It's time to hit the road. What drug will calm your pet while traveling?

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How to safely calm a cat if it does not tolerate travel well: it is very nervous when sitting in a carrier, and literally throws tantrums every time? It is advised to give valerian before traveling, but is it harmful?

Olga

Elena Gogua

Veterinarian, author of a blog with advice for pet owners.

Cats generally don't like to travel. They like routine and their home because it makes them feel safe. There are two ways to solve your problem.

Preparing for the trip

To travel with a pet, you need to stock up on certificates and treat the animal for parasites. Be sure to have a veterinary passport of the cat with you, which indicates: gender, breed, nickname, date of birth, etc. The owner's details are listed in a separate column. The document contains the following information:

• marks for prevention and treatment of worms;
• a list of mandatory vaccinations;
• data on surgical interventions;
• about the implementation of the chip (if any).

The rules change from time to time, so it is recommended to find out about all the points in advance. It is recommended to take wet wipes and disposable diapers with you, as cats often get seasick. To travel by train or plane, you will need to purchase an additional ticket for your pet.

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Reviews from veterinarians about the drug "Cat Bayun"

Reviews from veterinarians about the infusion and tablets “Cat Bayun” are positive, but doctors do not advise relying only on the drug. To help an animal overcome stress or phobia, one drug containing calming herbs will not be enough. Experts agree that in addition to using the medicine, the following actions will be required:

1. Communication with your pet. Games, light stroking, calm conversation;
2. The opportunity to give the animal some alone time. If the cat is angry, it is unlikely that the owner's affection, children's games or noise will be helpful. In these cases, it is better to leave the pet in peace and quiet, waiting for the moment when he himself requires communication;
3. Distracting the animal with new interesting toys (plush figurines filled with catnip; wind-up mice; sound or flashing objects);
4. Attempts to act on the contrary. If a cat is unbalanced by moving to a new home, the owner can pick up the animal and walk around the apartment with it. Another example: a pet hides in a corner after guests arrive. The owner can invite friends or relatives more often, but asking not to make noise, do not forcefully grab the purr. Gradually, the animal will get used to the guests at home and may even make friends with them;
5. Diet correction. It is believed that during stress, the condition is significantly improved by eating food with omega-3 acids (fatty sea fish, vegetable oil, chicken eggs, etc.).

Where to start getting used to traveling

It is necessary to accustom the animal to being carried while still a kitten so that it calmly reacts to a confined space. If you plan to take an adult cat on a trip, then it is worth treating the box with special pheromones. This way he will get through the road more calmly. If you are traveling by car, you should introduce your furry friend to the car. You can take him in your arms and sit in the salon. Let him sniff everything, climb around the chairs, then you need to start the engine for a short time. The next day you can take a ride around the house. After letting your pet out at home, you should praise him and treat him with goodies. It is advisable to do such training within a week or two before traveling. The purpose of short walks is to let the cat know that it is not in danger.

Instructions for use of the “Cat Bayun” infusion

Water infusion “Cat Bayun”

Before use, bring to room temperature and shake thoroughly. The dosage for cats is 2 ml per dose (half a teaspoon). The number of uses per day and duration of treatment are the same as in the case of “Cat Bayun” tablets.

Download in pdf format

:

“Instructions for use of Kot Bayun infusion for cats”

How cats behave on the road

Every animal has its own character and health characteristics.
Even a cat accustomed to the road can become frightened by something and behave inappropriately. If a pet is transported for the first time, it usually begins to meow heart-rendingly, rush around in the box, and may urinate or drool. Some owners, wanting to help, open the carrier. Advice: don’t do this, the “prisoner” will try to get out of the car, no matter what the cost. A runaway animal will be difficult to find later. It is advisable to put a collar on your pet with the owner’s phone number before the trip. It is necessary to securely secure the carrier in the car so that it does not fall and the cat is not injured in it. Some people take their pet on a car trip wearing only a harness. This way you can transport animals that have been in a car more than once. They breathe calmly, lie in their arms or watch the road through the glass, and react adequately to noises and sounds.

