Buspirone is a drug used to treat anxiety and depression. It may be employed to control cat spraying. Cat spraying may be caused by a number of reasons, including stress and anxiety.
Frequent Causes of Cat Spraying
Cat spraying may be a way of marking territory or signaling sexual availability during the feline mating season. However, cat spraying may also be caused by:
- Stress and anxiety
- Urinary tract infections
- Changes in schedule, environment, in cat food or litter
If you rule out any other reason for spraying and you conclude that your cat is stressed, you need to look for a suitable treatment. In light cases of anxiety, you may simply comfort your pet and help him get used to the new situation. However, if the anxiety is serious, medication is needed.
Buspirone HCL
Buspirone is a recently discovered psychoactive medication that may be a treatment option for spraying cats.
Buspirone hydrochloride (HCL) is efficient because it has an extended duration of action. However, it offers a short-term relief of stress symptoms and should be used in conjunction with other stress treatment such as therapy.
Typically, Buspirone is easily absorbed, but it may create problems in cats with renal or liver dysfunctions.
Buspirone may also be used in other behavioral problems in pets, including fear.
Buspirone Side Effects
Buspirone has a main advantage over other anti-anxiety drugs: it doesn’t relax the muscles, and it doesn’t have any anti-seizure properties.
However, it has a few side effects including:
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Lack of coordination
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Palpitations
An inappropriate elimination of Buspirone may cause allergic reactions, seizures, urinary retention and excessive hair loss.
The side effects of Buspirone may be severe, so if your cat is sensitive, your vet may switch to a different medication.
Contraindications
Buspirone is not recommended for felines with:
- Kidney or liver disease, because it will cause inappropriate elimination and toxicity
- Heart condition
- Acute glaucoma
Other Treatment Options for Feline Anxiety
If Buspirone is not suitable for your cat, other treatment options include valium or diazepam. However, valium may also have side effects such as nausea, vomiting or lethargy.
The cat may also have therapy sessions to treat stress. Aromatherapy sessions are also available, and these are meant to relieve stress in cats.
Pheromone diffusers are used to treat stress in cats. The diffusers release a smell that is similar to the smell of a mother cat. This is familiar and pleasant for cats, causing them to relax.
Buspirone is a prescription medication and shouldn’t be administered without your vet’s advice. Supervise your cat when under medication with Buspirone, and alert the vet if you see any side effects or if the spraying behavior continues.