Buspirone Use in Cats ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

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Any health care links located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your cat to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Call your vet and describe your cat's symptoms with any of your concerns about the cat's well-being. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your cat's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Buspirone Use in Cats

Buspirone (trade name Buspar) is an antidepressant drug prescribed by physicians; it is a human drug, not a veterinary. It has been shown to be effective in a significant number of cats with elimination behavior problems and other abnormalities related to behavior.

What is the success rate?

Its success rate is not 100% but, for the intended purpose, it has been shown to be more effective than many of the other drugs.

Are there any side-effects?

It has been used for several years in cats, and no side-effects have been noted.

How is it dosed?

The following outline should be followed. If the sequence is not clear, please call your vet for further instructions.

Give 5 mg (1 tablet) twice daily for 1 week

a. If there is no response, give 7.5 mg (1 1.5 tablets) twice daily for one week

1) If there is no response, discontinue buspirone.

2) If there is good response, give 5 mg twice daily for 8 weeks.
b. If there is good response, give 5 mg twice daily for 8 weeks.
If a relapse occurs after successful therapy, resume buspirone at a dose of 5 - 7.5 mg twice daily and continue for 6-12 months.

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/buspirone.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!