Contraindications and side effects

The phytocomplex used in the “Cat Bayun” preparation can compete with drugs used to stabilize the nervous system of people. A large list of plant raw materials indicates a multifaceted effect, which at the same time guarantees the absence of:

• accumulation of active substances in tissues. The cat's reaction the next time the medicine is used will be the same as the first time;
• toxicity both for the cat’s body as a whole and for embryos, if use during pregnancy cannot be avoided. In addition, the medicine will not lead to developmental disorders.

Please note that the composition necessarily contains valerian rhizomes. If in the past you have noticed a non-standard reaction in a cat to the smell of this plant, then taking the sedative “Cat Bayun” it may worsen. Therefore, if valerian causes an atypical effect and the pet becomes uncontrollable, then it is better to abandon the drug.

Possible contraindications include allergies. It is extremely rare, but the large composition of biologically active substances contained in herbs can cause individual intolerance.

In general, “Cat Bayun” is one of the safest and most natural drugs, which over a long period of industrial production and use has shown its reliability and the absence of contraindications.

At the same time, the stress factor that led to the use of the “Cat Bayun” product must be found and eliminated. In the case of a hormonal nature or sexual arousal, mental tension is quite difficult to relieve, so solve the issue radically - with surgery or viscous treatment.

What is the best way to transport a cat?

Cats have sharp teeth and claws; in a stressful situation, they can even dig into their beloved owner. On the road, it is recommended to purchase a spacious plastic box with a lattice door and side viewing windows. The device is convenient for traveling with your pet in any vehicle, as it is made of durable plastic. The hard bottom allows the cat to stand confidently on its paws and protects it from bumps and falls during traffic. Open carrying areas provide great visibility and airflow. Plastic boxes are light weight and easy to clean. For short distances, you can buy a metal cage, but only for calm cats.

In what cases are sedatives given?

Giving sedatives without a prescription is very harmful. It is better, of course, to solve the problem without medication. But, if this is not possible, then sedatives can be used as prescribed by the veterinarian. This is done in the following situations:

• travel in transport;
• moving to another apartment house;
• when a new person appears in the family;
• restless behavior during sexual desire;
• visiting events, salons;
• visiting veterinary clinics;
• mental disorders.

How to calm down without drugs

It has long been known that the owner’s voice has a calming effect on the animal. In an extreme situation, this will help the cat cope with emotions. The first signs of a worsening condition are rapid breathing with the tongue hanging out, nervous movement around the cage. If possible, you should bring the box with your pet to an open window. A gentle conversation in a calm tone will help the cat relax and calm down. Veterinarians advise singing anything to an animal on the road - a lullaby, a cheerful or sad melody.

Before traveling, it is recommended to purchase cat supplies soaked in calming pheromones at the pet pharmacy. This could be: a collar, an aerosol can, wet wipes, and other means. Peppermint essential oil, herbal infusion, perfectly relaxes.

Special food additives also relieve anxiety in animals. The components are selected in such a way that they block the excitation of nerve fibers in the brain. The cat will calmly endure the trip, perhaps even sleep.

What types of sedatives are there?

Sedatives act on the nervous system. The result is relaxation. And only the right dose will bring the animal to a calm state. There are three types of sedatives:

• homeopathic;
• chemically;
• tranquilizers.

Homeopathic medicines are based on plant and animal origin. They contain a weak concentration of strong substances. Chemical drugs are designed for quick results. These include means to suppress sexual activity. Tranquilizers are used extremely rarely. Typically for restful sleep during an emotional event. Administered only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

What to do in crisis situations

— When traveling in a car, you should never let the cat out of the carrier, otherwise you may provoke an accident.
It’s worth trying to lower the box with the cat at your feet onto the mat and turn on the airflow. — Cover the box with a terry towel or disposable diaper so that the cat does not see flashing cars. You need to leave a gap at the bottom for air to enter.

- If the animal continues to scream, then you should talk to it gently. This should be done by the passenger, but not by the driver, so as not to create an emergency situation.

— It is advisable to stop and take your pet out into the fresh air. Sometimes a cat wants to fulfill its physiological needs. For an indoor cat, it is better to use a litter box that she is used to.

