If you take medication, then sometimes it’s tempting to put your morning pills on the bedside table, but unfortunately this can attract playful kitties. The tiny pills are fun to bat at and might get consumed if your cat gets overzealous. So, what happens next if the cat ate Xanax / Alprazolam?
That depends on the dosage, as cats are sometimes prescribed Xanax for various issues, with the typical dose being.125 to .25 mg. At this dosage, your cat might become a little wobbly or lethargic, or they could even become aggressive. If your cat ingests more or doesn’t have a prescription for Xanax, then get them to the vet!
As cats sometimes actually have a prescription, we thought that it might be prudent to explore this subject in depth. Read on and we’ll give you important information that you should know about Xanax and your kitty-cat!
Table of Contents
What happens if the cat ate my Xanax?
An anti-anxiety medicine such as Xanax is definitely not recommended unless your vet has prescribed it. Too much Xanax or even the standard cat .125-.25 milligram dosage can have dangerous and unpredictable results. Without your vet’s assessment, it’s hard to say how you cat will react.
We do know the signs that indicate your cat has ingested a toxic amount, however, so let’s take a peek at those so that you’ll know what to look for in the case of your cat ingesting Xanax:
- Labored breathing
- Walking around in a ‘haze’ and not very responsive to you
- Nausea and potential vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Erratic heartbeat
- Change in temperament towards aggression
If any of these symptoms are present in your cat, then you will need to put them in the crate and get your kitty to the vet as quickly as you can.
While Xanax is sometimes prescribed for cats, the amounts are quite small, and unless you’ve just started taking the drug then your amounts will likely be dangerously high for them. It’s best that you err on the side of caution and get your cat in for a checkup now – this drug and its effects on cats can be very dangerous.
How much Xanax is too much for a cat?
Anything beyond .25 milligrams is definitely going to be dangerous for your cat and if they got into your own prescription Xanax, then this is definitely something to worry about and to get help with from a veterinarian.
Human dosages typically start at .25 to .5 milligrams, which are taking 3 times daily, and if you have been taking the drug for awhile then your amount may be higher.
Kittens are the most at risk, as their lower body weight means that the Xanax is going to be more potent to their little systems, though senior cats are next as far as being the most susceptible to a potential overdose and ill-effects that might follow.
Your cat might well be fine, but since the required amounts for the drug to be considered toxic are very low, then your best and most practical option is really going to be getting to the veterinarian’s office so that testing may be done to determine your next steps.
It’s the safest way to go when it comes to your kitty’s health.
Can I give my cat Xanax for anxiety?
If your cat suffers phobias and anxiety, Xanax isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but you need to get a prescription from your veterinarian. Anti-anxiety medicine is frequently prescribed for both dogs and cats who are experiencing anxiety-related issues but there are tests that your vet will want to run first.
If your vet decides that this medicine might be beneficial for your cat, then they will prescribe it, and likely you will need to bring your kitty in for testing fairly frequently until it is determined that the dosage is working as-expected and that there are no ill-effects from the medication.
Xanax can definitely help SOME cats, but like our own medications it’s going to be up to a doctor of Veterinary medicine to decide if this is the case. This means that if you happen to be taking Xana, you definitely should NOT simply try giving it to your cat.
Aside from the chance that your cat could suddenly become aggressive in response to the medication, there are a host of other side-effects and toxicity risks involved when medication such as this is administered without testing. So, to put it simply – Xanax might help your cat, but your doctor must decide if this is safe – not you!
How long does it take for Xanax to affect my cat?
While it can start to work more quickly, the average amount of time it takes for Xanax to begin affecting your cat is typically 1 to 2 hours – although a lot will depend on the dosage amount and the body weight of your cat.
The drug will stay in their system for awhile and although we do not have the exact half-life, it is believed to be a little under the amount of time for dogs – which means that it will be in your cat’s system for a little under 4 to 6 hours.
Some final words on Xanax and cats
In today’s article we’ve talked about Alprazolam, also known as ‘Xanax’, and what kind of effects ingestion of this drug can have on your cat. If your kitty has eaten your Xanax, then your best course of action is to get your vet involved immediately to make sure they haven’t eaten any toxic amounts.
If, however, your cat ate Xanax and they DO have a prescription from the vet, then you need to determine the amount that they’ve eaten. If it is the same milligram dosage that your cat normally takes and they haven’t had their medication yet, then it may be fine, but if suspect overdose then it’s time to get help.
Your cat is probably going to be okay – just get them in from a Veterinary checkup immediately to rule out any doubts. It’s always the best and most sensible option.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
