{"id":6701,"date":"2025-02-03T10:33:12","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T10:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-uses-dosages-safety-and-alternatives-in-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-02-03T10:46:47","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T10:46:47","slug":"hmn-uses-dosages-safety-and-alternatives-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-uses-dosages-safety-and-alternatives-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"HMN: Diazepam Uses, dosages, safety, and alternatives in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<br \/>Do you know:  Uses, dosages, safety, and alternatives in 2025<\/p>\n<div id=\"main-content\">\n<div id=\"post-intro\">\n<div id=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam is used to treat seizures, anxiety, urine marking, and urethral obstruction in cats.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The standard diazepam dosage for cats is 0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg but dosages will vary depending on the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects of diazepam in cats are behavior changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not give diazepam to cats with known allergies to diazepam or cats that show symptoms of liver injury after starting diazepam treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians are cautious about giving cats daily doses of diazepam because it can in rare cases cause life-threatening liver injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"anchorLinks\">\n<div class=\"mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"dropdownLists\">\n<div class=\"dropdownBtn\"><span class=\"listsIcon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"20\"\/><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label><\/label><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"downArrow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/dropDownArrow.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people have heard the brand name <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the generic version. Veterinarians commonly use it as a sedative, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seizure medication<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle relaxant<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in cats and dogs. It\u2019s often used on an as-needed basis, but veterinarians are cautious about giving cats diazepam on a daily basis. Some cats can experience life-threatening liver injury when taking daily oral diazepam. It\u2019s a rare occurrence, but veterinary medicine can\u2019t explain why it even happens at all. Some veterinarians may refuse to use it as a daily medication in cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-diazepam-used-for-in-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is diazepam used for in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam is a common veterinary drug that is a first-line treatment for active seizures, though its use as a daily maintenance treatment for seizures is debated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to seizures, veterinarians may prescribe diazepam on an as-needed to keep cats calm during anxiety-inducing situations such as a vet visit or traveling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be an effective treatment for general <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, behavioral problems, urethral obstruction, and urine spraying, but its use as a daily treatment for these problems is controversial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less commonly, some veterinarians may use it as an appetite stimulant in cats that are not eating, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/veterinarypartner.vin.com\/default.aspx?pid=19239&amp;id=4951422\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it\u2019s not their first choice<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some veterinarians may use it as a tranquilizer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/diazepam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for veterinary procedures<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to calm the cat before administering anesthetics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"seizures\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/pharmacology\/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-nervous-system\/antiepileptic-drugs-used-to-stop-ongoing-seizure-activity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common medication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to calm seizures in cats, particularly long-acting seizures or seizures that won\u2019t stop (status epilepticus). Diazepam is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benzodiazepine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a family of drugs that slow down the nervous system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a cat is having seizures, the veterinarian will give a diazepam intravenous bolus (single injection) along with other drugs called <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anticonvulsants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They will continue to inject diazepam every five minutes until the seizures stop. If that doesn\u2019t work, they may start an intravenous constant-rate infusion of diazepam or use other drugs to stop the seizure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors commonly use diazepam as a seizure maintenance treatment in people to prevent seizures. Veterinarians generally avoid diazepam as a seizure maintenance treatment in both dogs and cats. In dogs, the drug doesn\u2019t last long. In cats, there\u2019s a small risk of serious liver injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"anxiety\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam quickly tranquilizes an animal, so veterinarians commonly use it as a one-time treatment to pacify an animal in stressful situations. It works when caregivers can anticipate a potentially panic-provoking situation like taking a cat on a trip or right before a vet visit. Doses need to be given at least a half hour before the cat undergoes stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians may use it as an ongoing anxiety or problem behavior treatment. It\u2019s also effective at reducing urine spraying or urine marking, behavioral problems that are closely related to anxiety. However, chronic, daily use of diazepam in cats is controversial, so <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360storage.com\/cvc\/proceedings\/kc\/Technician\/Spooner\/Spooner,%20Melissa_Behavior_therapies_STYLED.