Can Gravol kill a cat? Indeed, what brings you to this post is the frustration of having tried to get your cat to relax during a car ride with no success. Well, it is not just about your cat, mine has been just like that despite everything I tried to help her relax, the motion sickness always kicks in. So, can Gravol kill a cat?
In working on a safe and long-term solution with my vet about 6 years ago, I discovered Gravol could safely be used on cats without any problems, except if your cat has some sickness which the Gravol could aggravate further(more on that later in the article), Gravol could also kill your cat if the wrong dose is administered.
This article will help you understand what could make Gravol fatal to your cat, the dosage, and the more effective alternative you could use in cases where the cat needs to be sedated.
Table of Contents
- Can Gravol Kill A Cat?
- Can Cats Take Gravol?
- How Much Gravol To Give A Cat?
- Symptoms of Gravol poisoning in cats
- Gravol or Benadryl for cats?
- FAQS
- Can You Give A Cat Gravol For Travelling?
- Can You Give A Cat Gravol For vomiting
- Is Gravol Safe For Cats? – Final Thoughts
Can Gravol Kill A Cat?
Yes! Gravol(dimenhydrinate) can be fatal to cats if they are given or exposed to large dosages. Gravol is an antihistamine primarily made to help relax motion sickness in humans, hence, the use for cats should be out of proper guidance.
Out cats metabolize differently from how we do, which means drugs we can safely take as humans, may pose certain risks for cats. Gravol could cause seizures, death, and nervous system depression if it is administered wrongly.
The good news is that most vets will recommend the use of Gravol if natural alternatives such as ginger, or pheromones such as Feliway fail to calm your kitty during travels.
Can Cats Take Gravol?
You can give Gravol to cats to help with motion sickness, but it’s important to use caution and follow your veterinarian’s guidance. Cats tend to be more sensitive to Gravol compared to dogs.
Gravol is available in pill and liquid forms. Giving the liquid form is often easier when administering it to cats. Your vet will be able to recommend the most suitable formulation and provide the correct dosage for your cat.
It’s important not to administer Gravol over a long period of time. It should only be used for short term situations that cause motion sickness, such as car travel. Prolonged use can have negative effects.
Kittens and elderly cats may have increased sensitivity to Gravol, so your vet might suggest a more conservative dosage.
Always keep Gravol out of reach of cats as accidental overdoses can occur if they ingest too much, which can be extremely dangerous.
How Much Gravol To Give A Cat?
The Gravol for cats dosage will be dependent on the size, health status, and weight of your feline friend.
A cat that weighs about 10 or 11 lbs, should be given a baby’s dose which is 12.5mg( half of an adult’s dose, 25mg). To ensure its effectiveness, you should administer the drug an hour before the travel begins.
You should expect the effect of Gravol to last for 8 hours tops. Most cats don’t do badly with Gravol, but there are cases where the drug could have other unwanted effects like extra dizziness or sleepiness, and even vomiting. To prevent any unplanned display of symptoms, test run this drug at home before the trip and see how your kitty reacts to it, before actually using it on your intended journey.
In addition to “Do Not Overdose” there are certain health conditions that your cat may have, that make them, not suitable candidates for Gravol, and these include diseases of the kidney, liver, heart, lungs, or prostrate, a cat that is dealing with high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, a cat that suffers allergies from antihistamines, a cat with COPD, a cat that suffers from seizures or have an enlarged prostate.
Symptoms of Gravol poisoning in cats
If you give this medication without following the dosage guide below or without following how your vet advised you to use the drug, or if your cat accidentally had unhinged access to your stash, it could be poisoned.
It is necessary that you know the symptoms, so you could offer prompt intervention in a case of poisoning, these symptoms are heavily dependent on the amount consumed:
Loss of coordination
Gravol can cause cats to lose coordination and balance. They will stagger and have problems walking straight, and this is a result of the drowsy side effect of Gravol at certain levels.
Lethargy
Your cat will show less interest in things that excites it or their usual routines, they will also feel weak and appear to lack energy.
Loss of Appetite
The cat may refuse to eat or show less interest in food. A sudden decrease in appetite can be concerning, especially if your cat is usually a hearty eater.
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
Gravol has the potential to impact the heart, causing an elevation in heart rate or irregular heartbeat patterns. If you observe your cat’s heart beating at an unusually accelerated pace or in an irregular manner, it is crucial to promptly seek veterinary assistance.
Seizures
In severe cases, the cat may have seizures or convulsions.
Dry Mouth or Increased Thirst
If your cat seems to have a dry mouth or is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign that the medication is affecting them in some way. Excessive thirst or a dry mouth may indicate that there is an issue with how the drug is affecting your cat.
Gravol or Benadryl for cats?
Gravol is mainly used in treating motion sickness, while Benadryl is used to sedate a cat, and the cat requires just the same dosage as Gravol, 12.5mg.
The use of these two drugs doesn’t guarantee success all the time, which is why I earlier asked you to do a trial at home.
A more successful alternative that would guarantee that your cat will be sedated throughout your trip is Acepromazine: This drug is a pure sedative and is as effective as the word effective, but your cat’s reaction can be incalculable sometimes, as they could have prolonged spell of sleep or drowsiness as a result of how they metabolize drugs.
FAQS
Can You Give A Cat Gravol For Travelling?
Yes, that is one of the major reasons cats are given Gravol an hour before travel, to help prevent or reduce motion sickness, while on a trip with your cat.
Can You Give A Cat Gravol For vomiting
If your cat is experiencing vomiting, it is crucial to identify the underlying reason before contemplating the use of any medication such as Gravol.
Vomiting can indicate a range of problems, including dietary mishaps, issues with the digestive system, infections, and exposure to toxins( like when your cat consumes much of creeping Jenny or mugwort. or potentially more serious medical conditions.
Administering Gravol without understanding the root cause might obscure the issue and postpone appropriate treatment.
But if the need of using gravel when your cat is vomiting is a result of motion sickness, then yes… It is a great choice if used as directed.
Is Gravol Safe For Cats? – Final Thoughts
Gravol is safe for cats, although it was made for humans, giving your cat a baby’s dose wouldn’t hurt it, except it has underlying diseases that could interact negatively with Gravol.
Like every other thing in your house, gravel should be stated safely and out of reach to avoid accidental overdose. Also, if your cat still experiences motion sickness after administering Gravol an hour before travel, you should consider using pure sedatives like Acepromazine.
If you have questions or submissions, feel free to contact us, or use the comment box.
