MAOIs can be used to regulate cat behavior and slow down the brain aging process.Before giving your cat an MAOI, you should visit with your vet and discuss the best course of treatment.Before giving your cat the medication, read through the directions carefully.You can get your cat to eat the pill by crushing, cutting, or mixing it with food.
Step 1: You should consult with your doctor.
Before you start any treatment for your cat, you need to talk to your vet to see what they recommend.If they suggest an MAOI, then they will write a prescription for your cat and give you detailed instructions on how to care for it.lifestyle modifications and medications are likely to be suggested by them.When meeting with the vet, make sure to ask any questions you have, such as, "How long will my cat need to be on MAOIs?"If your cat has had negative side effects when taking other medications, you should tell your vet.
Step 2: See a behaviorist.
You can search for a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist in your area.Your vet may refer you and your cat.Make an appointment with the behaviorist to discuss how you can pair medication with behavioral training to get better results.If your cat is demonstrating destructive behaviors in the home, this is an important step.It is unlikely that medication alone will change the behavior of your cat if it attacks other animals frequently.A combination approach is better.
Step 3: Understand what the goals are.
Discuss with your vet and behaviorist what you want to get out of medicating your cat.If you want their behavior to change, you should consider how you will measure success and what improvements you would like to see.Brain aging can be slowed by MAOIs.Think about how you will know if it is working.If your vet prescribes an MAOI for your cat, it is possible that they are trying to keep him sharp.Test out the results by engaging in daily play sessions with your cat and watching how fast they respond to their toys.
Step 4: Adhere to the guidelines.
Pay attention to your vet's instructions.Call your vet if you have any questions when you get the bottle.At the required intervals, give only the directed amount of medication.This usually means giving your cat a pill once or twice a day.Stop suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so make sure you complete the entire course of the medication.It's important to create a plan for getting refill.Before you run out of medication, do this in advance.
Step 5: There is a place to store the medication.
The label of the MAOI will tell you how to store it.You will usually need to keep the pill bottle or pack in a dry space with moderate to cool temperatures.It should not be reachable by children or pets.
Step 6: There are potential interactions and side effects.
Follow the directions carefully and read over the warnings on the label.Cats can suffer from stomach upset when on MAOIs if they are made with cheese.Make sure that your vet knows if your cat is on any other drugs.Also, be aware of the possible side effects.It is possible to help your cat get a full night's rest by talking to your vet.
Step 7: Any negative behaviors should be monitored.
After you give your cat the MAOI, make sure to keep an eye on their daily activities and report any negative behaviors to your vet.The medication may cause your cat to avoid the litter box or pull out its fur.If you see any of these actions, then you should reach out for professional help as the medication might need to be adjusted.
Step 8: You should experiment until you find the right treatment.
You may need to go through a few different brands and dosages before you find the one that works best for your cat.Try to be patient with your vet during these changes, as this is a normal process.It may take a few weeks to determine whether or not a particular MAOI is working properly, so keep a close watch on your cat.
Step 9: Do you know what to do if you miss a dose?
It is possible that you might miss a dose after weeks of giving medication.Try to give a make-up dose that is close to the original time.Don't give your cat the missed dose if enough time has passed so that the next dose is due.If you can keep your cat on a regular medication schedule, the amount of medicine in their body will be equal throughout the day.This will help to minimize side effects.
Step 10: Schedule regular vet check-ups.
A series of appointments will be created by your vet after your cat has been diagnosed.Your vet may question you about your cat's behavior during these visits and draw blood to check its condition.If you can, make these appointments as scheduled to keep your cat's treatment on track.If the MAOI is to treat aggression, your vet might ask, "Have you noticed any changes in your cat's attitude?"
Step 11: Continue with behavioral changes.
It is a good idea to follow the advice of the behaviorist even if the medication is successful.Your cat's progress stays intact and becomes a part of their life, not just a phase.If you make changes to your cat's litter box during treatment, don't immediately change it.
Step 12: Don't be impatient.
MAOIs take at least 2 weeks to effect behavior and can take even longer.In the meantime, try to modify your behavior.If you hit your cat, this could set you back even further and destroy the trust that can help with treatment.If you get frustrated, ask your family or friends to help you care for your cat for a day or two.
Step 13: Either cut or crush it.
If the pills are large and hard to hide, you can try to break them into pieces with a butter knife.You can buy a pill breaker at a pharmacy.You can crush the pill by placing it between 2 spoons and applying pressure.Don't forget to keep track of the different pieces.It's a good idea to use the medication immediately after cutting or crushing.Make sure the label says that it is okay to change the pill form.When crushed or cut, some drugs can become less effective.
Step 14: It should be hidden within food.
If you want to disguise the taste of the wet cat food, add the medication directly to it.You can feed your cat a variety of soft treats if you put pieces of the pill within them.You can place the pill powder in a liquid that your cat likes.It can make the pill less effective if you mix it with milk.If the treats you use are strong in flavor and malleable enough, you can cover the entire pill.If you want to start with medicine-mixed treats, you can give the first treat with no medicine.If the first treat tastes normal, your cat will eat it.
Step 15: Hold the cat's mouth open.
If your cat is willing, you can spread their jaws apart.Drop the medicine all the way to the back of their throat if you loosen one of your hands.Hold their jaw shut for a second to allow them to swallow.A pill gun can be used to speed up the process.Don't try this method if you think your cat will bite you.Make sure that the pill is small so that you don't choke your cat.
Step 16: You can try a non-pill option.
If you're not comfortable giving your cat a pill, talk to your vet about other options.If you want to insert liquid medication directly into your cat's mouth, you can use a dropper or syringe.If you can successfully give your cat the prescribed amount of medication, going the liquid route may be worth it in the long run.
Step 17: Practice giving the medication.
Give your cat the pill or liquid as soon as you get the medication from the vet.Don't delay or wait for a few days.You may need some practice before you can get your cat to eat the entire dose.It is possible to encourage the future by giving your cat some affection after each session.