Melatonin is a neurohormone that is given to cats for many reasons.
In this article, we talk about the basic things you need to know.
Would melatonin be the best choice for your cat?
Are there specific side effects? Read on!
What is melatonin?
It is a neurohormone formed in plants, animals, and bacteria.
This substance is created differently in various organisms, performing different functions depending on where it is found.
Melatonin is also referred to as the “hormone of darkness.” It works best at night.
At nighttime, there’s more of melatonin in the blood. Its presence in the blood tells your body when it’s time for sleep.
This can last up to 12 hours. By dawn, the level becomes much reduced in the body. Eventually, at day time, it becomes hard to detect.
Can you give your cat melatonin?
Yes, melatonin is not only great for cats; other felines can benefit from it too.
However, there are reasons why melatonin is given.
There are also recommended dosages for use that you need to know.
When should you give your cat melatonin?
Pet owners dealing with anxiety, trauma, or destructive behavior from their pets would find melatonin a great option.
Some events can cause your cat to be upset or anxious.
Being left alone or hearing loud sounds like thunder may scare your feline friend.
If your furry pet falls in this category, melatonin would be ideal. It will get your cat to be less afraid and calmer.
If you’re planning to go out with your pet, you could also give it some. Some animals, including cats, aren’t usually too eager to leave the house.
Another reason would be to help maintain your pet’s body rhythm. Melatonin can also help to regulate the cycle of reproduction.
It prevents your male cat from mating with your female pet.
It does this by suppressing your feline’s heat cycle and reducing the urge to mate. Your cat will not get pregnant this way.
So, it stops your pet from having too many kittens.
Naturally, most cats are known for sleeping through most of the day time. However, some have a hard time sleeping.
This makes them restless. Your feline friend may meow in the night. Older pets tend to be the ones with this problem. A
s a solution, you can give your cat this neurohormone. It will help it to sleep better.
Melatonin can also prevent your cat from suffering because of its age.
Cats, just like in humans, have reduced cognitive capabilities as they grow older. You can choose to minimize this effect as early as possible with melatonin.
With this, your pet will not have to suffer from impairment or dysfunction. You will also get great responses from your cat as it grows older.
If your furry friend experiences fur loss, melatonin can help with hair growth.
Cat’s do not usually have hair loss problems like dogs, but it can be useful for your pet.
What’s the right dose of melatonin to give to your cat?
This usually depends on what you are treating.
Give 0.5mg to 0.8mg of this neurohormone to your furry friend per serving, every 12 hours, orally.
Serve 1mg of melatonin in tablet form by mixing it with food every 12 hours as well.
Give your cat two or three times, and in a week, you should start to see a great result.
Is melatonin entirely safe for cats?
This substance is completely safe for humans, cats, and other animals.
Food and drug administration have not explicitly approved melatonin.
Still, it is legal for a vet to prescribe it as an extra-label medicine.
Depending on the problem, it is used for a short or long period.
Can your cat overdose on melatonin?
It is a non-toxic neurohormone.
No, your cat cannot overdose on melatonin.
Your furry pet may spit this substance out if it’s given through the mouth, via a syringe or an eyedropper.
Other than this, your cat may not show any different reaction to melatonin.
What are the side-effects?
You must first see a vet before administering melatonin, especially if your cat is already on some other medication.
In cats and some other animals, melatonin can cause weight gain. It can also make your pet sleep more.
Also, combining drugs such as oxidase inhibitors and corticosteroids with melatonin may cause side effects.
Similar effects may also occur with sedatives and tranquilizers.
Although it is rare, melatonin can cause your cat to be hypersensitive or allergic to other medications.
So, consult your vet first before giving your furry friend any form of medicine.
Now, you know when it would be right to administer your cat melatonin and the correct dosages.
Tried any of these? Would you like to discuss how the experience was for you and your cat?
Great! We would love to hear from you. Drop a comment.
