# Can You Give a Cat Xanax? Dosing and Safety Xanax is a human anti-anxiety medication that veterinarians sometimes prescribe for cats with severe anxiety, but you should never give it on your own. The dose depends on your cat's weight, health, and the reason for treatment, and an accidental ingestion of a human pill is a medical emergency. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine that can reduce fear and stress in cats, and it is used in veterinary medicine under supervision [1][2]. - You cannot give your cat Xanax from your own supply. A veterinarian must examine your cat first and calculate the dose. - In one study, cats received 0.125 mg of alprazolam per cat, twice daily, for short-term hospital stress [3]. That number is not a dose for your cat. - Common effects include sedation and wobbliness. Serious effects include severe drowsiness, agitation, and breathing problems. - If your cat eats a Xanax pill by accident, call for emergency help right away. Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661 and ASPCA Animal Poison Control is 888-426-4435. ## What Is Xanax and Why Would a Cat Take It? Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a medication in the benzodiazepine family. Benzodiazepines calm the nervous system by boosting a natural chemical that slows down overactive brain signals. In people, Xanax treats anxiety and panic disorders. In cats, veterinarians use it for moderate to severe anxiety and fear [1]. Cats show anxiety in ways that are easy to miss. Signs include hiding, pacing, over-grooming, spraying, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, and vocalizing more than usual [1]. Some of these signs also point to medical problems, so a veterinarian will do a physical exam and may run bloodwork before prescribing any behavior medication [1]. That step matters because treating a medical condition as anxiety can delay real treatment. Veterinarians also use alprazolam around stressful events. In two studies of cats hospitalized for spay surgery, a single 0.125 mg dose of alprazolam reduced stress scores and increased sedation compared with a placebo [4][5]. Cats given alprazolam also ate more on the first day after surgery in one of those studies [3]. These are controlled hospital settings with healthy cats, which is very different from giving a pill at home. If your cat's anxiety is mild, your veterinarian may suggest other options first. Some over-the-counter products and other prescription drugs have better safety profiles for daily use. You can read about one common option in our guide to [Can I Give My Cat Melatonin? Safety, Dosage, and When to Avoid It](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/can-i-give-my-cat-melatonin). ## How Xanax Works in Cats Alprazolam binds to receptors in the brain that normally respond to a calming neurotransmitter called GABA. When it attaches, it makes those receptors more responsive, which dampens the signals that drive fear and panic. The result is relaxation, less reactivity to triggers, and often sleepiness. The effect starts fairly quickly after a pill is swallowed, usually within an hour. Sedation peaks around 90 minutes after dosing in cats, based on hospital studies that measured sedation scores at that time point [4][5]. The drug clears from the body over several hours, so effects wear off the same day. Benzodiazepines like alprazolam are controlled substances in the United States. That means your veterinarian cannot call in a refill without seeing your cat, and you should store the pills locked away from pets and children. Cats are curious, and a dropped pill is easy for them to bat and eat. ## Dosing Basics: Who Decides and How It Is Given ### Your veterinarian decides the dose There is no safe home dose of Xanax for cats. A veterinarian calculates the dose from your cat's weight, age, health status, and the specific problem being treated. Cats with liver or kidney disease may need a different drug entirely. Never split a human pill and guess at the amount. The only alprazolam dose that appears that applies to every pet is 0.125 mg per cat, used in healthy young cats in a hospital study [3][4][5]. That is a study dose, not a prescription for your cat. Your veterinarian may choose a different amount or a different medication. ### How it is given Alprazolam is given by mouth as a tablet or compounded liquid. You can hide a small tablet in a soft treat or a small amount of wet food, but only if your veterinarian says food is fine. Never crush or split a pill unless your veterinarian tells you to, because the dose may not be even. If your cat spits the pill out, do not give a second one without calling the clinic. Our article on [How to Give Your Cat Allergy Medication Safely](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/how-to-give-cat-allergy-medication) has pill-giving tips that work for any oral medication. ### Missed doses If you miss a dose, give it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next one. Then skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Never double up to catch up. Two doses close together raise the risk of heavy sedation and wobbliness. ## Side Effects: What to Expect and What Is Serious | Side effect | How common or serious | What to do | |---|---|---| | Sleepiness and sedation | Common, expected effect. Comparable sedation was seen with alprazolam and gabapentin in hospital studies [3][4]. | Keep your cat quiet and watch for normal waking. Call your vet if sedation seems too deep. | | Wobbliness, poor coordination | Common at effective doses. | Block stairs and keep your cat on the floor. Call your vet if it does not wear off. | | Increased appetite | Seen in cats after surgery in one study [3]. | Usually harmless. Do not free-feed if your cat needs weight control. | | Agitation or restlessness | Uncommon but possible. Some cats react to benzodiazepines with the opposite of calm. | Stop the medication and call your veterinarian the same day. | | Vomiting or drooling | Uncommon. Often from the pill itself or stress of dosing. | Call your vet if it happens with every dose. | | Severe drowsiness, trouble breathing, collapse | Serious. This suggests too much medication. | Treat as an emergency. Call poison control or an emergency clinic now. | Sedation is not a side effect to fear. It is part of how the drug works, and studies show alprazolam produces sedation similar to gabapentin in cats [4][5]. The problem is degree. A calm, sleepy cat who responds to you is different from a cat who cannot stand or wake up. ## Who Should Not Take Xanax and What Interacts With It Xanax is not right for every cat. Your veterinarian may avoid it or choose another drug if your cat: - Has liver or kidney disease, since the body clears the drug more slowly. - Is pregnant, nursing, or being used for breeding. - Has glaucoma or certain breathing conditions. - Has a history of aggression, because some cats become less inhibited and more likely to bite. - Is very young, very old, or very small. Drug interactions matter too. Alprazolam adds to the effects