
If your cat doesn’t handle car rides very well, you may have considered giving them Bonine in order to settle their stomach during longer trips. Cleaning up cat vomit is definitely no fun, and you want to make taking a trip as enjoyable an experience as you can for your pet.
Compared to dogs cats are typically not as keen to take a trip or enjoy the ride. If you’re cat is especially averse to a change of environment, it can be an overwhelming experience for them and they might start panicking and acting out of the ordinary. You may see symptoms like vomiting, or diarrhea, or they could just be out of sorts, as if they have a stomachache. The symptoms can vary from cat to cat, which is why you’ll want to note any unusual behavior, and then see if it repeats itself on subsequent trips.
While Bonine is only approved by the FDA for human consumption, it’s also something that is prescribed for cats by vets. You shouldn’t play vet and try to diagnose and treat your cat at home without first calling them up to see what their advice is.
Can I Give My Cat Bonine? Answer: With Your Vet’s Approval
Bonine is one drug that has been shown to be alright to give to pets, but you don’t want to go it alone. Your vet will not only be able to make sure that it’s motion sickness that your cat is suffering from, but will also be able to give you the right dosage amounts based on your cat’s personal medical history, size, age, and weight. They’ll also let you know when to administer it to get the best results.
Sometimes a cat could just get sick at the wrong time and you might think they’re bad travelers, when in actuality they just ate something they shouldn’t. That’s why it’s always best to establish a history of symptoms and then run them past your vet or vet’s assistant for a more detailed diagnosis, and to confirm your suspicions. You definitely don’t want to be giving your cat medication for condition they don’t have.
Cats and Travel
Some cats are good travelers, and others aren’t. If you’re noticing that your cat is having trouble with traveling you might want to consider non-drug options before resorting to giving them something. It could be a matter of securing them a little more so they’re not tossed around so much during the trip. This might include getting them a cat carrier if you haven’t already, or lining their carrier with pillows and other padding so they’re feel more secure and aren’t having to constantly brace themselves on turns or bumps.
All Natural Methods
Part of your cats queasiness may be due to them being out of their element. One way to help them feel more safe and to reassure them that everything is OK is with a Thundershirt. These are made for both dogs and cats, and the idea is that it provides a soothing amount of compression so that you cat feels like they’re being held, even when you can’t hold them. With that comforting feel they might be less likely to freak out and start feeling sick.
Other Options
If your cat turns out to simply be a bad traveler, you might have to reconsider taking them places if you can help it. If it’s an absolute must that your cat has to go where you’re going, consult with your vet to see what the plan of action should be. The longer the trip the more you’ll need to strategize, and if it’s going to include multiple forms of transportation, cars, boats, airplanes, or trains, be sure to let the vet know so they can help you as much as they can. Some forms of travel might require a sedative and you’ll want to make sure you get the right medication for them.
Most of the time it’s not recommended to give your cat medications made for humans, but in this instance there’s a good amount of evidence that Bonine and Meclizine are well-tolerated by both dogs and cats, but it’s still very important to dose them properly to avoid any unnecessary side effects.