Melatonin OK for cats?
m...@bigfoot.com
to cats. I give it to my dogs for the possible life extension properties
it exhibited when given to cats, plus it helps them sleep.
I have also noticed my greyhound getting a puppy-smooth coat at the age of
9 and am hoping it translates to youthful rejuvenation of internal organs
also.
If it really doens't hurt, then I guess it is fine. I give my two dogs 3
mg. each per night. They are a 79 lb. German Shepherd and a 62 lb.
greyhound.
We have 2 Orange Tabby cats, age 5, and one 15 yr. old Orange Tabby -
Siamese mix. We were wondering what would be an appropiate dosage.
Would appreciate any cat feedback to: m...@bigfoot.com
Dana Carpender
"m...@bigfoot.com" wrote:
My understanding is that melatonin is ubiquitous in life -- has been found even
in single celled plants. Therefore, should be fine for kitties. Further, have
read of an experiment where rats were injected with the human equivalent of
half-a-cup, with no ill effects -- though doubtless they had a nice nap! So
you're not likely to overdose anyone dangerously -- but you might spend more
money than you need to. Personally, I'd buy the lowest dose I could find, and
maybe even half or quarter those...
As for rejuvenation, read of a rat study where 24 mth old rats (human
equivalent of 75) were put on melatonin and compared to a control group. The
melatonin treated rats became more active, regained sexual interest, had
strengthened immune systems, etc -- and lived an average of 6 months longer
than the untreated rats. In human years, that's about 25 extra years of
healthy life. Pretty neat.
Dana
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Sea_Witch
wrote:
>
>
>"m...@bigfoot.com" wrote:
>
>> I give my dogs melatonin and was wondering if anyone has heard of giving it
>> to cats. I give it to my dogs for the possible life extension properties
>> it exhibited when given to cats, plus it helps them sleep.
<snip>
>
>My understanding is that melatonin is ubiquitous in life -- has been found even
>in single celled plants. Therefore, should be fine for kitties. Further, have
>read of an experiment where rats were injected with the human equivalent of
>half-a-cup, with no ill effects -- though doubtless they had a nice nap! So
>you're not likely to overdose anyone dangerously -- but you might spend more
>money than you need to. Personally, I'd buy the lowest dose I could find, and
>maybe even half or quarter those...
>
>As for rejuvenation, read of a rat study where 24 mth old rats (human
>equivalent of 75) were put on melatonin and compared to a control group. The
>melatonin treated rats became more active, regained sexual interest, had
>strengthened immune systems, etc -- and lived an average of 6 months longer
>than the untreated rats. In human years, that's about 25 extra years of
>healthy life. Pretty neat.
>
>Dana
I would advise anyone who thinks it's this simplistic to read
WorldWide Labs, (one pharmaceutical company producing Melatonin) own
information on the subject. Taking into account this is to 'sell' the
product.
There is no mention of it being intended for or beneficial to
companion animals or any other animals for that matter... other than
the human one:) And even then they make no claims that 'humans or any
other animal' will live longer or healthier..
Quote from their pages.
*What exactly is Melatonin?
"Melatonin is the all-natural nightcap. It's secreted by the pineal
gland, a pea-size structure at the center of the brain, as our eyes
register the fall of darkness." At night melatonin is produced to help
our bodies regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of melatonin
produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. Scientists
believe this may be why young people have less problem sleeping than
older people.*
*Why take it?
"Studies suggest that low-dose supplements can hasten sleep and ease
jet lag, without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping
pills." Melatonin may have many other uses and has been reported to
make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free
radicals in the body. Current research is underway to determine
melatonin's effect as an anti-oxidant, immno-modulator in cancer,
delayed sleep-phase disorders, and jet lag. Tests are still under way
so there is much to still be learned about melatonin and its effects
on the human body.*
I've yet to see a cat or dog that suffers jet lag or sleep disorders
or sunlight deficienies all of these are human problems. And they make
no mention of tests to determine the effects on any animal other than
how it may relate to human use of the hormone.
The results on animals used in the tests were only considered in
relation to how humans 'might' react.There is some concern regarding
long term effects which at this stage are unknown.
Some side effects are... I quote from manafacturers information:
*According to one report, "10 percent of the users said the hormone
did nothing for them, and another 10 percent complained of side
effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning groginess, mild
depression, and low sex drive.*
No research has been done into possible side effects that might be
produced in dogs or cats. How can they tell you they have a headache?
Again from the manafacturers information:
*Should certain people avoid it?
Yes. "Those include women who are pregnant or nursing (since no one
knows how excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a fetus or
infant); people with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases
(melatonin could exacerbate such conditions by stimulating the immune
system); people with immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or
leukemia (for the same reason), and healthy children (who already
produce it in abundance).*
If healthy children should avoid it because they produce it in
abundance there is no reason to assume cats and dogs shouldn't avoid
it also for the same reason.
Incidentally they also advise consulting a doctor prior to taking it
so shouldn't a veterinarian be consulted. IMO it's experimenting with
companion animals for no valid medical or other beneficial reason.
Sea_Witch
If man could be crossed with the cat,
it would improve man but deteriorate the cat.
- Mark Twain