Key takeaways:
Melatonin is a supplement that can improve sleep disorders and anxiety issues in cats.
Melatonin works by regulating sleep and wake cycles in people and cats. This can cause a cat to sleep better at night rather than stay awake playing or “hunting.”
Melatonin is safe for cats. It causes few side effects besides drowsiness. It’s best to discuss melatonin with a veterinarian before giving it to your cat.
Does your cat keep you up at night? Cats can have trouble sleeping just like people. This can cause sleepless nights for their owners.
You’ve probably heard of melatonin, a popular sleep aid for humans. Melatonin can also help manage sleep issues in cats.
Learn more about melatonin and how it may benefit your cat.
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What is melatonin for cats, and how does it work?
Melatonin is primarily used to treat sleep disorders in cats. It can also be used to calm an anxious cat before a stressful event, like a trip to the veterinarian or groomer.
Some cat breeders also use melatonin to control feline fertility.
Melatonin is not a medication. It’s considered a nutraceutical, a food supplement with added nutritional benefits.
People and other mammals, like cats, make melatonin naturally. It’s a hormone produced by the pineal gland, a tiny gland in the brain that regulates sleep and wake cycles.
Sometimes the body doesn’t make enough melatonin to promote sleep. This is the case for many people. It’s likely true in cats as well. A melatonin supplement can make up for a deficiency. When taken at bedtime, it can regulate the body to sleep at night and stay awake during the day.
What is the dosage of melatonin for cats, and how is it given?
The standard dosage of melatonin for cats is 1.5 mg to 6 mg once a day before bedtime. Some cats may need up to 12 mg every 12 to 24 hours.
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To manage stressful situations, like a trip to the veterinarian, give your cat melatonin 2 to 3 hours before the event.
Melatonin for cats is available as tablets, capsules, liquid, and flavored chews. You can buy melatonin for cats at pet stores and online retailers.
You don’t need a prescription for melatonin; it’s available over the counter. It’s still a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about melatonin before giving it to your cat.
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What are the common side effects of melatonin for cats?
Drowsiness is the most common side effect of melatonin for cats.
What are the most serious risks of melatonin for cats?
Melatonin can affect your cat’s reproductive hormones. This is not a problem for spayed or neutered cats.
Keep in mind that there are many melatonin supplements on the market. They may be made with other ingredients that can harm your cat. For example, some melatonin supplements contain chamomile, which is toxic to cats. Others contain a combination of xylitol and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). These can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Always check labels and ask your veterinarian to recommend a safe brand.
Does melatonin interact with other cat medications?
Several medications may interact with melatonin, including:
Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax)
Cimetidine
Estrogens
Succinylcholine
Warfarin
Using melatonin with medications on this list may still be OK. Tell your veterinarian about medications or supplements your cat takes before giving them melatonin.
What should you do if your cat misses a dose of melatonin?
If you think your cat missed a dose of melatonin, give the next dose as soon as possible. Giving an extra dose will probably not harm your cat, but it may make them super sleepy. So if you’re not sure if you gave your cat their melatonin, it may be best to skip the missed dose.
The bottom line
Melatonin is a natural supplement that can promote sleep in cats. It works by regulating sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin can be given as a tablet, a capsule, or a flavored chew made for cats. The most common side effect of melatonin in cats is drowsiness.
There are many melatonin supplements on the market. Some contain other ingredients that may be harmful to cats. Make sure you study product labels or ask a veterinarian to recommend a safe brand for your feline.
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References
Budde, J. A., et al. (2023). Melatonin. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook 10th ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Chamomile.
ASPCApro. (n.d.). 5-HTP and pets: A potentially lethal combination. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Boyd, C. J. (2021). Circadian rhythm and management of sleep in critical illness. Veterinary Information Network.
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Melatonin.
Hardeland, R. (2012). Neurobiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of melatonin deficiency and dysfunction. The Scientific World Journal.
Kutzler, M. A. (2015). Alternative methods for feline fertility control: Use of melatonin to suppress reproduction. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Norman, A. W., et al. (2015). The pineal gland. Hormones.
Puri, V., et al. (2022). A comprehensive review on nutraceuticals: Therapy support and formulation challenges. Nutrients.
Tuleski, G. L. R., et al. (2022). Behavioral and cardiovascular effects of a single dose of gabapentin or melatonin in cats: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
