As a cat owner it is important to ask yourself if you know what to do if your cat swallows or gets stung by a bee. Will you be prepared if this happens while on a family camping trip, or in the wee hours of the morning? Cats and bee stings can result in a serious situation depending on how many times your cat got stung and on what part of your cat’s body. Cats are curious animal, so when they get stung by bees it’s usually on the face, nose, or paw. The old adage, “curiosity killed the cat”, actually has an element of truth. Cats are nosy creatures, sniffing at anything of interest. Since felines find insects interesting, they sniff at them, and if they stick their nose where it doesn’t belong, that could turn out to be fatal. So, let’s take a comprehensive look at what happens if a cat got stung by a bee. Cats and bees Since their bodies are small, a bee sting can have a greater, faster effect on cats than it does on humans . Cats react to bee stings a lot like people do. You can expe...
If you have ever traveled with your meowing, stressed-out cat in a car or a plane will know how unpleasant and stressful the whole journey can be.
The best solution would be to get your cat used to traveling by training. However, this would require time and effort.
Medicine like Benadryl which is sold Over-the-counter can be used but using them can have harmful side effects like seizures, extreme sleepiness, coma, slow breathing or death.
Natural Sedatives like Rescue remedy for cats, Feliway, and catnip, which are recommended by the most vet, can help your cat to remain cool and provide quick relief from stress without any harmful side effects.
Sedatives are by definition substances that have
- Calming, soothing, tranquilizing effects.
- And Able to Reduce or relieve anxiety, irritability, stress, and excitement.
Natural Sedatives are plants or other naturally occurring substances that produce these same effects.
Although the popular belief that says what's natural is always safe doesn't necessarily hold true in each and every case, if used prudently, natural sedatives and natural remedies can be just as potent and generally healthier alternatives to prescription drugs.
Below I will provide you with basic details of most commonly used over the counter Natural Sedative used for cats.
Rescue Remedy for Cats
Rescue remedy is a popular over-the-counter anxiety treatment which is made from highly distilled flower essences and generally causes no side effects beyond placebo.The Bach Flower Remedies are based on the research and findings of English physician Dr. Edward Bach.
Rescue remedy can be used for an immediate calming effect and can help your cat with
- Fear of Loud Noises
- Separation anxiety
- Adapting to new surroundings
- Excessive Hissing
Ingredients - Rescue remedy contains 5 different flower essences
- Crab Apple
- Clematis
- Impatiens
- Rock Rose
- Star of Bethlehem
How to give it to cats?
I prefer to use the treats method, as it is clear that your cat really gets the drop and also cats do enjoy treats.
You can place 4 drops of Rescue Remedy on a treat and offer it to a cat.
How long does the effect of rescue remedy stay?
In my experience, it probably lasted for at least half day and also helped my kitty sleep in the car during my cross-country trip. I gave him 4 drops at the start of our trip.
Does it have any taste or scent?
It has no apparent scent and my cat does not hesitate at all to eat his treat with a few drops on it.
Feliway
Feliway is clinically proven and recommended by 94% of veterinarians surveyed by CEVA Animal Health.
Feliway is a synthetic version of the cat facial pheromone.
When cat senses the Feliway, it makes him feel like he is in safe, stress-free environment.
There have been a number of studies done on the effectiveness of Feliway for behavioral problems in cats:
Effects of a synthetic feline facial pheromone on behavior in cats – Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Evaluating a feline facial pheromone analog to control urine spraying [2000] Hunthausen, W.
How do cats use pheromones?
Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to rub his or her face on things? Your cat is probably depositing facial pheromones which are meant to tell other cats that this is his territory.When cat senses facial phenomes, cat feels like they are in their space and this calms the cat.
By mimicking the natural feline reassuring messages, FELIWAY helps cats happily adjust to the pace of modern life, restores calm and may help decrease urine spraying, scratching and hiding.
You can use Feliway as a spray (used to spray objects in the house like a carrier) or as a Diffuser (which is a plugin that you plug into the wall).The Spray lasts 4-5 hours on the surface to which it is applied.
Feliway is safe to use and there are no harmful effects on cats.
There is no smell or odor produced by the feliway plugin.
I have used it in my house and could not tell that it was there at all.
For cats that hate to go in the carrier or travel in a car – use the feliway spray on a towel in the carrier. They are not meant to be used directly on your cats.
Another preferred way is to use Feliway wipes.
These are easy to use.You just have to wipe down the inside of your cat carrier before traveling with your cat.
Feliway wipes are disposable and allow you to create particular spots that your cat will find comforting. This allows you to create trails and place for your cat to stay.
Benefits
- It Increases the ability of cat owners to travel with a cat.
- helps to get your cat to like their carries and find it as a place of comfort.
- Provides comfort on their bedding area.
When and how to use
- If you are planning to travel with your cat, spray FELIWAY in the carrier. Use at least 8 sprays in the carrier. Allow to air out for 10 minutes prior to putting a cat in the carrier
- If you plan to visit the vet with your cat, spray FELIWAY in the carrier. Use at least 8 sprays in the carrier. Allow to air out for 10 minutes prior to putting a cat in the carrier
- If your cats show signs of discomfort during transport: vomiting, urination, defecation but also meowing, agitation and salivation
- If your cat shows signs at home like urine spraying, or hiding
Catnip
Catnip plants (Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species) are members of the mint family and contain volatile oils, sterols, acids, and tannins.
When a cat eats catnip, it acts as a sedative, but when smelled, it causes the cat to go crazy. It is thought to mimic feline pheromones and trigger those receptors.
About 50 percent of cats seem to be affected by catnip, and the behavior that results varies widely between individuals, and it is believed to be an inherited sensitivity.
Catnip is considered to be non-addictive and completely harmless to cats.
The only potentially unpleasant side effect for your little one is some mild diarrhea or vomiting if he eats a large amount of the herb, according to PetMD.
Catnip should be given occasionally, maybe once or twice a week.
Most cats enjoy dry catnip, which is an herb. Its scent, especially when fresh, attracts most cats, and I have found it to be perfectly safe and fun for all
It is also good to put a little in a cat carrier when it’s time to go to the vet.
Conclusion
Natural Sedatives can be a great way to reduce stress in a cat with no harmful side effects.
The degree of results will also depend on behaviors of your pet, some will respond faster and better than others.
I am not a veterinarian, this information is to give your cat a natural alternative for stress reduction. Please consult your vet for any continuing or more severe issues.