why not Prozac for anxious cat?

I have two spayed, female cats that has been fighting with each other for years. For a year now their fighting became more severe. The older, 9 yo is very skittish, she has expressed anxiety in the past such as licking her fur compulsively to the point of balding. These days, she just hides away from the other female cat who is 6 yo and a total feisty spaz. The more my skitish cat runs away the more the spaz chases and bothers her. I wanted to get my older cat a medication that would make her more relaxed and self assure. My vet has not been willing to prescribe Fluoxatine (Prozac). She mentioned some difficulty with dosing and effectiveness in cats. Does anyone understand what is this contraindication about? Also, what else could I give to my cat, to be more brave?

We have quite a few members who successfully treat their anxious cats with Prozac but it definitely doesn't work for every cat.   As far as dosing goes, it's even available as a transdermal formula made specifically for cats, although I've read the pill form is a little more effective.  Some vets simply don't like to medicate cats and you might have to search for one who will.  In the meantime, if your present vet is uncomfortable with Prozac, ask her about other medications.  The anti-anxiety medications, such as Ativan or Xanax can be very helpful.  You can also try a different SSRI, such as Zoloft.  

Before going to medications, have you tried using non-medicated means to treat anxiety?  Feliway is a formula based on feel-good cat pheromones and available as a spray and a diffuser.  Again, not all cats respond but it's worth a shot as when it works, it can make a big difference.  In your case, the diffusers might be more appropriate.  Unfortunately they are expensive but members report that amazon has the cheapest prices so that's a good place to begin your search.  

Another anti-anxiety product is Composure, which is available as drops or treats.  Composure contains herbs and supplements known to have calming effects.  Again, some members have had very good luck with Composure.

Good luck!  I hope you are able to get some peace in your home soon!  

Thank you, I might try a different Vet. The pheromone infuser products have not worked. I tried infused collar, room infuser and spray. My vet keeps recommending Cyproheptadine but it only works so so.

It sounds to me like the cats should be separated. I can't even imagine how frightened the 9 year old must be. The excessive licking is a symptom of severe fear and anxiety. In her mind she lives with a serial killer. No amount of medication will help. She is being constantly being attacked and that's what needs to be addressed. Please separate them for the poor 9 year Old's sake.

I have a friend who is in a similar situation as you -- one cat keeps trying to play and pick on the other cat, and the other cat is upset and fearful. Interestingly enough, they are medicating the playful, more dominant cat to try to get him to calm down, not the fearful cat. I thought that was an interesting approach, but I haven't seen the situation in person to know if it is effective or a good idea.

What is the interactions between the cats like? I understand the one is nervous and fearful, but I am curious of the motivation of spaz-cat. When one enters the room, what is the body language of each of the cats? Does the feisty one do a lot of staring at the other cat? Does she follow her around? When they are fighting, is there any hissing or growling on the part of the feisty cat when it starts? Claws in or out? Do her movements seem playful, aggressive, or neither? Even if she looks playful, does she do any swatting with a lot of power behind it (even with claws in)?

Complete separation of the cats could be a very good idea, and I could see a month or two of separation possibly helping a lot. Once the fearful kitty realizes the other kitty cannot get to her anymore, she should start to relax and hopefully be able to reclaim that area of the house as primarily her territory, where she can feel safe and in charge. If you have any cat trees or high shelves or anything like that, that would be great because she can use the vertical advantage to really claim the area as hers. After some time of separation, you can slowly introduce to the cats to each other again, as if they have never met before, and they may be able to work out their relationship in a different way.

Find another Dr. Prozac is great for anxiety in a cat.. That Dr you go to sounds like he is not up to date on medications. They have been using Prozac for years for all kinds of stuff. If he/she doesnt believe in it then get someone that is up to date in the present.. It is very helpful to cats in all kinds of ways. Why should your cat suffer with anxiety when a small piece of a pill can help.