Insomnia, as well as jet lag, are just two of the many sleep disorders that melatonin is used to treat in humans.
Its sedative properties make it a valuable supplement for treating anxiety, and it is sold without a prescription at most drugstores.
Some recent anecdotal evidence suggests that melatonin may also be useful for cats and dogs.
What is melatonin?
The fact that the body can produce its own melatonin makes it a more appealing option than chemical interventions for the treatment of sleep disorders.
The body releases this hormone in response to darkness, and it plays a crucial role in controlling the time spent sleeping and awake.
Melatonin not only helps control sleep patterns, but it also has a sedative-like effect and can help slow down the body’s natural rhythms.
Can cats have melatonin?
Can I give melatonin to my cat? ”
Since cats produce their own melatonin, giving it to your cat shouldn’t be a problem.
Supplemental melatonin for your cat may be helpful if given at the right time and in the right dose.
Please consult your veterinarian before making any dietary or supplementation changes to your cat, as human supplements are not always appropriate for felines.
Also, brands of supplements intended for human consumption may contain ingredients or dosages that are harmful to your cat. If you want to know the bare minimum, ask your vet. They know what’s best for your cat.
Melatonin for cats: Uses
What conditions does melatonin for cats help with? ”
Although anecdotal evidence suggests that giving cats melatonin supplements would be beneficial, there is currently insufficient scientific data to support this. Most of the benefits claimed for giving cats melatonin are based on anecdotal evidence.
Melatonin treatment appears to be beneficial for feline health and behavior. Melatonin has a calming effect on cats and can aid in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.
Sleep problems
The majority of cat owners will tell you that their feline friend has only one major flaw: she sleeps too much.
While it is true that cats spend roughly two-thirds of their lives sleeping, some older cats, especially those with cognitive disorders similar to Alzheimer’s disease, may develop problems with a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Anxiety
When you need to keep your cat quiet, melatonin can come in handy. When your cat is likely to experience anxiety, such as during a trip to the veterinarian, during a thunderstorm, or when you are relocating, it is best to prepare ahead of time.
Cats with separation anxiety can benefit greatly from melatonin’s sedative effects.
Other
Cats with epilepsy, hyperactivity, hair loss, or digestive problems may also benefit from melatonin treatment.
Melatonin may be effective in treating a variety of conditions, but it is not without potential side effects. When making major dietary or lifestyle changes for your cat, it is essential that you consult with your veterinarian first.
A virtual vet can help you determine which brand of melatonin is safe and effective for your cat.
Melatonin may be used by some cat breeders to temporarily stop the reproductive cycle of their cats. While studies show that melatonin can be safely administered to cats, there is no telling how long the effects will last or how effectively they will prevent the animals from reproducing.
More study is needed to determine if and how sexual activity affects melatonin levels in cats. Studies to date, however, have assumed that a moderate dose of melatonin for cats can effectively reduce sexual activity.
Do not give melatonin or any other supplement if your cat has a preexisting condition or is taking medication.
Supplements and medications should never be given without first consulting a veterinarian; you can do so by going to the clinic or by asking a Petcube Online Vet, who will respond to your question in under a minute.
Why Is Melatonin Good For Cats?
The following are common applications of melatonin:
- Lack of sleep
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Symptoms of PTSD in Human Behavior
Cats are notorious for their excessive sleeping. They snooze for roughly two-thirds of their lifespan. However, older cats or cats with mental or physical health issues often have trouble maintaining consistent sleep schedules. In addition, even the most courageous feline can experience fear and PTSD.
Your cat may become anxious when confronted with novel stimuli such as a new home or furniture arrangement or an unexpected visitor. Now, melatonin comes into play.
Potential side-effects of melatonin for cats
Is it safe to give cats melatonin? ”
Melatonin is generally safe for cats when used correctly; however, cats should always be monitored when receiving this supplement.
Melatonin is a hormone, so there is always a chance that it will interfere with something else your body is doing, or have no effect at all.
Negative reactions to melatonin in felines include:
- Drowsiness
- Gaining or losing weight
- Itching
- An upset stomach
- Confusion
- Variations in Fertility
If your cat exhibits any adverse reactions to melatonin, you should stop giving it to them immediately.
As a hormone, melatonin could affect the levels of other hormones. Pregnant cats and cats lacking sexual maturity should never be given this product.
Cats with preexisting conditions of the liver, kidneys, or heart should be supplemented with caution due to the increased risk of adverse reactions.
Melatonin dosage for cats
Please tell me the safe melatonin dosage for my cat. ”
Melatonin is typically taken as a pill, liquid, or capsule. Up to three times daily, it can be administered with or without food. In most cases, you’ll start feeling better within an hour or two of taking it.
An adult cat of average size could potentially begin treatment with a starting dose of 0.75mg of melatonin, given up to three times daily.
Your cat’s age, weight, and the severity of their condition are just a few of the variables that will affect the recommended dosage. The best source of information for dosing recommendations is your vet.
Check the supplement’s ingredients if you choose a brand formulated for human consumption to make sure it doesn’t contain anything that could be harmful to your cat. Pick a brand that knows cats and what they need.
Best Melatonin Supplements For Cats
Your cat should not take melatonin supplements intended for humans or dogs. They aren’t made with felines in mind, so they don’t provide the proper nutrition or guarantee their safety. Instead, you should give your cat a supplement containing melatonin.
Our top pick for feline melatonin is…
The Quiet Moments series from NaturVet includes melatonin-infused soft chews for cats in a 60-count package.
Thiamine, melatonin, L-Tryptophan, ginger, chamomile, and the other ingredients in these chews are all completely safe for your pet to eat. The soft chews are made with natural ingredients like vegetable oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed, and more, and they contain no wheat.
Kittens under 12 weeks of age can also benefit from their use.
They are useful in situations where the cat might become agitated or anxious, such as car rides, trips to the vet, and grooming.
Everyday use of NaturVet’s products is risk-free. These soft chews are also very affordable.
If your cat turns up its nose at the chews, you can trick it into eating them by disguising them in some canned cat food, which is both affordable and specially formulated for felines.
From $0.18 to $0.25 per chew.
Should You Give Melatonin To Your Cat? Is It Safe?
When your cat is in heat or struggling to recover from a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to help it relax.
Particularly susceptible to separation anxiety are younger kittens and recently adopted cats. Illness and old age can cause anxiety in felines.
Melatonin is one of the best all-natural supplements, but there are many other tranquilizers on the market today that are also safe for cats.
In order to ensure that melatonin is safe for your cat, you should discuss doing so with your vet.
Don’t ignore your cat’s mental or physical needs, and never, ever assume that products designed for humans or dogs are also safe for cats.
Final thoughts
Always consult a trusted vet first if your cat is exhibiting symptoms you think could be helped by a melatonin supplement.
Even though melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in a cat’s body, you should not attempt to diagnose or treat your cat on your own.
Supplementation carries risks, especially for cats that are pregnant, sexually immature, or being treated for an existing medical condition. Melatonin is not a panacea either. Because of the lack of research into its efficacy, it should be used with extreme caution.
Medications and supplements meant for humans should never be given to animals without first consulting a vet.