If your cat is aggressive, fearful, or displays behaviors like urine marking, it's a good idea to ask its vet about a prescription drug.Buspirone is the only 5-HT agonist that is regularly used in pets.If you want to give your cat medicine, hide it in a treat or administer it by hand.Ask the vet about liquid or gel dosage forms if you have trouble.
Step 1: Your cat should be given its medication every day.
Serotonin (5-HT) agonists must be taken every day in order to be effective.Every twelve hours is the most common dosage schedule.There is only one 5-HT agonist that is prescribed for pets.It can be used alone or in combination with another drug.
Step 2: Ask the vet if a pill can be taken with food.
Giving your cat food with a Serotonin Agonist makes administering it easier.Before you mix it with food, you should make sure it is enough for your cat to digest.Should I give my cat the tablets you prescribed with food or empty stomach?Will my cat still absorb it if I mix it with food?
Step 3: You can either make a meatballs or put it in a treat.
You can buy a treat or a pill pocket at a pet store.A pill pocket is a specially designed treat with a slot for a medication.It is possible to form your cat's wet food into a small meatballs with the pill at its center.Give your cat a treat before giving it medicine.You can see if your cat eats the whole meatballs or if it breaks them apart.If your cat breaks the meatballs apart, it will eat the food around it.If it doesn't like the taste of the medicine, you might need to try another method.
Step 4: There is a pill in the cat's mouth.
If you have to administer a pill manually, use one hand to hold your cat and the other to tilt its head.Use your thumb and index finger to hold the device.Use your fourth finger to open your cat's mouth.Place the pill on the back of the tongue, close the cat's mouth, and massage its neck to encourage it to swallow.If you want to avoid getting bit, keep your fourth finger between your cat's canine teeth.If your cat doesn't like the taste of medicine mixed with its food or if the vet advises against taking the pill with food, you might need to administer a pill manually.
Step 5: The vet can give you a pill gun.
It's easier to give your cat medicine without food if the vet gives you a pill gun.Put the pill on the tip of the dispensers, tilt the cat's head back, and open its mouth.Place the pill gun in your cat's mouth and then press the button to release it.If you want your cat to swallow, close its mouth and massage it.If you have trouble giving your cat medicine by hand, a pill dispenser might be helpful.
Step 6: Reward and praise your cat.
It can be difficult to give a pill to a cat by hand.After giving it medication, reward it with a favorite treat and give it a lot of praise.Give your cat time to calm down on its own.
Step 7: If you have trouble with tablets, ask the vet to prescribe a liquid or gel.
The safest and most efficient way to administer buspirone is in a tablet.It is also available in liquid and transdermal gels.If you can't give your cat pills, talk to the vet.
Step 8: There is liquid medication between the teeth.
You can give buspirone in liquid form.The cat's mouth is between its cheek and teeth.If you want to encourage it to swallow the medicine, massage its neck or blow it onto its nose.There is no need to worry about your cat being poked with the dispensers because they don't have a needle.A cat is more likely to accidentally take a liquid medication.Do not hold your cat's head back when administering liquid medication.Instead of in the back of its mouth, squirt between its cheek and teeth.
Step 9: The 5-HT agonist can be applied in gel form.
If your cat won't tolerate other dosage forms, transdermal gel could be the only safe and feasible method.Measure the correct amount by rotating the nozzle.Depending on the instructions from the vet, apply the medication in your cat's ear or on its skin.It is possible to apply a transdermal gel directly onto the skin.Gloves should be worn when applying gel.
Step 10: Discuss aggression with the vet.
Aggression, urine spraying, fear and other abnormal behaviors can be treated with serotonin agonists.The vet should give your cat a full examination to rule out any other issues that could be related to the underlying medical condition.Aggression can be related to a number of diseases.Inflammation of the urinary tract can be a cause of improper urinating and defecating.
Step 11: Make sure your cat's organs are working well.
The vet should screen for the effects of serotonin on the cat's organs.If your cat has a history of kidney or liver disease, you should not give it a 5-HT agonist or any other antidepressants.Serotonin agonists can be used for less than a year.If your cat takes one for a long time or for the rest of its life, you should have it tested at least once a year.
Step 12: Discuss treatment costs with the doctor.
The brand, strength, and form of the medication will affect costs.Ask the vet about more affordable treatment options if cost is an issue.Ask for a generic option if they prescribe a buspirone brand.Ask if a more affordable medication, like a TCA or SSRI, is an effective option.
Step 13: Your cat should be monitored for any side effects.
Increased affection and playful behavior are the most common side effects of buspirone.It can cause dizziness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset.Some cats are hypersensitive to buspirone and may exhibit aggression or seizure.drowsiness and restless legs are less common in buspirone than in other drugs.If you notice side effects, schedule a vet appointment.
Step 14: Talk to the vet before taking your cat off a drug.
It can be dangerous to stop treatment abruptly because of the effects of buspirone.Unless you notice any serious side effects or are directed by the vet, you should wait at least three weeks after starting treatment.If you want to wean your cat off of antidepressants, talk to the vet.