Gravol for Cats for Travel

Gravol, or dimenhydrinate, also known under the brand name Dramamine, is an antihistamine that prevents motion sickness and can cause drowsiness. Gravol is often used to treat cats before traveling that suffer from motion sickness, and to sedate cats before bathing or after surgical procedures. Consult your veterinarian before giving Gravol to your cat.

  1. Motion Sickness

    • Motion sickness is characterized by nausea, vomiting and excessive salivation and is triggered by movement, particularly that of a car, boat or plane. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, symptoms usually resolve when motion stops. Cats are just as prone to motion sickness as humans. This can make traveling with cats unpleasant for the animal and its human owners.

    Mechanism

    • According to the website Pet Place, Gravol affects the vestibular system of the brain, inhibiting stimulation. The vestibular system detects motion and is located in the inner ear. An overstimulated vestibular system can result in motion sickness, anxiety and lack of balance. The mechanism of Gravol in cats is physiologically similar to the mechanism in humans.

    Side Effects

    • In some animals, Gravol can cause undesirable and sometimes dangerous side effects. You should always consult a veterinarian before administering Gravol. According to Pet Education, Gravol should never be given to cats that have an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure or a seizure disorder.

    FDA Approval

    • According to the website Pet Education, Gravol is not FDA approved for use in cats, but it is commonly recommended by veterinarians nonetheless. It is an accepted and common treatment for cats with motion sickness, and anecdotal evidence supports its efficacy and safety.

    Alternatives

    • Some cats can be conditioned to travel without motion sickness, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Acclimating your cat to its carrier and taking it on short trips in the car can help to break the association between long sickness-inducing voyages and the car or carrier. Avoiding feeding your cat for 6 to 8 hours before car trips can help prevent nausea, though for some animals a small meal before departure is better than traveling on an empty stomach. Veterinarians recommend experimenting with what works for your pet.