Give Medroxy Progesterone Acetate to Cats with Behavior Problems

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is sometimes prescribed to help with behavioral disorders in cats. MPA is a synthetic form of the sex hormone progesterone. Your vet may prescribe this medication if the cat is aggressive, roams, or sprays urine.[1] To give MPA to your cat, follow the vet’s instructions carefully, give the cat an injection, and watch for any negative side effects.

Steps

Following the Instructions

  1. Follow the vet’s instructions. Your veterinarian may prescribe medroxyprogesterone provera for your cat if they have various behavioral problems, including aggression, urine spraying, or mounting or humping behaviors. The vet will provide you with specific instructions about how to administer the medication, how often, and how much.
  2. Read the label. Before you administer the first dose of MPA, read the label and the literature that came with it. This information will explain about the medication, provide instructions for administering it, give any warnings, and list any side effects.
  3. Follow the schedule provided by the vet. The way MPA is given and how long it is given will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the cat and the form in which the medication is given. This means your vet will provide you with the appropriate number of prescriptions or a schedule of injections for your cat to follow.[1]

Administering the Medication

  1. Determine if the dosage is a low or high dose. There are two different kinds of MPA injections your vet will prescribe, a low dose or a high dose. Low doses are given every four months, while high doses are given around every month or two.[1]
    • The average dose for a cat is 10 mg, but it can go up to around 20 mg.[2]
  2. Give-a-Cat-an-Injection. MPA is generally given via injection.[1] The vet will provide you the supplies you need. You can give your cat the injection while it is eating since the cat is distracted.[3]
    • To inject medicine into your cat, pinch a small amount of skin on your cat’s back near the nape of the neck. Grip the syringe like you would a pen. Quickly insert the needle into the fold of skin you are holding at a downward angle. Push the plunger to administer the medicine. Then remove the needle.
    • If you cannot do it alone, have someone hold the cat while you administer them the injection.
  3. Store the medication in a safe place. After you are finished, store the MPA in a sealed container. Make sure it is at room temperature. Do not place it in the refrigerator, near heat, or in direct sunlight.[4]
  4. Give a missed dose as soon as you remember. Since MPA is given once a month or every few months, you should set a reminder to administer the medication. Mark it on your calendar or set an alert on your phone. If you miss the dose, give it to the cat as soon as you remember. If it has been so long that you are close to the next dose, contact your vet.[4]

Monitoring for Side Effects

  1. Watch for side effects. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate may result in many side effects. They may include depression and lethargy, increased intake of food and water, and suppression of the immune system. Some cats will develop hair loss at the site of the injection. The cat may also gain weight or suffer from enlarged mammary glands.[4]
    • In females, MPA can cause uterine infection.
    • If your cat uses MPA too long, they may develop diabetes mellitus or mammary tumors.
  2. Tell your vet any medications that the cat takes. MPA can interact with other medications that your cat takes. It has been known to react negatively to corticosteroids and rifampin. Let your vet know about any medication and supplements that your cat takes.[4]
  3. Avoid giving MPA to certain cats. MPA should not be administered to all cats. It should not be given to cats who are pregnant, lactating, or in heat. Cats who are diabetic should take this medication with caution.[5]
    • Cats should not take MPA before they go through puberty, which can arrive between five to ten months of age depending on the breed.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/library/prescription/medroxyprogesterone-provera--depo-provera
  2. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/vet/depo-medrol.html
  3. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giving-injections-to-cats
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 http://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/medroxyprogesterone-acetate
  5. ↑ http://www.wedgewoodpetrx.com/learning-center/professional-monographs/medroxyprogesterone-acetate-for-veterinary-use.html
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