Melatonin is an over-the-counter all-natural supplement that you can buy at your local drug store without any special prescriptions.
Pet parents sometimes use it for their dogs and felines. So it must be safe, right? Well, the answer actually depends on many factors, including the purpose behind the usage and the dosage. After all, a feline’s body is quite different from the human or canine body.
While many cats do need supplements in addition to their daily diet, melatonin isn’t a miraculous cure, and it shouldn’t be abused.
Restlessness and stress are two basic emotions, which even the calmest and most laid-back kitties out there can experience. They are also the two most common reasons for feline owners seeking out melatonin. Calming your pet isn’t an easy task, and when it’s suffering on an emotional level, melatonin can be helpful.
It can’t magically cure the problem, but it can ease your furball’s restlessness. Melatonin can be administered either as tablets, chewable treats, or liquid capsules. Regardless of whichever option you choose, you must always consult with your vet before giving this supplement to your kitty.
Why Is Melatonin Good For Cats?
Melatonin is usually used in the following cases:
- Sleep deprivation
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Post-traumatic behavioral issues
Cats sleep a lot. They spend approximately two-thirds of their entire lifetime snoozing. However, senior cats or emotionally/ physically sick felines have troubled sleeping cycles. Furthermore, even the bravest kitty out there can get scared and can suffer from post-traumatic stress.
New surroundings, unfamiliar furniture pieces, unexpected strangers – basically anything can make your cat restless. And here’s where melatonin comes in.
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Best Melatonin Supplements For Cats
Do not give melatonin supplements made for humans or dogs to your cat. They aren’t manufactured to meet the specific nutrition or safety requirements for felines. Instead, opt for melatonin-based supplements, which are specifically manufactured for cats.
Our pick for the best choice for melatonin for cats is…
NaturVet Quiet Moments 60-count soft chews (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
NaturVet’s Quiet Moments series offers a package of 60-count soft chews with melatonin for cats.
The package includes 100% pet-safe chews, which contain thiamine, melatonin, L-Tryptophan, ginger, and chamomile. The soft chews are also wheat-free and include vegetable oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed, and other natural ingredients.
You can even use them for young kittens as long as they are over the age of 12 weeks.
They can be used during traveling, vet visits, grooming sessions, and other cases which might make the cat anxious or restless.
NaturVet’s products are safe for daily usage. What’s more, these soft chews won’t break your wallet.
Fortunately, they are not only affordable but also specially manufactured for felines, so if your pet happens to wrinkle its nose at the sight of the chews, you can simply cheat it into eating them by mixing them with some tasty canned cat food.
Price range per chew: $0.18 to $0.25
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Should You Give Melatonin To Your Cat? Is It Safe?
Trying to help your kitty relax isn’t easy, especially when it’s in heat or when it’s trying to cope with a traumatic experience. Younger kittens or newly adopted ones often suffer from separation anxiety. Older cats may be anxious due to illness.
Nowadays, you can find countless relaxants manufactured for cats, but melatonin is one of the best all-natural supplements.
If you wish to give melatonin to your cat, consult with your veterinarian before administering this supplement to your precious furball. Don’t neglect your kitty’s mental or physical health, and don’t make the dangerous assumption that human-safe or dog-safe products are suitable for felines.
Potential side effects
Side effects are very uncommon and sometimes difficult to correlate exclusively with melatonin usage. However, potential side effects do include:
- Restlessness
- Weight Gain
- Fertility Issues
Do not give your cat melatonin if your cat has diabetes or autoimmune issues.
My cat has, I am almost sure, a piece of glass in his paw. He won’t let me touch it. Can I give him a little (how much) to calm him so I can attempt to find it myself. I live in a small town and it’s Sunday. If I can’t find it, I guess I will be making a trip to the vet.