10 Best Cat Sedatives For Travel 2025 in the United States

Vetoquinol Zylkene is a natural calming supplement designed for small dogs and cats, using alpha-casozepine, a protein from cow's milk, to help reduce stress without causing drowsiness. This makes it a gentle option for pets who get anxious during travel, vet visits, or loud events. It’s lactose-free and formulated to be easy on sensitive stomachs, which is great for animals prone to digestive issues. The product comes in capsules that you open and sprinkle over food, simplifying administration without forcing your pet to take pills directly.

Zylkene provides daily behavioral support and can help with anxiety linked to changes in routine. Dosage is tailored to small breeds, and the package contains 120 capsules, offering good value if your pet needs ongoing support. Side effects are minimal, thanks to its natural ingredients, making it a safer choice compared to stronger prescription options.

This supplement is best suited for pet owners looking for a mild, non-drowsy calming aid for their cats or small dogs during stressful situations like travel. For everyday stress relief and mild travel anxiety, Zylkene presents a convenient, gentle, and well-regarded option. If your cat experiences severe anxiety or requires fast-acting sedation, a vet-prescribed medication might be more appropriate.

EDUZEBRA Cat Melatonin is a natural sedative supplement designed to help cats relax and sleep better, making it a gentle option for managing anxiety or restlessness during travel or grooming. It uses melatonin, a hormone that supports calmness and a regular sleep cycle, which is generally safe and less likely to cause harsh side effects compared to prescription sedatives. The dosage is straightforward, with a dropper system adjusted by your cat’s weight, which makes it easy to administer.

This product suits all life stages and house cats, providing a calming effect that encourages a peaceful routine rather than strong sedation. It is intended as a mild aid rather than a heavy sedative. As a natural supplement, it may not be immediately effective for severe anxiety or travel stress compared to prescription medications.

Some cats may require time to respond, so it is advisable to try the supplement ahead of travel or stressful events to observe your pet’s reaction and determine its effectiveness for your cat.

Zesty Paws Calming Chews for Cats are natural, bacon-flavored soft chews designed to help cats relax during stressful events like travel, thunderstorms, or separation. They use a blend of calming ingredients such as L-Theanine (in a form called Suntheanine), melatonin, chamomile, and L-Tryptophan to promote a sense of calm and reduce common signs of stress like excessive meowing or hiding. These chews are intended for adult house cats of all breeds and come in a 60-count pack. The dosage is flexible, starting from half a chew and increasing up to two per day, which you can split between morning and evening. This gradual increase helps avoid over-sedation.

Since the formula is natural rather than prescription-based, it tends to have fewer side effects, but individual cats might react differently, so monitoring your pet after administration is important. The product does not act as a strong sedative but is more suited for managing everyday stress and mild anxiety, making it a good choice for pet owners looking for a gentle, drug-free option. However, for cats with severe anxiety or those needing longer-lasting or stronger sedation during travel, a prescription medication might be more effective.

The chews’ bacon flavor also helps with acceptance, making it easier to give to picky eaters. These calming chews are best suited for normal stress situations rather than heavy sedation.