- You can offer water, distract your pet with a game.

— If a cat is under extreme stress, then you cannot do without an anticonvulsant drug. The medicine has an analgesic and strong sedative effect. You should always have the drug on hand, it will not cause much harm, but there is a condition - the veterinarian must select the dosage.

Don't be afraid to travel with a pet, it's exciting not only for you, but also for your pet. You won't both need to worry about separation, just prepare thoroughly.

In our hotel for cats, we offer our clients a Transfer service; if you do not have the opportunity to bring your pet in person, we will do this in the most comfortable conditions for the cat.

Bestsellers

According to employees of veterinary pharmacies and pet stores, several anti-stress drugs are in greatest demand. Moreover, the most popular ones are domestically produced.

"Cat Baiyun" ()

Available in two forms: tablets and drops. The latter are the most popular. Contains extracts, decoctions and infusions from plant materials (motherwort, hops, oregano, mint, valerian, peony, etc.). The undoubted advantages of the drug include its natural composition and low price. The inconvenience lies in the need to pour liquid into the mouth 3-4 times a day, as well as the presence of age restrictions: it is indicated only for animals from 10 months. In addition, valerian, which is part of the drug, can cause agitation in cats.

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"Stop stress" ()

Just like “Cat Bayun”, it is available in tablets and drops, and the liquid form is also more popular. As active ingredients it contains the tranquilizer phenibut and a complex of aqueous extracts of medicinal plants (peony, Baikal skullcap, hops, motherwort, mint and valerian officinalis). The packaging of tablets and drops varies: separately for cats and for dogs. The price of Stop-Stress in pharmacies is low, but if you look closely at the main component, phenibut, not everything is so rosy. The fact is that it can cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and inappropriate behavior. “Stop-stress” is contraindicated for pregnant, lactating animals, young animals under 1 year old, as well as for diabetes mellitus and diseases of the genitourinary system. Take the drug twice a day, and start taking it 3-5 days before the trip.

"Fospasim" ()

Homeopathic medicine. Release form: drops and solution for injection. Consists of natural ingredients. In addition to its calming effect, it improves orienting reactions (can also be used at exhibitions) and promotes rapid adaptation. Does not cause drowsiness or depression of consciousness. Used once a day, the effect is noticeable 30–60 minutes after administration. A definite plus: it can be used for all animals (rodents, ferrets, birds, etc.). There are no age restrictions or contraindications. It costs more than the two above mentioned, but is more convenient to use (once a day).

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More details

Handy sedatives: how else to help your four-legged friend

Don’t forget that your furry pet, although it sometimes behaves willfully and excessively mannered, depends on warmth and affection. Especially in a stressful situation, when everything familiar is replaced by the unknown and dangerous. Simple stroking and tickling behind the ear will reassure the animal. Warm words of support, spoken in a cat’s native voice, will be a powerful help in the fight against nervous tension. And it doesn’t matter that the meaning of the words will be incomprehensible to the cat - the intonation with which they are spoken, the emotional message, is much more important. After all, only the owner knows how to caress and cheer up his furry friend. And, of course, do not forget about calmness - the animal will intuitively convey the state of its owner. It may be worth taking care not only of a sedative for your cat on the road, but also in case of stress and poor emotional well-being while traveling, purchase a human sedative. Have a pleasant journey and good mood along the entire journey to both the owner and his furry pet!

How to trim your nails calmly

There is the simplest way to calm a cat before trimming its claws: you need to attach a pair of clothespins (with weak compression force) to the scruff of the neck.

You need to prepare in advance for a long trip by train, car or flight.

This is where psychology comes into play; in childhood, a cat carries a kitten, holding this place with its teeth; if there is compression in the nape area, the animal instinctively calms down and relaxes.

