Stop-Stress for Cats
Stop-Stress is an effective sedative for cats, used to modify behavior and prevent stress and its unpleasant consequences. It was developed by the renowned Russian company Api-San, which specializes in the production of veterinary medications.
Content
General description and composition
The sedative is produced in two forms:
- drops for internal use;
- pills.
Stop-Stress drops for cats are packaged in PET bottles equipped with dropper tips for easy dosing. The dark-colored medicinal liquid has a distinctive herbal scent.
Please note! The manufacturer produces a sedative for both cats and dogs. The ingredients are identical, but the concentrations of the active ingredients differ. For cats, purchase 10 ml bottles with the appropriate label.
The tablets are available in several strengths: 120, 200, and 500 mg (the latter are not used for cats). They are packaged in convenient polymer jars with screw-on lids.
The main active ingredient is a chemically synthesized substance called phenibut. Its action is supplemented by herbal extracts:
- motherwort;
- Baikal skullcap;
- hops;
- catnip (present only in drops);
- peony (present only in tablets).
Both drops and tablets contain auxiliary components. The manufacturer lists the full composition of the medication on the packaging and in the instructions for use.
Operating principle
Stop-Stress is a combination antidepressant whose properties are determined by its main components:
- Phenibut has a broad spectrum of action. Its mechanism of action is based on stimulating blood circulation in the brain, improving mental processes, and normalizing metabolism. It restores nerve impulse transmission and, if necessary, suppresses arousal.
- Motherwort is one of the most sedative plants, also used for humans. Motherwort has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, normalizes heart rhythm, and lowers blood pressure.
- Baikal skullcap has a calming effect, improves sleep, and helps relieve feelings of fear.
- Hops have a sedative effect, and also prevent the development of inflammatory processes and relieve pain.
- Catnip is another plant known for its calming properties. It quickly relieves overexcitability by gently acting on the central nervous system.
- Peony is able to relieve spasms, and also has an antibacterial effect and prevents cramps.
Thanks to its pronounced sedative effect, the drug helps relieve aggression and excitability, including those caused by unknown factors. Its use reduces the adverse effects on the nervous system, allowing the animal to adapt more easily to new conditions.
When used for cats according to the instructions, Stop-Stress does not cause mutagenic or carcinogenic effects. It is not addictive because its components do not accumulate in the body.
Indications for use
Stop-Stress is used to correct pets' behavior in the following cases:
- under stress caused by various factors;
- when fear manifests itself (to loud sounds, the presence of strangers in the house, etc.);
- in case of excessive activity;
- during estrus or sexual activity, etc.
The drug can also be used to prevent stress, which is harmful to the health of not only humans but also animals. The effects of nervous shock in animals manifest in various ways: apathy or aggression, digestive problems, fear, and more. To prevent such problems, Stop-Stress is recommended for animals in the following cases:
- arrival of guests;
- apartment renovation;
- participation in a competition or exhibition;
- visiting a veterinarian or undergoing medical procedures (injections, vaccinations);
- visit to the salon;
- drive;
- departure of the owner, etc.
Please note! If meowing, marking territory, or aggressive behavior indicates sexual activity, sedative combined with contraceptive medications.
Dosage and application features
According to the instructions, the dosage of Stop-Stress tablets for cats is calculated based on the animal's weight. It's also important to pay attention to the tablet weight, as they vary in the concentration of active ingredients. A single dose for 120 mg tablets is:
- for pets up to 5 kg – 0.5 pcs.;
- for animals 5-10 kg – 0.5-1 pc.
When using 200 mg tablets, the single dose is calculated as follows:
- for animals up to 5 kg – 0.25 pcs.;
- for cats 5-10 kg – 0.25-0.5 pcs.
Animals are given pills by force. To do this, place the pills on the back of the tongue to ensure they swallow. If this procedure is too painful for the animal, the medication can be mixed with a small amount of their favorite treat.
If using a solution, the dosage is calculated as 1 drop per 1 kg of the pet's weight. Drops can also be administered forcefully or mixed with a small amount of food.
Regardless of the dosage form, Stop-Stress is administered to pets twice daily. Treatment typically lasts 2-3 weeks. In cases of excessive agitation and severe stress, treatment may be extended to 4 weeks. If symptoms of nervous system dysfunction (excitability, aggression, etc.) return after discontinuing treatment, treatment is repeated, with the duration and dosage remaining the same.
