Gestrenol – drops and tablets for cats

Gestrenol is a contraceptive used in cats to regulate sexual activity. This synthetic hormone-based medication helps normalize sexual behavior in cats without causing harm to their health.

Composition and release form

Gestrenol is available in two dosage forms:

1. Drops for oral use. This is a yellow or yellow-green liquid. It is packaged in small polymer bottles equipped with droppers for measuring the dose. The bottles range in volume from 1 to 5 ml.
2. The tablets are white or greyish-white in colour and are packaged in blisters of 5 or 10 pieces.

Regardless of the form of the drug, the main components are synthetic hormones:

• mepregenol propionate;
• ethinyl estradiol.

The hormone concentration depends on whether the medication is intended for cats or male cats. Pay attention to this when purchasing the product. You can also distinguish between the two by the color of the cardboard packaging: medication for cats is packaged in pink packaging, while medication for male cats is packaged in blue packaging.

The oral solution also contains soybean oil and flavoring. The excipients in the tablets include:

• milk sugar;
• potato starch;
• calcium stearate.

How it works and when to use it

The pharmacological properties of Gestrenol are determined by its active ingredients. Mepregenol propionate, a synthetic analogue of a natural progestogen, inhibits the production of hormones responsible for spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis in males and females, respectively.

Ethinyl estradiol acts as a natural estrogen analogue. It enhances the contraceptive effect of the drug and also has the following effects:

• changes the microflora in the vagina;
• reduces sperm motility;
• increases the viscosity of mucus in the cervix.

As a result of this action, fertilization of the egg is prevented.

In male cats, the contraceptive is used to regulate sexual activity and eliminate the unpleasant symptoms that accompany attraction to females. These can manifest themselves in territorial marking, aggressive behavior, and loud meowing. For females, the drug is used:

• to regulate sexual desire;
• to prevent unplanned pregnancy;
• to stop the heat.

Instructions for use

When using Gestrenol, the purpose, weight and dosage form should be taken into account.

Drops

The solution should be applied to the mouth or nose (the animal will lick it off). You can also apply the medication to a small piece of a favorite treat. The dosage for cats depends on the intended use:

1. If the medication is used to stop estrus, females weighing less than 5 kg will require 4 drops. For animals over 5 kg, use 5-8 drops. The medication should be administered for 3-5 days until sexual desire subsides.
2. To delay heat or calm the animal, administer 4 drops weekly. The pet's weight is irrelevant in this case. The course can last up to 18 months. A second course is given only after the heat cycle.
3. If Gestrenol is used to contraceptive pills, the medication is administered twice daily, 8 drops at a time, with 24 hours between doses.

When using hormonal medication for cats, adhere to the recommended doses:

1. To stop males weighing up to 5 kg, administer 4 drops every 3-5 days. Males weighing over 5 kg will require 4-8 drops.
2. For a calming effect, administer 4 drops every 10-14 days, regardless of weight. The medication should be administered during periods of sexual abstinence.

Pills

Gestrenol tablets are given to cats in the following doses:

1. To stop sexual activity, give the animal 1-2 tablets for 3-5 days until symptoms disappear. If behavior returns quickly (within a couple of days), the medication is given again for another day after symptoms disappear. For young cats experiencing sexual activity for the first time, the dosage is increased to 2 tablets.
2. To ensure the drug has a calming effect, give your pet 1 tablet once a week.
3. If it is necessary to prevent fertilization after mating, the cat is given 2 tablets at once, and the procedure is repeated after 24 hours.

The drug is considered safe. It has no toxic or other negative effects on the body, but using hormonal agents without consulting a doctor is not recommended. The animal's reproductive capacity is restored within 2-3 months after discontinuing the medication.

Features of application

To ensure effective use of Gestrenol tablets or drops for cats, follow these recommendations:

1. To stop sexual desire, you must begin taking the medication within the first two days of the first signs of heat. Otherwise, the medication will not have the desired effect.
2. In some cases, the duration of treatment may be extended until sexual desire completely disappears. Be sure to consult your doctor.
3. It is possible to interrupt the heat in cats using a hormonal agent no more than 2 times a year.
4. If the medication is used to prevent pregnancy, it should be administered within 24 hours of casual sexual intercourse. Its effectiveness is significantly reduced if used later.
5. It is not recommended to skip doses of the medication due to the potential for decreased effectiveness. If the treatment schedule is shifted by 12 hours, the medication's effectiveness will not be affected.

When not to use

Gestrenol should not be used if there are any contraindications:

• during pregnancy;
• during lactation;
• if there are stones in the bladder or kidneys;
• with diabetes mellitus;
• for breast tumors;
• for oncological diseases of the genital organs.

The medication should not be used on animals that have not reached sexual maturity. Gestrenol should not be used on pets that are intended to breed. Individual intolerance is another contraindication.

Possible side effects

According to the instructions, Gestrenol does not cause side effects when used on cats, but if the dosage is exceeded or if there is an intolerance to the components, the following symptoms may occur:

• increased salivation;
• redness of the skin;
• itching;
• vomiting and nausea;
• depressed state;
• other unpleasant symptoms.

If such side effects occur, discontinue use of the medication. Consult a doctor. They will prescribe symptomatic treatment if necessary and select an alternative medication.

The medication should not be used continuously. The maximum course of treatment should not exceed 1.5 years, after which a break is required. Otherwise, irreversible changes in the hormonal system may occur.

Storage rules

The medication should be stored away from ultraviolet rays, heat sources, and food and feed. The temperature should be between 0 and 25˚C. Temporary freezing of the solution during transportation is permitted. This will preserve the medication's properties.

It is strictly forbidden to use this medication after the expiration date. This date can be found on the packaging. Any medication that is no longer suitable for treatment must be disposed of in accordance with current legislation.

What is the price

The price of Gestrenol for cats depends on the dosage form and the quantity of the drug:

• tablets 10 pcs. – from 80 to 115 rubles;
• drops 1.5 ml – from 120 to 160 rubles.

Since the medication is produced by a domestic manufacturer, it's usually easy to find in pharmacies. It can also be ordered online.

Owner reviews

Sofia, owner of a Siberian cat:

“When our furry miracle turned into a screaming monster, we thought about how to solve "We immediately ruled out sterilization, so we started looking for a suitable medication. We settled on Gestrenol. The results were pleasing. Faya calmed down, and the family was able to sleep soundly at night."

Sergey, owner of a Maine Coon:

"We live in a private house, so our cat often wanders outside. In early spring last year, he started disappearing for days at a time. He'd come home bruised and scratched. He'd lost a lot of weight. To prevent this from happening, we bought Gestrenol drops this year. Fluffy was calm and stayed indoors. I recommend them to other cat owners."

Yuri, owner of an 8-month-old cat:

"The medication didn't help us. After the treatment, the cat continued screaming, calling for suitors from all over the area. We solved the problem with a folk remedy—valerian tincture. I can't recommend this remedy to others because it's ineffective."

Veterinarian Reviews

Raisa, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:

"Gestranol is an inexpensive and effective medication, but I don't recommend using it on a regular basis. Hormonal medications can be harmful to your pet's health. If you don't want to breed your pet, it's best to have it spayed or neutered."

Irina, veterinarian:

"I sometimes prescribe this medication when owners don't want to spay or neuter their pet. Among similar medications, I consider Gestrenol to be one of the best. And although it's inexpensive, it works perfectly. When taken at the recommended dose, it's safe for pets."

Read also:

• Puberty in cats: when and how long does heat last?
• How many days does a cat ask for a male cat?
• Why does a cat scream?