Xanax for Cats: Help Your Cat Stay Calm in Stressful Situations
Key takeaways:
Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication that is used in cats for short-term, situational anxiety, such as veterinary visits or travel.
Xanax works for short-term fear or anxiety. But it cannot be used long term because it’s hard on the liver and can lead to dependence.
The most common side effect of Xanax in cats is drowsiness. It can also cause upset stomach and temporary lack of coordination.
Table of contents
If you dread taking your cat to the veterinarian because the experience is stressful for both of you, then you might want to consider Xanax (alprazolam). Xanax is a short-term, antianxiety medication that is often prescribed to cats to help them cope with stressful situations, like veterinary visits or traveling.
Learn how Xanax works for cats and what you need to know about this anxiety medication.
Xanax for cats at a glance
Common names | Xanax (alprazolam) |
What it treats | Short-term or situational anxiety |
How it comes (forms) | Tablet or oral liquid |
Common side effects | Drowsiness, decreased appetite, digestive upset, temporary coordination issues |
Average cost |
What is Xanax for cats, and how does it work?
Xanax is a medication in the benzodiazepine class. These medications help calm the central nervous system, making a person or animal feel more relaxed. They can also slow heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Search and compare options
In cats, Xanax is used to treat short-term anxiety, fear, phobias, and behavioral problems. It can reduce anxiety in situations like:
Veterinary visits
Grooming
Boarding
Travel
Introducing a new pet
Moving
Xanax is used off-label in cats, which means it’s not officially approved for this use. But veterinarians still prescribe it because it can be helpful. Xanax is also a Schedule 4 controlled substance in the U.S. This means there are extra restrictions on how and when it’s prescribed to both cats and people.
How is Xanax dosed and given for cats?
Xanax is given to cats as an oral medication. It is available in tablet and liquid forms. The typical dosage is 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg per cat. However, your veterinarian will adjust the dosage based on your cat’s needs and health.
You should give Xanax 30 to 60 minutes before the stressful event. You can give the medication with or without food. But if your cat gets an upset stomach if they take it without food, then give the medication with food.
The medication should begin working within 45 minutes and take full effect about 1 to 2 hours after you give it. Your cat may appear relaxed and maybe a little sleepy. They may show a little bit of their third eyelid, but they won’t act drunk or excessively sleepy (not wakeable).
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
What are the common side effects of Xanax in cats?
The most common side effects of Xanax in cats include:
Sedation or acting sleepy
Poor coordination or “acting drunk”
Changes in appetite
Gastrointestinal upset (loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea)
If you notice any of these side effects in your cat, ask your veterinarian for guidance.
Xanax can also interrupt learning and memory and affect cat training.
Xanax should clear the system of most cats within 24 hours. It may take longer to take effect and last longer in the system of cats with liver or kidney disease.
What are the most serious risks of Xanax for cats?
Xanax is not a good choice for treating long-term anxiety or behavioral problems in cats because they can become dependent on it. They can also develop tolerance to the medication with ongoing use and need higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Some cats may become agitated, aggressive, and hyperactive if they take Xanax. If you notice these behaviors in your cat, stop giving the medication and talk to your veterinarian.
Although it’s rare, cats can have an allergic reaction to Xanax. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
Facial swelling
Difficulty breathing
Hives
If you notice these signs in your cat, call your veterinarian immediately or take your cat to the nearest emergency clinic.
Use Xanax with caution or avoid giving it to cats that have a history of:
Glaucoma
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Does Xanax interact with any other cat medications?
Xanax can interact with other medications your cat may take, including:
Antacids
Antifungal medications such as itraconazole
Blood pressure medications like propranolol
Digoxin
Other anxiety medications such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, or fluoxetine
Tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your cat takes before it’s prescribed Xanax.
What should you do if your cat misses a dose of Xanax?
You’ll typically give Xanax to your cat as needed, right before a stressful event. If you miss giving your cat a dose, give it as soon as you remember. Never give your cat two doses of Xanax within 6 hours of each other.
The bottom line
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication that is used in cats to treat anxiety, behavioral problems, and phobias. It is often prescribed as a treatment for short-term or situational anxiety related to travel, veterinary visits, and grooming.
If your cat has chronic anxiety, Xanax isn’t the best solution because cats can develop tolerance to the medication. Xanax is not safe for all cats, and you should only use it for short-term treatment under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Why trust our experts?
References
British Small Animal Veterinary Hospital. (2020). Alprazolam.
Brooks, W. (2024). Alprazolam (xanax). Veterinary Partner.
Crowell-Davis, S. L., et al. (2011). Benzodiazepines: Pros and cons (proceedings). DVM360.
Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Drug fact sheet: Benzodiazepines.
Erickson, A., et al. (2021). A review of pre-appointment medications to reduce fear and anxiety in dogs and cats at veterinary visits. The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Drug dosages for behavioral therapy in dogs and cats.
Shell, L. (2015). Psychotropic agents. Merck Veterinary Manual.
