Clomicalm for Cats 101

 If you're a pet owner, you have to be ready for various behaviour. Some cats and dogs can go through the day without you being around, but others aren't going to take this lightly. You have probably heard of many stories about dogs that can't take the separation anxiety and as a result they damage the furniture and other properties of their owner. But, what about cats? Aren't cats more independent and like spending time on their own? The truth is, cats just like dogs are very much attached to their owners and feel the same sadness and anxiety when they are left to spend a lot of time on their own. If you have noticed any behavioural changes in your cat such as spraying urine around the house, excessive grooming that leads to bald patches on their bodies, eating too fast and too much or not eating at all, then your pet might have a form of separation anxiety. This condition isn't something you can diagnose via Google, so make sure to take your cat to the vet; they will recommend Clomicalm for cats. Let's see more about this medicine.

giving cat pills

Why Clomiclam is Used

Even though cats seem unbothered and more independent than dogs, these animals are very much attached to their owners and feel sad when they have to spend a long time alone and separated from them. Maybe your cat won't destroy half of your shoes and furniture (they might scratch it to sharpen their claws) as dogs would, but you could tell when your pet has separation anxiety. If your pet had a trauma of abandonment (especially if you adopted an older cat) the whole separation thing may feel very traumatic for them.

Cat's separation anxiety looks like excessive meowing, grooming, eating too fast, or not eating at all, destroying things (to get your attention) and feeling extremely happy when the owner gets back home.  If you spend a lot of time away from home and your cat spends much of the time by itself you might have noticed some of these symptoms.

It's best to take your pet to the vet. In most cases, the vet will recommend Clomicalm which is the brand name for Clomipramine, which is a generic medication for mood disorders in humans. This medication is approved for the treatment of anxiety and behaviour disorders in both cats and dogs. It's often used once or twice a day.

How Clomicalm is Used
scared cat

Clomicalm for cats is used to treat behavioural problems including separation anxiety, excessive meowing, tearing and chewing things when they are alone, urinating around the house, aggressive behaviour, eating too much or not eating at all, as well as excessive grooming (which sometimes can lead to losing the hair).  It is often easy for administration and is used once or twice a day. Clomav or Clomicalm can be found in almost any pet chemist, but since this is a prescription medication, the Australian law demands that the pet chemists need you to show them the original copy of your pet's prescription from your vet. If you don't have it, you won't be able to purchase the medicine.  

Dosage and Administration

When you get the medicine make sure to follow your vet's guidelines. This is not a medicine you should get without their recommendation and give to your cat without having it checked by a veterinarian. Administer the dose as your vet has recommended.

What if You Forget to Give Your Cat a Dose

In case you have forgotten to give a dose of the medicine, the next dose should be given as soon as you remember. If you remember to give the dose when it's time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and give the next one (so you can get back on the regular schedule). Never give your cat double doses.  Just like with any medicine, there are potential side effects. Be observant of your pet if you notice that your cat shows signs of lethargy or depression. After getting the medicine, some cats may have diarrhea, increased thirst and may vomit and have increased heart rate and confusion. One of the side effects could be an elevation in liver enzymes and convulsions. If you notice any of these symptoms be sure to stop giving the medication and immediately call your vet.

cat smelling the pills

Things to Remember

This medicine is contraindicated for use in animals with a hypersensitivity to Clomipramine or related tricyclic antidepressants. Cats might be more sensitive to it than dogs. Be sure to tell your vet if your pet takes other medications. If your pet has a history of epilepsy, seizures, has trouble with urination, constipation, has heart rhythm issues, glaucoma, kidney disease or thyroid disease, be especially careful. Ask your vet if your pet is still suitable to take the medicine. Clomicalm for dogs isn't suitable for aggressive behaviour problems in dogs.  Ask your vet if your pregnant or lactating pet should take this medicine since it was not tested in animals that are pregnant, lactating or younger than 6 months.

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