Melatonin for cats is a way to treat dysfunctional behavior in your little feline companion. In recent times, melatonin has emerged as an option for owners concerned that their cats (and dogs) are experiencing unnatural levels of stress. In this post, we will discuss what melatonin is, how it came to be used as a supplement, and whether it is suitable to use melatonin for cats.
What we will cover:
- What is melatonin?
- How does melatonin for cats help?
- How do I administer melatonin for cats?
- Melatonin side effects in cats
- Best products!
No matter how in-tune you are with your cat’s health, it’s not always easy to spot some of the illnesses that they may have under the surface.
While it’s important to keep an eye on their eating habits, their toilet behavior, and any signs of afflictions, there are plenty of problems that can come about that lie beyond your ability to recognize them.
Even worse, your cat is unable to communicate more complicated issues that they may be having, so it pays to be a vigilant owner.
They may have behavioral issues, such as isolation from other animals (or you), or issues with their sleep patterns. They may have become overly anxious, which can be symptomatic of other problems such as hair loss and dietary complications.
While none of these issues are fatal per se, symptoms such as these can kick start a chain reaction of misery, should the biological imbalance (or the outside elements) not be readjusted and amended.
Our selection at a glance
| Product | Price | Quality | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | NaturVet | $ |  |
 | Nature Miracle | $ | |
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that mammals produce naturally from glands in their body. Biologically, this chemical is secreted by the pineal gland (near the base of the brain) and helps to regulate the body’s natural clock. This helps everything from circadian rhythms to maintaining a regular sleep pattern. It tends to have a sedative effect, calming down the processes of the body.
Supplements of melatonin (for cats and other animals) can be given in the form of tablets, and liquid capsules to give an additional boost. The reasons one may give them (or take them for themselves) are many.
Can You Give a Cat Melatonin – Can Cats Have Melatonin?
Much like in humans, melatonin for cats helps to combat sleep disturbances. These tend to arise when a cat has experienced a stressful event such as the introduction of another animal to its territory, being moved to a new territory, or any other kind of trauma. So you are probably wondering – is melatonin safe for cats?
Can I give my cat melatonin? What will happen if my cat ate melatonin? And does melatonin work?
Much like digestion issues and hair loss, sleep deprivation is a sign of stress. As well as combating hair loss by stopping cats from excessively grooming themselves (another sign of stress), over the counter cat sedative for grooming can also stimulate the growth of new fur.
Human beings often take melatonin as a sleep aid and it can act as a sleep aid for cats, too.
It can help with more chronic diseases too, such as Chronic Dysfunction Syndrome, which one other than Melatonin.com describes as:
“The most common signs of [Chronic Dysfunction Syndrome] can be remembered by the acronym DISH: […] Disorientation, less social Interaction, altered Sleep patterns, and House soiling. It’s unusual to see all four signs in an animal, and the diagnosis can be made on the basis of only one sign”.
Cats may also require the sedative effects of melatonin should they experience general behavioral issues. Hyperactivity, or even latent aggression, can all be mitigated with melatonin.
In older cats that don’t have these concerns, they might instead experience ‘cognitive dysfunction’. Melatonin for older cats can help them redress their body clock.
Melatonin for Cats Dosage
You can get cat sedatives over the counter or “sleeping pills for cats” in your nearest pharmacy. However, cat melatonin dosages can vary wildly between cats, let alone from humans to cats. So how can you give cats melatonin? Before reading the side of the bottle and making your own adjustments, you should consult a trained vet before you try melatonin for cats.
Also Read: Should I Sedate My Cat for Travel or Not??
The prevailing wisdom seems to be around 0.75mg per dosage. Pet Shrink goes into more detail:
“… For a cat, I’d probably start with about 0.75 mg [of melatonin]. Dose to be repeated as needed up to three times a day.”
However, your cat’s age and weight, as well as other factors may come into play. Side effects may include weight-loss and increased lethargy.
They can also react adversely with other medications, which may cause an intolerance to other medications, or even an allergy to the melatonin itself. That said, too much melatonin may not be good for your cat.
Side effects: is Melatonin safe for cats?
Used in normal conditions with the right dosage, melatonin is considered safe for cats. It is still a hormone so consequences on the body should still be considered. Keep in mind that not many studies have been conducted on the side effects on animals.
Here are a few potential side effects:
- Excessive drowsiness and confusion
- Changes in weight
- Itches
- Belly upset
- Fertility changes
Other side effects in humans that could be similar in cats:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Lower body temperature
- Headache
Best Cat Melatonin Tranquilizer Over the Counter
Before you decide to introduce your cat to melatonin cat sleeping pills, you should ask a vet for cat advice and try to combine this with a lifestyle change.
According to melatonin.com, this can include, “providing a warm and comfortable bed, use of a night light, playing the radio softly, offering a bedtime snack or warm milk, or taking the pet for a brief walk before bedtime.”
Below are some of the best melatonin for cats that provide relaxant properties for cats:
NaturVet Soft Chews with Melatonin
NaturVet is one of the predominant distributors of melatonin for cats. Balancing different chemicals and melatonin in a chewable tablet, cat relaxants aid in calming them down during more anxious moments. So if you are wondering how to make a cat fall asleep, NaturVet would be a good bet.
Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Calming Spray
Those looking for an alternative to a tablet or a capsule can look into sprays. Though most on offer don’t contain melatonin, remedies such as the ones created by Nature’s Miracle contain natural ingredients that also have sedative properties. They can also be discretely administered with fewer concerns about dosage.
Final Thoughts on Melatonin for Cats
When cats are subject to as many stimuli, smells, sights, sounds, and stresses as humans, it’s no surprise that they may develop behavior issues or even anxiety disorders. Melatonin for cats helps calm down your beloved pet for both short and long-term cases.
Whether you’re looking to keep them calm during a move, or while they are recovering from a particularly stressful time in their lives, it can often be a good sedative option to nip future problems in the bud.
By keeping your cat calm, and reducing needless, stressful behavior, providing melatonin for cats (with guidance from a vet) reduces the risk that they will develop future issues with their diet and their fur.