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What's the best drug to calm my anxious cat before a vet visit?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Which is the better drug to calm a very anxious cat who has to visit the Veterinarian? My vet prescribed Acepromazine, but I've seen other info. suggesting that a Benzodiazapene such as Diazepam (Valium) or Alprazolam (Xanax) might be better. This is a last resort to get the cat to the Vet office (last time he was further traumatized as his crate broke open on the parking lot!) From what I've read the Benzodiazapenes seem to address the actual anxiety better. Thank you.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 5th, 2018

Actually now the recommend medication is gabapentin. Ask your veterinarian for some and give it before the visit. With this the cats are just mellow, easy to handle and not as drugged as with the other medications. Diazepam is not used much in cats now due to it causing liver problems. Apromazine can make them sedate but doesn’t reduce the aggression. I personally don’t find Xanax effective. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cat.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 17th, 2017

    We are using gabapentin now more commonly in pets with anxiety or fear prior to stressful events such as a trip to the vet. This could possibly include a road trip as well. This is, however, a prescription medication so it will require a visit to a veterinarian for an examination of your cat or a call to your vet if they have seen your cat recently to determine if they feel the drug is safe and appropriate for your cat in particular. We cannot prescribe medication via this website since we haven't personally examined your cat. Other options that may help with mild anxiety would include Feliway pheremone spray https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected in the cat carrier, and calming supplements such as Composure for cats https://www.vetriscience.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=9008103030 or Zylkene.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2018

    Ask your veterinarian for some calming medication such as Zylkene (http://www.vetoquinolusa.com/content/zylkene) It also helps to put the carrier on the floor of the car so your kitty cannot look out the window, and to put a blanket over it to make it dark. Some cats are happier if they can feel the owners hand while in the car (someone else should be driving).

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