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">its use for anxiety and urine marking has diminished over the years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"urethral-obstruction\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urethral obstruction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The urethra is a long tube that passes urine from the bladder out of the body. When the urethra is obstructed, the cat is partly or totally unable to empty the bladder. It\u2019s a common problem in male cats. Urethral obstruction may affect <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/urology-renal-medicine\/feline-urethral-obstruction-diagnosis-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.5%\u20139%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of cats at some time in their lives. The standard treatment involves emergency veterinary care, catheterization, medications, and brief hospitalization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After emergency treatment, the cat may need <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/icatcare.org\/advice\/urethral-obstruction-in-cats\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">further care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with anesthetics, pain relievers, or muscle relaxants. Diazepam is a skeletal muscle relaxant and was once a first-line treatment for urethral spasms in cats, but its use in cats is less common now because of the risk of liver injury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-diazepam-safe-for-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is diazepam safe for cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam is commonly used in cats but may not be safe for every cat. Diazepam is never given to cats that have had an allergic reaction to diazepam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians are cautious about giving cats daily doses of diazepam because of the small risk of liver injury and hepatic failure. The liver can start failing within a few days of starting diazepam and quickly prove fatal. Veterinarians do not know why this happens. They can\u2019t predict which cats are vulnerable. When daily diazepam is prescribed to a cat, the only way to keep the cat safe is to perform a blood test at the beginning of treatment and again <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/benzodiazepines-pros-and-cons-proceedings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">after a few days<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to monitor liver function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians are also cautious about using diazepam in cats that are aggressive or have slow breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam is a controlled substance and may not be safe for people if used inappropriately. If prescribed for a cat, do not give it to other people. Keep it securely out of the reach of children and pets.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"side-effects-of-diazepam-in-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of diazepam in cats<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam\u2019s most common side effects in cats are behavior changes including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bizarre behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other common side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam\u2019s most serious side effect in cats is liver damage, though this is rare. Caregivers should carefully monitor the cat for signs of liver problems and take the cat to the veterinarian if they occur. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8755982\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing of the eyes, skin, or mucus membranes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms usually occur within a few days of starting daily diazepam doses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"interactions-of-diazepam-with-other-pet-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interactions of diazepam with other pet medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the veterinarian about all the drugs, supplements, and herbal products the cat is receiving, especially:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"diazepam-dosage-for-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam dosage for cats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam dosages vary by condition:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>For acute seizures:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 0.5\u20131 mg\/kg intravenous injection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>For situational anxiety:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg given by mouth on an as-needed basis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>For functional urethral obstruction:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1\u20132.5 mg given every eight hours\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When caregivers administer diazepam to their pet at home, they can use either a human or veterinary formulation, usually tablets or oral solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rectal diazepam can be used during an active seizure. The veterinarian <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vin.com\/apputil\/content\/defaultadv1.aspx?id=3860886&amp;pid=11242&amp;print=1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may use rectal diazepam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during an emergency. It\u2019s unlikely, but a veterinarian could suggest that a caregiver use a home diazepam <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetmed.illinois.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VTH-Handout-SeizureKits-Print.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rectal seizure kit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or diazepam rectal gel (formerly available as brand name Diastat) to manage an ongoing seizure at home. This is uncommon and will require some instruction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-cats-overdose-on-diazepam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can cats overdose on diazepam?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A diazepam overdose can be fatal in a small animal. No maximum dosage for cats has been defined, but a dose of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/benzodiazepines-pros-and-cons-proceedings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">500 mg\/kg<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can rapidly kill a cat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A caregiver should immediately call an animal poison control center or take the cat to a veterinarian if the cat has been given too much diazepam or shows <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetmeds.org\/pet-poison-control-list\/diazepam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of diazepam toxicity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Significant drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow reflexes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disorientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Involuntary muscle movements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coma<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"can-i-give-my-cat-diazepam-every-day\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I give my cat diazepam every day?