of other sedating drugs, including opioids, antihistamines, and anesthetics. In one hospital study, cats pretreated with alprazolam or gabapentin needed less propofol to reach a level of anesthesia deep enough for intubation [5]. That is helpful in a clinic with monitoring, but it shows how strongly these drugs stack. Never mix Xanax with other sedatives, sleep aids, or pain pills unless your veterinarian prescribes the combination and gives you the schedule. Also tell your vet about every supplement and medication your cat takes, including flea products and herbal remedies. Some human medications are far more dangerous to cats than Xanax. Acetaminophen, for example, is deadly even in small amounts. Our article on [Can I Give My Cat Tylenol? Why Acetaminophen Is Deadly for Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/can-i-give-my-cat-tylenol) explains why you should never reach into your own medicine cabinet for a cat. ## Can I Give My Cat Xanax If I Have It at Home? No. This is the most common version of the question, and the answer is firm. Your leftover Xanax was dosed for a human, and human tablets often contain far more drug than a cat should get. Even a fraction of a pill can cause heavy sedation in a small cat. There is a second problem. Xanax treats a symptom, not a cause. If your cat is anxious because of pain, thyroid disease, or another medical issue, Xanax will not fix it and may mask it. A veterinarian needs to see your cat to sort that out [1]. If you think your cat needs anxiety medication, book an exam. Describe the behaviors you see, when they started, and what triggers them. Bring a video if you can. That information helps your veterinarian pick the right drug and dose. ## Overdose: Signs and What to Do Accidental ingestion of Xanax is a poisoning emergency in cats [1]. Signs of overdose include: - Extreme drowsiness or a cat who will not wake up - Wobbling, stumbling, or collapsing - Vomiting - Agitation, tremors, or seizures - Slow or difficult breathing - Low body temperature - Coma If you see any of these signs, or if you know your cat ate a pill, act immediately. Call Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, then call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic. Have the pill bottle with you so you can tell them the strength and how many pills may be missing. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. Do not give food, milk, or oil to "soak up" the drug. Time matters, and a veterinarian may need to start treatment before your cat looks sick. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article gives general information only. Every cat is different, and only a veterinarian who examines your cat can decide whether Xanax is safe and what dose to use. Call your veterinarian the same day if your cat: - Seems overly sedated after a dose, or is hard to wake - Becomes agitated, restless, or aggressive after a dose - Vomits or drools with every dose - Stops eating or drinking - Shows new anxiety behaviors that were not there before Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat: - Ate a Xanax pill or an unknown number of pills - Cannot stand or walk - Breathes slowly, noisily, or with effort - Has tremors, seizures, or a body that feels cool to the touch - Will not wake up Schedule a routine visit if you want to discuss long-term anxiety treatment. Bring a log of when the behaviors happen, how long they last, and what changed in your home recently. That record helps your veterinarian build a plan that fits your cat. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can cats have Xanax? Yes, cats can receive Xanax when a veterinarian prescribes it for anxiety or fear [1]. It is a controlled medication, so it requires an exam and a valid veterinary relationship. You should never give it from your own supply. ### Is Xanax safe for cats? Xanax is safe for many cats at a veterinarian-calculated dose, but it carries real risks. Sedation and wobbliness are expected, and overdose can cause collapse, breathing problems, and seizures [1]. Cats with liver or kidney disease may not be good candidates. ### Can I give my cat Xanax for anxiety without seeing a vet? No. A veterinarian must rule out medical causes of anxiety and set the dose [1]. Giving a human dose can cause dangerous sedation. If cost is a concern, ask your clinic about alternatives, since other medications may work as well with a different safety profile. ### Can cats eat Xanax by accident? Yes, and it is an emergency. Cats will eat pills they find on the floor or in an open bag. Call Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 right away, then contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic. ### How long does Xanax last in a cat? The calming and sedating effects usually peak within about 90 minutes and fade over several hours [4][5]. Your veterinarian can tell you what to expect for the specific product and dose your cat receives. Do not redose early if your cat still seems sleepy. ## Related Articles - [Can You Give Your Cat Benadryl? Dosage and Safety Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/cat-benadryl-dosage-safety) - [Can I Give My Cat Melatonin? Safety, Dosage, and When to Avoid It](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/can-i-give-my-cat-melatonin) - [How to Give Your Cat Allergy Medication Safely](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/how-to-give-cat-allergy-medication) - [Can I Give My Cat Tylenol? Why Acetaminophen Is Deadly for Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/can-i-give-my-cat-tylenol) - [Can You Give Your Dog Imodium? Dosage and Safety Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/dog-imodium-dosage-safety) - [Can You Give Your Dog Melatonin for Anxiety? Safety and Dosage](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/dog-melatonin-anxiety-safety-dosage) ## References 1. [Xanax and Cats](https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/xanax-and-cats/). Pet Poison Helpline. 2. [Oral use of anxiolytic, sedative, and anaesthetic medications in domestic cats (Felis catus): A scoping review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42431357/). Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997), 2026. 3. [Use of Gabapentin or Alprazolam in Cats during Postoperative, Short-Term Hospitalization](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38997952/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2024. 4. [Orally administered gabapentin and alprazolam induce comparable levels of anxiolysis and sedation in cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38503044/). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024. 5. [Gabapentin and alprazolam pretreatment enhance sedation and reduce propofol requirements but do not improve intravenous catheter placement in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39813800/). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2025. ## Further Reading - [American Veterinary Medical Association: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information)