believes there is danger around, even though there is none, so she will always be “watching out” instead of letting go and being playful.
Trembling/Shaking
Anxiety causes an increase in adrenaline in cats, just as it does in humans. Adrenaline triggers the fight-or-flight response and is meant to get mammals out of danger.
However, with clinical anxiety, there is no actual danger and nowhere to run, so the adrenaline is not used up. This excess adrenaline causes shaking in your cat’s body and can be one indicator that she is experiencing anxiety.
Aggressive or Destructive Behavior
Some anxious cats will act out by being destructive. They may chew excessively on furniture, clothing or shoes.
Or they may become aggressive, scratching and biting at their human “family” instead of accepting the usual petting and stroking. Your cat may also attack strangers coming to the door, then run quickly to hide.
Litter Box and “Tummy” Issues
Anxious cats may have litter box problems, including:
- Diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
- Vomiting
- Lack of Appetite
It is critical that you consult a veterinarian for ANY litter box or “tummy” issues, as these may also be signs of a physical problem.
Over-Grooming
Cats may attempt to “self-soothe” by grooming and licking. This can become constant in some cats. Cats may groom all over the body, or choose just one area, often a forearm.
Over-grooming can result in hair loss, sores and lesions. Because over-grooming can also indicate a problem such as a rash or parasites, it is very important to see the veterinarian as quickly as possible for this issue.
Is Prozac Safe For Cats?
Your veterinarian will determine whether Prozac is a safe choice for your feline companion.
Overall, most vets agree that in the right dosage, Prozac can be a safe choice for cats experiencing anxiety or other behavioral issues.
Your Veterinarian Office Visit
An anxious cat has special considerations at the veterinarian’s office. You’ll also want to come prepared to ask questions so your kitty gets the help she needs. Here’s how to get the most out of your vet visit.
Try To Find a Vet Close to Home
Many anxious cats have trouble in the cat carrier and with the movement and sound of the car. The less time in the car, the better.
Choose a Vet with Experience in Pet Anxiety
Vet your vet! Look the vet up online and read reviews. You can also ask questions on the phone, such as whether the vet regularly treats pets with anxiety, and whether or not they prescribe medication for cats.
Make Your Cat Comfortable for the Ride
- Choose a roomy cat carrier with plenty of ventilation.
- A couple of days before the vet visit, put out a soft towel or blanket and let your pet lie on it. You should also handle the towel. On the day of the visit, place the towel in the carrier. Your scent and the cat’s own scent can help reduce anxiety while kitty is in her carrier.
- Some people choose to put cat treats in the carrier. This is up to you. If your cat tends to vomit during car rides, forego this option, but if treats calm her, this can be a good choice.
- Talk to kitty during the ride. She can’t see you well while she’s in the carrier. So let her know you’re always there.
Make Your Cat Comfortable in the Waiting Room
- Call ahead and ask whether there is a separate waiting room for cats. Some cats become more anxious if they smell dogs in the area.
- If possible, find an area well away from other pet owners and their pets to sit down.
- Face the opening of the pet carrier toward you.
- Talk softly to your pet while you’re waiting, to reassure her.
- Don’t open the carrier to pet your cat. She may take the opportunity to dart out.
Be Open with the Veterinarian
It can be helpful to bring along a list of questions and concerns. Tell the vet:’
- All symptoms your cat has been having, even if you’re not sure they’re related to anxiety.
- Any changes in the home, including a new baby, change of residence, a new job schedule (leaving/returning from home times), whether you’ve recently been away, etc.
- Any recent illnesses your cat has experienced.
- Steps you have taken to try to soothe your cat, whether medical or natural.
How to Give Your Cat Prozac
Prozac for cats usually comes in either a chewable tablet, a capsule, or a solution.
It’s important to ask your veterinarian how to give your cat her medication. For most tablets, the cat can be encouraged to eat the medication along with her food. Capsules are given orally, and solutions are also given orally, with a special syringe.
Some cats are very difficult when it comes to medication. Your vet understands this, and it may take a few tries with different types of Prozac before you find the right delivery system.
Will Your Cat Be On Prozac Forever?
Not necessarily. If your cat has anxiety due to a recent illness or a traumatic event –– such as a run-in with another animal –– her anxiety might be situational (temporary) and she may only need medication for a short time.
However, some cats need to stay on Prozac for longer, and some may need medication for the long-term.
Your veterinarian will want you to check back in regularly to see how your cat is doing, to report side effects, and to determine whether your pet should continue on her medication.
Should You Give Your Cat Prozac?
Whether or not to give a beloved cat companion Prozac is a personal decision. You know your cat best, and your veterinarian is a professional. An in-depth talk with the vet, along with a complete exam, will help you decide whether Prozac is right for your pet.
With the right care, support and, if necessary, the right meds, your little guy or girl can be happy, healthy –– and anxiety-free.