Drugs with chemical composition

These products can only be used after consultation with a veterinarian and after prescribing the required dosage for each specific cat. They have quite a few contraindications and are used exclusively in emergency situations:

1. Buspirone (tablets). An effective remedy for combating stress in cats. However, the effect of the medicine does not begin immediately, but after several weeks of use (about a month). It has the effect of accumulating in the animal’s body. Prescribed for phobias in animals.
2. Diazepam is a strong tranquilizer. It quickly calms and relieves aggression in cats, but has a number of contraindications.
3. "Vetranquil" (liquid for injections). Very quickly calms down, eliminates excitability and nervousness of the animal. Begins to act in a few minutes.
4. "Amitriptyline" (liquid for injections). Used for injection into the muscles and veins of the animal. Has a strong sedative effect. Relieves aggression and severe stress in cats. It works quickly. It has a number of contraindications.
5. "Xylazine" (liquid for injections). Has a strong sedative effect. It starts working in a few minutes. It will help relieve the animal’s strong excitability, aggression, and tension. It has a fairly large list of contraindications.

Second echelon

There are a number of other drugs on the market. They are rarer and, as a result, less popular, although these are all domestic brands.

"Antistress" ()

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Available in tablet form separately for cats and dogs. Ingredients: vitamins + motherwort, essentially brewer's yeast with motherwort. It will be useful for animals with a weak nervous system when taken in courses. It does not act quickly, so it is useless to give it immediately before a trip. In this case, it is better to choose another drug as a sedative that will begin to work soon after administration.

"Vetspokoin" ()

Release form: suspension and tablets. The composition includes phenibut, royal jelly and promethazine, which has an antiallergic effect. Phenibut has already been discussed above. According to veterinarians, preparations containing it require caution in use, since animals often experience undesirable reactions to this substance. It is important to avoid overdose! Bee products can also serve as an allergen for animals.

"Fitex" ()

Available in the form of drops. Wonderful natural composition: extracts of valerian officinalis, motherwort, common hop, Baikal skullcap. But you need to give it three times a day. Contraindicated in Greyhounds and animals with low blood pressure. In case of overdose, drowsiness and lethargy may occur.

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Herbal preparations: methods of use

The most popular sedatives for cats in this category are:

1. "Fitex" (liquid for instillation). Contains medicinal herbs. This product should not be used if your pet has low blood pressure. Give 3-5 drops in the morning, afternoon and evening. Can be added to food provided it is completely eaten.
2. “Stop Stress” (drops) – calming drops for cats. Similar in composition to the drug "Fitex", but also contain phenibut. Used at the rate of 1 kg of animal – 1 drop of product. It should be given in two doses.
3. "Cat Bayun" (tablets and infusion). They contain only plant substances and can be given to cats from 10 months. The result is achieved after 5-7 days of use.
4. “Fospasim” (liquid for injections and drops). The drug is quite fast acting. Consists of medicinal herbs and mineral components. Injections are administered subcutaneously or into the muscle at a rate of 0.1 ml per 1 kg of animal weight. Drops – 10-15 drops 1-2 times a day. The course lasts about 10 days.
5. “Feliway” (in the form of a spray or a bottle with a substance for connecting to an outlet). Its distinctive feature is that it contains pheromone F. The drug is odorless and colorless. Non-toxic.

Contraindications to the use of sedatives

Do not forget that any remedy, even homeopathic, has a number of contraindications. Therefore, it is still worth giving certain medications, as mentioned above, after consulting a veterinarian. In addition, the use of sedatives during pregnancy, feeding kittens, and under the age of one year will be absolutely prohibited. Contraindications for health reasons include: renal or genitourinary pathologies, problems with blood pressure and vision, periods of illness of the animal. Also, under no circumstances should you give such a popular valerian to cats. Along with catnip, it causes narcotic intoxication and harms the health of the animal.

When you might need a sedative

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//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> A sedative should not be used without good reason. If there is a chance to calm the cat in another way, it is better not to resort to drug intervention, even one based on a phytotherapeutic effect. The stress that the cat experiences from the arrival of guests could be neutralized by purchasing a soft house, in the niche of which the animal will feel protected. You can make such a house with your own hands.

In the cases described below, you may actually need the help of sedatives.

Mental disorders

Outwardly, such violations manifest themselves in endless licking of the fur, which can even lead to its thinning. The skin under the fur looks irritated from constant contact with saliva and tongue. In addition, the cat may hunt for a non-existent target, twitch and jump for no reason, and constantly meow unmotivated.

