Melatonin is a chemical found in Melatonin helps your feline relax.
If your cat suffers from night seizures, he may need more Melatonin than if he merely sleeps through the night. You can give him an oral tablet by breaking it in half.
So, can I give my cat melatonin?
Though it’s easiest to give your cat a tablet form of Melatonin, you can also crush the supplement and sprinkle it over his food as a treat.
Your kitty will likely gobble up the supplement within seconds! To find out how much Melatonin your cat needs, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.
You will likely need to give your kitty a dose throughout the night for best results. Plus, make sure to give your cat a full meal a few hours before bed time to avoid hunger pangs later in the evening.
Can I Give My Cat Melatonin?
Melatonin is generated naturally in cats, and it’s given to treat health issues such as night seizures or issues caused by sleep deprivation.
Melatonin supplements may be beneficial to your feline friend, but standard dosage amounts are only available on prescription from your veterinarian.
It’s crucial to note that human vitamins aren’t always safe for cats, so ask for your vet’s recommendation before giving your kitty any supplements or medications.
Additionally, supplement products designed for people may include chemicals or additives that aren’t suitable for kitties.
Check with your veterinarian first, as your cat can also develop a dependence on melatonin supplements if taken regularly.
Why Use Melatonin for Cats?
If your cat isn’t sleeping well and/or has hair loss, nervousness, lethargy, or loss of appetite he may be suffering from a condition called feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) or idiopathic hyperesthesia syndrome (IHS).
Both of these conditions are mental/emotional conditions that cause cats to suffer from anxiety and/or stress while awake or asleep.
If your cat suffers from this medical condition it’s essential to treat his anxiety so he’s able to get the shut-eye he needs to recover from FHS, and melatonin supplements may help.
Anxiety
Melatonin is a useful item to bring along on a multi-pet road trip.
For example, in circumstances when you know your cat will sleep the entire time, but the other pets won’t.
Melatonin’s relaxing qualities will surely help put your pets at ease during the journey.
Sleep problems
Most cat owners will tell you how frustrating it is when their cat doesn’t sleep through the night or sleeps in odd places around the house.
While cats do spend around two-thirds of their lives sleeping, some cats have difficulty sleeping well and may have problems during the daytime as well.
Is Melatonin Dangerous to Cats?
Before administering your cat melatonin, you should consult your veterinarian to check dosage amounts and any drug interactions that could occur.
Once you’re given the go-ahead by your vet, you can take the following steps: Give your cat one dose of melatonin during the evening to help him sleep through the night. To administer the supplement, break open a capsule and sprinkle the powder over your cat’s food.
Your kitty will love the treat and gobble it up within seconds.
When taken appropriately, it is quite common to find the supplement effective in helping your cat rest during a stressful time or period.
If your veterinarian has granted you permission to give melatonin to your cat, follow the directions on the label to prevent any complications due to an overdose.
Is Melatonin Safe for Cats?
Melatonin is typically safe for cats when taken in recommended doses and as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Because melatonin is a hormone, it has some of the same side effects as other hormones, such as digestive problems or hormonal imbalances.
Melatonin should be stopped in cats with signs of dehydration or vomiting or diarrhea; these conditions are hormone-related and may indicate a serious allergy to the supplement.
Melatonin is a hormone, hence it may cause side effects in cats.
As a result, pregnant or lactating cats should avoid use of this supplement unless it has been prescribed by a veterinarian.
Side Effects of Melatonin for Cats
Itching, weight increase or loss, behavior, fertility changes, depression, and breathing difficulty are some side effects your cat may experience as a result of taking melatonin supplements.
It’s also critical to give your feline companion time to adjust to the supplement; give it a week or two for results to appear and report any side effects that occur to your veterinarian.
This will assist to guarantee the dosages are safe and will not make your cat feel worse or cause other complications.
If you’re thinking about giving your cat melatonin, talk it over with your veterinarian to be sure it’s safe to do so and that you’re getting the recommended dosage for your cat’s breed and size.
Melatonin may interfere with other drugs or supplements such as birth control pills and sedatives, so let your pharmacist or veterinarian know if you’re using any of these products along with melatonin supplements.
How Much Melatonin Can I Give My Cat?
Melatonin is given orally in capsule form or liquid form Pet owners giving melatonin to cats should adhere to the directions on the bottle or package.
For 2 to 4 months, the medicine should be given 30 minutes before nighttime to prevent night terrors in senior cats with insomnia; after that time period, the medicine should be taken 30 minutes before night to alert cats to bedtime.
For kittens with insomnia, the medicine should be given 30 minutes before the morning “wake-up” time; after three weeks, the kitten should be taking the medicine 30 minutes before the “evening wake-up” time.
Also Read: Why Do Cats Pant in the Car?
Can I Give My Cat Melatonin Every Night?
While there may be some advantages to giving your cat melatonin every night, proceed with caution: Some cats may not like taking the supplement every night and may refuse to take it altogether, or may become agitated by it.
It’s important to be aware of the possible side effects and drug interactions of melatonin before giving your cat the supplement.
Because it is a hormone, chronic use of melatonin may result in weight gain in some cats and may lower some feline hormones.
Conclusion
This article has discussed the pros and cons of giving your cat melatonin supplements.
Though Melatonin can help your feline relax for a deeper snooze at night, it may cause drowsiness in cats that lack sleep cycles or are too sensitive to Melatonin supplements. So, can you give your cat melatonin?
If your cat suffers from night seizures, he may need more melatonin than if he merely sleeps through the night. You can give your cat an oral tablet by breaking it in half.
You can also crush the supplement and sprinkle it over his food as a treat. Your kitty will likely gobble up the supplement within seconds!
To find out how much melatonin your cat needs, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. You will likely need to give your kitty a dose throughout the night for best results.
Make sure to give your cat a full meal a few hours before bed time to avoid hunger pangs later in the evening.
