How to Give Klonopin to Cats

Cats suffering from feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) become overly sensitized to stimulation. The may begin engage in constant grooming, or become unusually aggressive. If left untreated, FHS can lead to convulsions.

Although Klonopin (clonazepam) is formulated to treat epilepsy in humans, veterinarians can legally prescribe for it for extra-label use in FHS cats.While Klonopin is an effective sedative, it won't work unless your cat actually takes it.

Things You'll Need

• Canned cat food
• Table
• Towel
• Klonopin

Instructions

Klonopin Administration Method 1

1. Start by disguising the Klonopin tablet in a small amount of your cat's favorite wet food. This, says the Washington State University School of Veterinary medicine, is the easiest approach. Food with a strong odor will disguise the Klonopin.

   Watch carefully to see if your cat swallows the food and pill, or chews and swallows the food while spitting out the medication. If he swallows it willingly, repeat the dose every eight hours.

   If he spits the medication out, continue to Step 2.(Reference 2)

2. Hold the pill between the thumb and forefinger of one hand. Cup your other hand around your cat's head so that the palm is on the top of his skull and the thumb and fingers are resting against his cheek bones.

3. Tip your cat's head backwards. His lower jaw should open as if he were yawning. Place one of the free fingers on your pill hand over his smaller lower teeth to keep his mouth open. If his mouth doesn't open, go to Section 2.

4. Place the Klonopin tablet as deep into your cat's mouth as you can, making sure it remains on top of his tongue so you can see it. Remove your finger from his teeth and close his mouth.

5. Hold your cat's mouth shut. To encourage him to swallow the pill, blow gently on his nose.

Klonopin Administration Method 2

1. Place your cat on a table.

2. Lift your cat by the scruff of his neck until his front paws are no longer touching the table. His mouth will automatically open.

3. Remove your thumb and forefinger as quickly as you can to avoid being bitten. Close your cat's mouth and blow gently on his nose to trigger his swallowing reflex.

Tips & Warnings

• Some cats have claws as well as teeth. Wrapping kitty in a thick towel to immobilize him before attempting to administer a Klonopin tablet may save you some serious scratches.

• Tilting your cat's head back when administering a liquid medication could cause choking if the medicine trickles into his windpipe.

References

• Pet Place
• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Sandy Animal Clinic

Resources

• More about FHS and Cats