To prevent stress during travel, veterinary visits, and other similar situations, medication should be administered 3-5 days prior and continued for 1-4 days after the incident. If sexual activity occurs, the duration of treatment is determined by the doctor based on the animal's condition and the contraceptive use.
What harm can it cause to an animal’s body?
Stop-Stress for cats has a number of contraindications:
- gestation period;
- tumors;
- lactation;
- diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of the genitourinary system.
Please note! If you have an intolerance to phenibut or any other ingredients, use of this sedative is also prohibited.
The drug may sometimes cause drowsiness or nausea, especially when first used. Symptoms usually resolve on their own and do not require specific treatment or discontinuation of the medication. In case of hypersensitivity to any of the components, the following symptoms may occur:
- drowsiness or excessive excitability;
- allergic reactions;
- nausea;
- irritability.
If such side effects occur, discontinue use of the sedative. If necessary, use antiallergic medications and adsorbents to remove phenibut and other components from the animal's body.
In case of a significant overdose, your pet may experience serious health problems:
- kidney dysfunction;
- severe drowsiness;
- lowering blood pressure;
- vomiting and other symptoms of digestive system disorders.
If the dose is exceeded, the cat's stomach should be pumped. Enterosorbents and symptomatic treatment are then prescribed.
Price
When purchasing Stop-Stress for cats, please note that the price of the drug depends on the pharmacological form:
- drops 10 ml – about 250 rubles;
- tablets 15 or 20 pcs. – 225-235 rubles.
The price may vary up or down in different pharmacies and regions.
Owner reviews
Anastasia, owner of the Canadian Sphynx:
"Our cat is very skittish; at the slightest noise, he hides in the farthest corner. When we had a long trip planned, we had to find a sedative. The pharmacy recommended Stop-Stress drops. We took them strictly according to the instructions. As a result, our cat survived the 12-minute train ride safely. I can't say he wasn't stressed, considering he refused food and water the entire journey, but the consequences could have been much worse."
Lyudmila, owner of a British cat:
"Traveling and flying are incredibly stressful for our spoiled cat. We decided to prepare in advance and bought Stop-Stress drops. We tried administering the medication at home to test its effectiveness, and he slept through the entire day. But on the big day, the medication didn't work, even though we started giving it early. He was incredibly stressed, sitting in his carrier with a clenched jaw and dilated pupils. He took a long time to recover from the trip, so the effectiveness is 50/50. It doesn't always work."
Oksana, owner of a 7-month-old cat:
"Our cat's first heat cycle began at seven months old. Her surgery was scheduled for later, so we had to endure the constant "calling for suitors." On the vet's advice, we bought Stop-Stress. The dosage was slightly increased since hormonal medications weren't available. This antidepressant for animals has been a real lifesaver. Immediately after taking the drops, our cat went to sleep, and after three days of treatment, she completely stopped showing any anxiety."
Veterinarian Reviews
Lyubov, a veterinarian with 6 years of experience:
"Stop-Stress is an effective, but not at all safe, sedative for cats. I know of cases where the drug has caused serious health problems (I once had to resuscitate a young cat). Therefore, I do not recommend using this medication without a doctor's prescription."
Vadim, a veterinarian with 10 years of experience:
"A good sedative. Compared to herbal medications, it's more effective, although it can sometimes cause drowsiness. Its advantages include its low price and availability. In our small town, it's sold in all veterinary pharmacies."
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1 comment
Maria
I have an Abyssinian cat. He's 9 years old. He's very aggressive towards strangers. He needed urgent treatment; the vet prescribed Stress Stop. I've been giving it to him for 4 days now. He hates me. He sees the drops and starts hissing. He spits them out. Yesterday, he pierced my finger with his claw. I tried adding it to his food. Now he's stopped eating his food too—he doesn't trust it. I started diluting it with water and giving it to him with a syringe, but he doesn't spit it out. But he still fights and screams.
The effect is greater when applied to the back of the tongue. He spits it out and then lies half asleep. But by giving them to someone like that, I risk becoming disabled. I think I'll soon have to take similar drops myself.
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