Buspirone is a non-sedating anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) medication used primarily in cats, though it can also be prescribed for dogs. Sold under the human brand name BuSpar, buspirone works through a different mechanism than benzodiazepines (like alprazolam) or SSRIs (like fluoxetine), and its key advantage is that it provides anxiety relief without significant sedation. In cats, buspirone is particularly valued for treating urine marking behavior and generalized anxiety. It requires a veterinary prescription and is available as an affordable generic.
What Is Buspirone Used For?
Buspirone is prescribed primarily for anxiety-related behavioral issues:
- Urine marking/spraying in cats — one of the most common uses; buspirone can reduce or eliminate inappropriate urine marking
- Generalized anxiety in cats — chronic low-level anxiety, fear of other household cats or pets
- Inappropriate elimination in cats — when anxiety is a contributing factor
- Mild fears and phobias — in both cats and dogs
- Anxiety in multi-cat households — can help subordinate or anxious cats cope with social stress
- Mild generalized anxiety in dogs — though other medications (trazodone, fluoxetine) are often preferred for dogs
Buspirone is more commonly used in cats than dogs. For dogs with significant anxiety disorders, SSRIs or other behavioral medications are typically first-line choices. Buspirone may be used in combination with other behavioral medications under veterinary guidance.
How Does Buspirone Work?
Buspirone is a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. By partially stimulating these receptors, it modulates serotonin activity in the brain, reducing anxiety without causing the sedation associated with benzodiazepines or the full serotonergic stimulation of SSRIs. It also has some antagonist activity at dopamine D2 receptors.
Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not cause sedation, muscle relaxation, or physical dependence. Unlike SSRIs, it has a somewhat faster onset (1-2 weeks rather than 4-6 weeks), though full effects may still take several weeks to develop. It does not impair motor function or cognition, making it an attractive option for cats that need anxiety relief while maintaining their normal activity levels.
Dosage
Your veterinarian will determine the exact dose for your pet.
Cats
| Cat’s Weight | Typical Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 lbs (2.7-3.6 kg) | 2.5 mg | Every 12 hours |
| 8-12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg) | 2.5-5 mg | Every 12 hours |
| 12+ lbs (5.4+ kg) | 5 mg | Every 12 hours |
Standard feline dose: 0.5-1 mg/kg every 12 hours.
Dogs
| Dog’s Weight | Typical Dose Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 2.5-5 mg | Every 8-12 hours |
| 25 lbs (11.3 kg) | 5-10 mg | Every 8-12 hours |
| 50 lbs (22.7 kg) | 10-15 mg | Every 8-12 hours |
| 75+ lbs (34+ kg) | 10-20 mg | Every 8-12 hours |
Standard canine dose: 0.5-2 mg/kg every 8-12 hours.
How to Give Buspirone to Your Cat or Dog
- Available as tablets (5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg).
- Can be given with or without food. Giving with food may improve absorption and reduce mild GI upset.
- For cats, the 5 mg tablet can be split in half for smaller cats. Pill pockets or hiding in food may help.
- Allow 1-2 weeks for initial effects and up to 4 weeks for full benefit. Do not judge effectiveness based on the first few days.
- If your pet has been on buspirone for an extended period, taper gradually rather than stopping abruptly, although withdrawal effects are less severe than with benzodiazepines.
- Buspirone should be used as part of a behavioral modification program, not as the sole treatment for anxiety or marking behavior.
Side Effects
Buspirone has one of the best side effect profiles among anxiolytic medications.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects (Contact Your Vet) |
|---|---|
| Increased friendliness or sociability (cats) | Increased aggression (rare, in cats) |
| Mild GI upset | Serotonin syndrome (if combined with serotonergic drugs) |
| Slight increase in affection-seeking behavior | Severe lethargy |
| Mild restlessness (initially) |
Notably, some cats on buspirone may become more assertive or confident, which is usually desirable but can occasionally manifest as increased boldness or, rarely, mild aggression in multi-cat households. This is typically manageable with dose adjustment.
Drug Interactions
- MAO inhibitors (selegiline/Anipryl): Do not combine — risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis.
- SSRIs (fluoxetine) and other serotonergic drugs: Use caution when combining; increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam): Can be used together with caution, but sedation may be enhanced.
- Erythromycin, itraconazole, and other CYP3A4 inhibitors: May increase buspirone blood levels.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to buspirone
- Concurrent use with MAO inhibitors
- Severe liver or kidney disease — dose adjustment may be needed
- Pregnant or lactating animals — safety not established
- Animals with epilepsy — buspirone may lower seizure threshold in rare cases
Storage
- Store at controlled room temperature, 68-77degF (20-25degC).
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Keep in original container.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Cost & Availability
Buspirone is available as a generic human medication at very low cost.
- Approximate cost: $5-$15 per month for most cats and dogs
- Available forms: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg tablets
- Can be filled at human pharmacies with a veterinary prescription
- Also available through veterinary and compounding pharmacies
Frequently Asked Questions
Will buspirone sedate my cat? No, this is one of buspirone’s key advantages. Unlike benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) or trazodone, buspirone is a non-sedating anxiolytic. Your cat should remain alert, active, and behave normally while experiencing reduced anxiety.
How effective is buspirone for urine marking in cats? Studies show buspirone can reduce or eliminate urine spraying in approximately 50-75% of cats. It works best when combined with environmental modifications (additional litter boxes, pheromone diffusers, stress reduction) and behavioral strategies. Some cats may need a different medication if buspirone is not effective.
Can buspirone be used with fluoxetine? This combination should only be used under close veterinary supervision due to the theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome. Some veterinary behaviorists do use the combination in specific cases, but it requires careful monitoring.
How long will my cat need buspirone? Treatment duration depends on the underlying cause. For situational anxiety (such as a new pet in the household), buspirone may be needed for several months until the stressor resolves. For chronic anxiety or marking behavior, longer-term treatment may be necessary. Your veterinarian will recommend a trial period and reassess.
Sources & References
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Behavioral Pharmacotherapy
- VCA Hospitals - Buspirone
- AVSAB - Position Statement on the Use of Medication in Behavioral Therapy
- Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook - Buspirone
- Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery - Behavioral Pharmacotherapy in Cats
Verification Notes
Buspirone’s description as a “Serotonin partial agonist. Non-sedating anxiolytic. Takes 1-2 weeks for effect. Fewer side effects than benzodiazepines. More commonly used in cats” is directly confirmed by the research corpus. Its use for urine spraying in cats and mild fears is well-documented in veterinary behavioral pharmacology references.