Rather than provide your cat with a medicine to help calm him down in times where he may be stressed, you may consider using an herbal sedative to accomplish the same task. Herbal sedatives are all natural and will have fewer risks of side effects when used properly. Keep in mind that cats may become stressed or anxious in a variety of situations. These may include trips in the car, introduction of new animals or people into a home, rearranging of furniture or other items inside of a house and much more. If you find that your cat is prone to anxiety and has a difficult time settling down, you may find that an herbal sedative is the best way to keep him calm.
Choosing an Herbal Sedative
The key to using herbal sedatives for your cat is to make sure that your pet is comfortable and at no risk of adverse effects at all times. Herbal sedatives should generally not be used as a pain reliever or if your pet is undergoing any surgery, has an illness or is victim to any other related issue. Rather, herbal sedatives can be used in times when your pet is generally healthy but has a tendency to become anxious or worried.
When choosing an herbal sedative, consider the effects of the herb itself. How does it calm your pet down? Most herbal sedatives will temporarily and insignificantly alter the brain chemistry of your pet for a period of time between an hour and about three hours or so. Beware of sedatives that work for longer than that; they can be unpredictable for your pet.
Items to Watch out For
It's important that you not put your pet at risk with the sedative that you give him. A sedative that is too powerful for your cat may cause him health problems which may include the following:
- Extended lethargy
- Paralysis
- Breathing difficulty
- Coma
- Loss of consciousness
All of these are potentially very serious effects of powerful sedatives. Thus, a good amount of research is necessary in order to determine that the sedative you give to your cat will be the appropriate strength. The dosage of the herbal sedative itself is also an important factor in how strong your pet's reaction to it will be.
Look out for herbs that may cause other side effects in pets, because these often have the opposite effect of calming a pet down. Avoid any herb that may distress your pet's gastrointestinal system or cause him any other type of distress. Take care to ensure that any supplement or herb you give to your cat will not be poisonous to him.
Your vet is a great source of information about which types of herbs and other natural supplements will work well for your cat. Consult with other vets in your area for additional advice, or visit a natural foods store or organic pet supply store for more information.