Amitriptyline for cats

[Harry101]

Hello, does anyone else have their cat on amitripyline to treat depression, stress, anxiety and behaviour problems? We are have stressful times trying to get the pill down Sophie's mouth everyday and cannot find a way to get her to eat with food due to the bitter taste tried tuna, salmon etc but she eats that on its own and when I put a pill in she walks away. I have even got some amitripyline solution but she threw that up after putting it in her mouth. I see in America they do injectable form but not over here? Anyone have any advice, we are using a pill popper and also previously tried the putty stuff but Sophie went off that. Thanks

[Crewella]

I'm sorry, I've never tried amytriptyline for cats, but I will say that (in a houseful of 6 cats) I've given up on trying to disguise medications in food and just opt for the 'down the hatch' method every time, however with a cat that's already stressed that might not be much help if the act stresses her further. Have you mentioned this to your vet?

[Harry101]

Thank you for your reply, i spoke to the vets earlier and it seems the easiest way is to open her mouth, it did seem a lot easier tonight with 3 of us doing it.

[Crewella]

I always do mine just before dinner. That means they are much less likely to do a disappearing act, it sets up a routine so they know what to expect, and they get a reward straight after in the form of their food so it takes their mind off the unpleasant experience. Food straight after a pill also takes care of the little tykes that try hiding a pill at the back of their mouths, intending to spit it out later!

[Harry101]

Also need to ask for anyones experience of using this anti-depressent, how long does it take to take effect? Will it stop the weeing around the house in time and the crying at random times. I have noticed Sophie will have a long nap after having the pill and thankfully does eat more. I have read on another website that it can take a week to show it working then another 2-4 weeks to notice a big difference. I just would like to ask anyone for personal experiences and what you noticed in what time frames? Also does Urine Off work and stop the weeing everywhere? Thanks again

[Crewella]

For cleaning I believe others have used Urine Off OK - what you need is something that breaks it down. I use biological washing liquid/powder to do the same thing.