10 Best Cat Sedatives For Travel 2025 in the United States

The FELIWAY Classic Cat Calming Pheromone Travel Spray is a drug-free, non-sedating solution designed to help reduce stress in cats, particularly during travel. It uses synthetic pheromones that mimic natural feline facial pheromones, which can aid in calming cats and reducing behaviors like scratching, urine spraying, and hiding. This makes it particularly useful for car rides, vet visits, and adjusting to new environments.

Simply spray it on your cat's carrier or a blanket 15 minutes before use, but do not spray it directly on your cat. The 20 mL bottle provides approximately 125 uses, making it quite economical. A major strength is its ease of use and the fact that it is suitable for cats of all breeds and life stages. It is also supported by 25 years of feline stress expertise.

It’s important to note that the product is not a sedative and may not be as effective for cats with severe anxiety. While the majority of cats show improvement, it may not work for all. Being drug-free means it has no major side effects, making it a safer option compared to prescription sedatives. This product is ideal for cat owners looking for a gentle, non-prescriptive way to calm their pets during travel or environmental changes.

The Bach RESCUE Remedy PET Dropper is a natural, homeopathic solution aimed at easing stress and anxiety in pets, including cats, during travel and other stressful situations. It’s made from a blend of five natural flower essences and is sedative-free, making it a suitable option for pet owners who prefer a more holistic approach to calming their pets.

One of its strengths is that it's versatile and can be used on various pets such as dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, and lizards. Additionally, it is free from artificial flavors, colors, sugar, gluten, and major allergens. The product is also non-alcoholic and non-habit forming, which is a significant advantage over some prescription alternatives. The liquid form makes it relatively easy to administer either directly into the mouth or mixed with food or water.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The effectiveness of homeopathic remedies can vary significantly from one pet to another, and some may not experience the desired calming effect. Moreover, since it is sedative-free, it may not be as effective in highly stressful situations compared to stronger, prescription sedatives. The lack of specific information on the duration of effect can also be a downside for users seeking a long-lasting solution. It is a good option for those looking for a gentle, natural remedy for mild to moderate stress in pets during travel.

The Vetoquinol Zylkene Calming Support Supplement is designed to help pets cope with various stressors, making it a good option for travel or other anxiety-inducing situations. It contains Alpha-Casozephine, a natural milk protein that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness, which is a major plus compared to some other sedatives. The supplement is lactose-free and gentle on sensitive stomachs, an important consideration for pet owners with animals that have dietary sensitivities.

It’s also veterinarian-recommended, adding a level of trust and reliability to its usage. This product is convenient to administer—simply open the capsule and add it to your pet’s food daily. However, it’s specifically formulated for small dogs and cats, meaning it might not be suitable for larger pets. The package contains 14 capsules, which might be limiting for longer trips or frequent use, particularly for pets over 10 lbs who require two capsules daily.

If you are looking for a natural, non-prescription option to manage your pet’s travel anxiety, Vetoquinol Zylkene could be a fitting choice, especially for those with smaller pets.