{"id":627865,"date":"2024-04-19T09:26:17","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T13:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627865"},"modified":"2025-05-22T11:06:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T15:06:06","slug":"fluoxetine-for-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/fluoxetine-for-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Fluoxetine for cats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fluoxetine<\/span><\/a> is a well-known <\/span>antidepressant<\/span><\/a> commonly used in cats to treat behavior issues such as anxiety, aggression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and spraying. Veterinarians may also use fluoxetine to treat <\/span>itchy skin in cats<\/span><\/a> when other drugs don\u2019t help, but that use is less common. Better known by the brand name <\/span>Prozac<\/span><\/a>, fluoxetine belongs to a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or <\/span>SSRIs<\/span><\/a>. These drugs work by increasing the serotonin levels in the body, which aids in decreasing anxiety and impulsiveness. Fluoxetine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)for <\/span>use in dogs<\/span><\/a>\u2014the canine version is called Reconcile\u2014but its use in cats is <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is fluoxetine used for in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veterinarians use fluoxetine to treat behavior issues in cats, including anxiety, spraying, and aggression. One study found that the most common reason veterinarians use fluoxetine in cats is for urinary marking and undesired elimination <\/span>behaviors<\/span><\/a>. Sometimes, a veterinarian may turn to fluoxetine to treat other conditions, such as itchy skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cats <\/span>display anxiety<\/span><\/a> through unusual or impulsive behaviors like running away, hiding, or making noise. The most common type of anxiety in cats is separation anxiety. <\/span>Drugs are not always the first or best choice<\/span><\/a> for feline anxiety. Typically, veterinarians will ask pet owners to change the way they act toward the cat, modify the cat\u2019s environment, and work to train the cat with reinforcement training techniques. Antidepressants like fluoxetine can support this process when behaviors are particularly stubborn or extreme.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spraying (urine marking)\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most cats that have not been neutered or spayed regularly mark surfaces with urine, including walls, drapes, sofas, and other objects. Even spayed and neutered cats do it, but <\/span>it\u2019s less likely<\/span><\/a>. Urine marking <\/span>is a common reason<\/span><\/a> people give up their cats to shelters. Like anxiety, urine spraying is best treated with behavior modification and environmental changes. Adding fluoxetine or another antidepressant to reduce a cat\u2019s anxiety can help behavioral and environmental treatments succeed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aggression<\/span><\/h3>\n

Aggression is <\/span>a common problem in dogs<\/span><\/a>, but cats sometimes behave aggressively toward cats, people, or pets. <\/span>27%<\/span><\/a> of cats brought to shelters for behavior problems are being given up for aggressive behaviors. Behavior modification and environmental changes are the first-line treatments. <\/span>There are many reasons for a cat\u2019s aggressive behavior<\/span><\/a>, so many possible interventions exist. Drugs like fluoxetine can help with some of the more hazardous or stubborn aggressive behaviors when other natural treatments don\u2019t solve the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other veterinary conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Veterinarians can prescribe human drugs like fluoxetine when they believe they might help. Some veterinarians may use fluoxetine in a cat to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders, excessive grooming, itchy skin, bladder inflammation, and abnormal behaviors like hyperactivity or inappropriate urination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Is fluoxetine safe for cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The use of fluoxetine in cats has not been researched. Still, veterinarians commonly use it with other treatments because of its effectiveness and safety. However, some cats may have problems with fluoxetine because of pre-existing conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fluoxetine should never be given to cats with a hypersensitivity reaction to fluoxetine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs with seizure disorders are never given fluoxetine<\/span><\/a>, so a veterinarian may be reluctant to use it in a cat with seizure disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other cautions include <\/span>diabetes mellitus<\/span><\/a> and liver disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of fluoxetine in cats<\/span><\/h3>\n

The most common side effects of fluoxetine in cats are:<\/span><\/p>\n