Transporting a pet

During transportation, especially when the cat is not accustomed to this from early childhood, the animal may become stressed. If in a car the problem comes down only to a new way of moving, then public transport can easily cause panic in the cat. You will have to focus on your pet; there are also those who are just happy to go for a ride.

If the standard behavior changes, it will have to be corrected with medication. When planning a move, it is better to give your pet medicine in advance, especially if the instructions for the sedative drug say that it has a cumulative effect. It is better to learn in advance how to properly transport cats in a carrier.

Stress

Stress occurs for a number of reasons, including part of mental disorders and the circumstances of the pet’s living conditions. In many cases, it is better to consult a specialist and find the cause of the stressful condition. Probably, if you eliminate it, you won’t need to take medications.

Grooming

Grooming is highly valued by owners, but animals are not always as happy as visiting exhibitions. If large-scale procedures are planned, you can treat the cat with sedatives.

Castration

Castration and sterilization, as a surgical intervention in the body, also cause the cat to experience serious stress, both on the physical and mental level.

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Aggression

Fear, anxiety, and phobia can result in aggressive behavior. Aggression that is not typical behavior must be corrected.

Estrus

Against the background of estrus, aggression and hypersexuality may also occur, which can be very difficult to tolerate. Activation of the sexual instinct affects the well-being of pets, sometimes causing them to actually suffer.

Signs of aggression in cats

Before using any sedatives, you should consult a veterinarian.
The reaction to stress manifests itself differently in cats, and an inexperienced owner may not immediately recognize fear in the animal’s behavior.

When cats behave nervously:

• lick the skin on one side of the body (one paw, one side);
• calm themselves by making loud purring sounds;
• become completely indifferent to their favorite food or become overly gluttonous;
• They begin to gnaw on various objects and chew indoor flowers.

In case of severe fright due to a loud sound or the appearance of a dog, pets:

• they freeze in place, flattening their ears, tucking their paws and tail under them;
• attempt to escape;
• trying to hide in a dark, secluded place.

During an attack of aggression, small predators begin:

• arching the back to look larger, inflating the tail and hair on the body;
• hiss loudly, snort, howl, showing his teeth;
• look closely at the object that causes aggression;
• rhythmically whip the tail over the body, twitch it;
• hit an approaching object with the front paws with claws extended.

If a panic reaction occurs (if the cat was unable to hide or protect itself), the animal experiences:

• copious flow of saliva, similar to foam;
• loud scream, heartbreaking meow;
• involuntary urination.

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Reviews

Victor, 39 years old. I give “Cat Bayun” to my cat every time before going to the country. My wife and I work at our summer cottage all summer, and at the same time we take the cat with us. Being in open areas is pleasant for her, but the journey itself is stressful. About 5-6 days later I give the cat drops, and she tolerates the trip calmly. Before returning home we also use this drug.

Daria, 25 years old. My cat always bothers us during her heat. With the arrival of a child in the family, her meowing for days on end began to bring us a lot of problems, and I don’t want to give her hormonal pills - I’ve heard more than once that they cause oncology. “Cat Bayun” does not give immediate results, but it calms well, and we are happy with that.

Marina, 51 years old. They didn't castrate their cat on time, and he started marking the apartment. For now, castration is temporarily contraindicated for us, and during treatment we use “Cat Bayun” so that our pet does not mark everything in the apartment. The cat stopped marking already on the 3rd day of treatment, and has not yet remembered his bad habit.

Description of the drug

Unlike hormonal drugs, Kot Bayun does not provide such a calming effect - this is what some reviews from animal owners say.
However, according to scientists and veterinarians, the drug does not have as many contraindications as hormonal pills and is not as harmful to health.

There are two forms of release:

• pills;
• drops.

In each case, the drug is prescribed individually, and the dosage is selected by the veterinarian. A huge advantage of treatment with this medication is its composition: the medicine is absolutely natural.

Reference!

The tincture contains herbal extracts, just like the tablets, but the latter have a stronger effect due to the larger number of extracts in the composition.