A dissociative anesthetic approved for use in cats; used commonly in combination with tranquilizers for sedation or to induce general anesthesia. maintains reflexes when used alone and has poor visceral analgesia.

• A. Tiletamine
• B. Diazepam
• C. Propofol
• D. Ketamine

Answer: (D)

Dissociative anesthesia creates a trance-like state in which the animal feels detached while reflexes and muscle tone are often preserved. This is why these drugs are favored for sedation or induction in combination with tranquilizers. Ketamine is the classic dissociative used in cats and is commonly mixed with tranquilizers to produce smooth sedation or general anesthesia. When ketamine is given alone, the patient tends to keep reflexes intact and has limited, variable visceral analgesia, so it’s not relied on for strong visceral pain control without additional analgesics. Its action as an NMDA receptor antagonist explains the dissociated state and the preservation of airway reflexes, which is why it’s chosen for feline anesthesia in practice.