Medications / Cats / Animal Health
Bonqat: The First FDA-Approved Drug for Cat Anxiety
With Bonqat, your feline friend can finally face the vet without a fright.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who own a cat, you know how stressful vet visits can be for you and your furry friend. But there may be a new solution on the horizon.
The FDA has approved a drug called Bonqat to help calm cat anxiety. Bonqat is the first FDA-approved animal medication to contain pregabalin, which calms overactive nerves.
What is Bonqat?
Bonqat is an oral solution of the drug pregabalin. Pregabalin is commonly used to treat anxiety, chronic pain, and seizures in humans. When used at a much lower dose in cats, pregabalin effectively reduces the fear of transportation and veterinary visits.
How does Bonqat work?
Bonqat is not a sedative but soothes anxiety in cats. Its active ingredient, pregabalin, increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels — a neurotransmitter that helps calm the feline’s nerves and decrease feelings of anxiety and stress.
How is Bonqat administered?
Bonqat is a liquid given orally to cats in a single dose approximately 1.5 hours before the start of transportation or veterinary visit. A small amount of food can be added to Bonqat to enhance its taste. The medication can be given on two consecutive days if needed.
What are the benefits of Bonqat?
Bonqat can help to reduce the following symptoms of anxiety in cats:
- Excessive meowing
- Lip licking
- Drooling
- Stress-induced motion sickness
- Urination
- Defecation
What are the side effects of Bonqat?
Bonqat can cause some temporary side effects in cats, including:
- Mild drowsiness
- Lethargy or sleepiness
- Balance issues or lack of coordination
Bonqat’s Effectiveness is Clinically Proven
The FDA approved Bonqat based on trials conducted by its Finnish maker, Orion Corporation. Cat owners whose felines had a history of fear and anxiety during vet visits brought their cats for physical exams. During these trials, cats were given Bonqat before they visited the veterinarian. The results showed that Bonqat was significantly more effective than a placebo at reducing the cats’ anxiety and fear.
How is Bonqat Supplied?
Bonqat is an oral solution of pregabalin with a strength of 50mg/ml. Bonqat comes packaged in a 5ml glass bottle containing 2ml of solution. The bottle has a child-resistant closure and comes with an oral dosing syringe.
How to Store Bonqat
Store the bottle in a refrigerator and use the contents within six months after the first opening of the bottle.
Bonqat may be stored unopened in a refrigerator for up to 2 years, depending on expiration date.
Bonqat Handling Precautions for Humans
Pet owners should handle Bonqat carefully and avoid contact with skin, eyes, and other mucus membranes.
Due to the potential for misuse by humans, Bonqat is only available by prescription.
Is Bonqat suitable for my cat?
Bonqat is a prescription medication, so you must talk to your veterinarian about whether it is right for your cat. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe the correct dosage of Bonqat for your cat and provide you with instructions on how to administer it.
It is important to note that Bonqat is not a cure for cat anxiety. It is simply a medication that can help to reduce anxiety symptoms. If your cat is severely anxious, your veterinarian may recommend additional treatments, such as behavioral therapy.
What can I do besides Bonqat to help my cat with anxiety?
There are several things you can do to help your cat with anxiety, including:
- Get your cat used to their carrier by leaving it out open in your home.
- Put a blanket or towel with a familiar scent in the carrier.
- Take your cat for short car rides to get them used to being in the car.
- Ask your veterinarian if you can bring your cat to the exam room a few minutes early to let them get acclimated.
- Be patient and reassuring with your cat during the exam.
A New Era of Feline Calm
Bonqat marks a significant advancement in feline anxiety treatment. It’s a safe and effective way to reduce stress for cats and their owners during vet visits. With Bonqat, cat owners can relax knowing that their feline companions experience less fear during nerve-wracking events.Talk to your veterinarian today about whether Bonqat is right for your cat.
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