Aggression Medication for Cats

Medication is one of many treatment options for aggressive cats. Medication is a last resort, after you have tried other techniques such as behavior therapy and play conditioning. The veterinarian will choose medication with careful consideration of the cat's medical history.

  1. Background

    • Cats can be aggressive by fighting, biting, growling and hissing. They can be aggressive to other cats, to people or both. Most aggression stems from poor socialization, incorrect playing skills and fear. Some cats are aggressive when defending their territory or their rank in the household social structure. Some owners pet their cat past its tolerance level, also causing aggression.
      Cat aggression is the second most common problem behavior in cats, behind litter box issues. Aggressive behaviors make it difficult for a cat to be placed with a family, as well as for a family to keep a cat.

    Types of Medication

    • After all behavioral attempts to control aggression have proven ineffective, veterinarians can prescribe three classes of medication to reduce cat aggression: serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors include Paroxetine, Fluoxetine and Buspirone. Benzodiazepines include Alprazoiam, Lorazepam and Diazepam. Tricyclic antidepressents used in cats are Amitriptyline and Clomipramine.

    Side Effects

    • The medications for cats can have side effects, so you must use them with care. Benzodiazepines can cause liver damage and, in some cases, cause increased aggression. Tricyclic antidepressants can cause thyroid problems, heart problems, urinary problems, diarrhea, excessive dilation of the pupil and dry mouth.

    Considerations

    • The medications used for cat aggression have not been officially approved for cats, so the vet prescribes them as "extralabel" use. Because of this, careful screening is necessary first. The vet should test liver and kidney function and sometimes may administer an electrocardiogram.
      For the first few days, plan to be home all day long to watch your cat for any signs of adverse effects. Report any problems to the veterinarian immediately.

    Natural Remedies

    • Pharmaceutical medications are not the only option. Natural remedies exist that have been proven to calm cats with no dangerous side effects. Feliway, available in diffusers and sprays, is a synthetic feline pheromone that induces safe and secure feelings. It has been proven to cure scratching and stress-related behavior.
      Flower essences can also work. Vine helps with cats that bully other cats, tiger lily with biting and rock rose with fear-based aggression. You can also use chamomile, cherry plum, chicory and aspen to treat the root causes of aggression.