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam can be given to cats every day, but there is a small risk that daily diazepam doses can induce life-threatening liver failure in a cat. Veterinarians don\u2019t know why this happens, and they are unable to predict which cats will be affected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of this risk, some veterinarians may not use daily diazepam in a cat. Those that do will perform blood tests at the start of treatment and a few days later to determine if the drug is affecting the cat\u2019s liver. Veterinary literature does not suggest continued liver testing after the first few days, so daily diazepam may be safe for cats after that initial treatment period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-give-your-cat-diazepam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to give your cat diazepam<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only use diazepam in a cat when prescribed by a veterinarian.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow all the veterinarian\u2019s instructions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not give the cat extra medicine. If it doesn\u2019t seem to be working, talk to the prescriber.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To calm a cat before a stressful event, give the diazepam dose at least 30 minutes before the event happens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the veterinarian prescribes daily doses, do not stop giving the cat doses until talking to the veterinarian. The dose may need to be gradually decreased to prevent withdrawal symptoms.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only exception is if the cat starts showing signs of liver damage. In that case, call the veterinarian immediately or take the cat to a veterinary hospital.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask the veterinarian what to do in case a dose is missed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give diazepam tablets or oral solution with food or on an empty stomach.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t know how to dose a cat with a tablet or oral solution, have a veterinary technician show you the correct technique.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam tablets are scored so they can be split into two smaller doses. If the veterinarian prescribes a dose requiring half a tablet, ask the veterinary professional how to split the tablet correctly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doses of diazepam oral solution should always be measured with the calibrated oral syringe supplied with the medicine. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Store diazepam at room temperature in a light-protected container.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"diazepam-alternatives-for-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam alternatives for cats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/pharmacology\/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-nervous-system\/antiepileptic-drugs-used-to-stop-ongoing-seizure-activity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diazepam as a first-line treatment for active seizures<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A veterinarian will supplement this treatment with longer-acting anti-seizure drugs such as an anticonvulsant or barbiturate. If repeated diazepam injections don\u2019t work, the veterinarian may switch to a diazepam infusion or try another benzodiazepine. In the worst cases, the veterinarian may need to use anesthesia to stop the seizure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For anxiety, veterinarians primarily use diazepam to treat situational fear in cats. It works very quickly but only lasts a short time. Alternative treatment options include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lorazepam<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gabapentin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trazodone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clonidine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acepromazine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For urine spraying, the optimal treatments are conservative treatments such as environmental changes and pheromone sprays. When medications are needed, diazepam is effective, but there\u2019s always a small chance that daily dosing will harm the cat\u2019s liver. Other medication treatment options include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (SSRIs), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tricyclic antidepressants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wellbutrin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buspirone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For urethral spasms in cats with urethral blockage, diazepam is used as a muscle relaxant. To avoid daily diazepam dosing, veterinarians <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cliniciansbrief.com\/article\/drugs-used-manage-urinary-incontinence-dogs-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can use other muscle relaxants<\/span><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/icatcare.org\/advice\/urethral-obstruction-in-cats\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">including<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> smooth muscle relaxants called <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alpha blockers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or skeletal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">muscle relaxants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Not all muscle relaxants used in people are used in cats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"summary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summary<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diazepam is safe and effective when used as needed to treat active seizures and to calm cats in scary situations. Diazepam is also effective as a daily drug in treating urine marking, anxiety, and urethral obstruction, but veterinarians are cautious because some cats may experience life-threatening liver damage. 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<\/g>\n<\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know: Uses, dosages, safety, and alternatives in 2025 Key takeaways Diazepam is used to treat seizures, anxiety, urine marking, and urethral obstruction in cats. The standard diazepam dosage for cats is 0.25\u20130.5 mg\/kg but dosages will vary depending on the condition. The most common side effects of diazepam in cats are behavior changes. 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