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Sedation is likely to happen in both dogs and cats at the dose rate of 20 mg/kg body weight or above. For Anxiolytic effect in cats or preclinical sedation– 20 mg/kg PO (50 to 100 mg/cat) approximately 2-3 hours before travel and use with precaution in cats suffering from kidney disease. For sedation and to manage anxiety, gabapentin doses in cats may be higher than when used for pain. The dose range for most cats is 50 mg to 200 mg and rarely exceeds 200 mg. When used before a stressful event, gabapentin should be given at least 2 to 3 hours before the event. This study set out to investigate the effect of giving a single dose of gabapentin for fear-based aggressive behaviors in cats during veterinary visits. The researchers compared a dose of either 100 or 200 mg/cat to placebo capsules 2 hours prior to the vet visit. Correlations between favorable outcomes were measured based on compliance scores. NB: The sedative dose (>20 mg/kg) is higher than the analgesic dose of gabapentin in cats (gabapentin for analgesia in cats = 5 – 10 mg/kg or 25 – 50 mg per cat, PO, BID) The use of pre-hospital gabapentin has been the single most effective tool for reducing fear and anxiety in healthy cats that I and many clinicians have used. Gabapentin (50 – 100 mg per cat or 150 mg if big cat, PO, 2 – 3 hours before arrival) • Sprinkle the gabapentin powder on 1 TBS wet food and add flavor enhancer (eg, FortiFlora, tuna juice, etc). What is the standard dosage? 5-40 mg/kg depending on the condition. Can gabapentin cause side effects? Yes, sedation and ataxia are common but mild. Is it safe for long-term use? Yes, under veterinary supervision. Can I use human liquid gabapentin? Avoid formulas containing xylitol—it’s toxic to cats. 1. What Is Gabapentin Prescribed for in Cats? Determining how much gabapentin to give your cat for sedation requires careful consideration and professional veterinary advice. Understanding gabapentin’s role, dosage guidelines, and potential side effects is crucial for responsible and effective use. NB: The sedative dose (>20 mg/kg) is higher than the analgesic dose of gabapentin in cats (gabapentin for analgesia in cats = 5 – 10 mg/kg or 25 – 50 mg per cat, PO, BID) The use of pre-hospital gabapentin has been the single most effective tool for reducing fear and anxiety in healthy cats that I and many clinicians have used. Expect that Give oral anxiolytic at home 2-3 hours prior to visit. Options: Gabapentin 20 mg/kg PO 2 - 3 hours prior to leaving home. Trazodone approx. 10 mg/kg PO 2 hours prior to leaving home. Liquid preparations can facilitate administration of the medication and accuracy of dosing. Clinical studies showed the Schedule V controlled substance to be efficacious for reducing acute feline fear during transportation and veterinary visits. Healthy cats exhibited minimal sedation and side effects. Compared with gabapentin, pregabalin is more potent, requires a smaller dose, and has a longer duration of action. Take-Home Points For feline pain, the ideal amount of the medicine is 1.25 to 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. For sedation and calming, vets usually prescribe 40-70mg for smaller and old felines and 75-90mg for adult cats 2-3 hours before a vet visit or travel. The dosage for gabapentin may vary depending on a cat’s size, as well as whether it’s being used as a pain medication, as part of seizure management, or as a sedative before vet visits or travel. From a safety perspective, a gabapentin dosage for cats will typically not exceed 50-100mg per cat to address pain or when being used as a sedative. Cats received either gabapentin or placebo for 2 weeks and then switched groups for a further two weeks. In the cats receiving gabapentin, owner assessed QoL was improved. With mobility assessed using an accelerometer placed on the cat's collar, a decrease in activity was noted which was attributed to sedation. This can also be done for for the occasional cat where gabapentin doesn’t provide enough sedation to get the desired effect. Gabapentin is an effective anti-anxiety medication for cats. We can testify to the benefits in our own cats. My cat Athena gets very stressed coming to the clinic, but gabapentin makes her (and her mom) much calmer. For cats on gabapentin for chronic pain management, Downing prescribes an additional dose of their medication (at 1-2 times the normal dose) 3 hours prior to the appointment. For some patients, in-clinic sedation is needed. Gabapentin 50–150 mg/cat PO, 20–40 mg/kg PO (dog) 2–3 hr before visit Use label dose for patient size** Light sedation Opioid Butorphanol 0.2–0.4 mg/kg IV/IM Typical dosages for pain relief range from 1.25 to 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. If it’s for seizures, the dosage is usually between 2-5 mg/lb or 5-10 mg/kg, administered every 8 to 12 hours. FELINE PRE-EUTHANASIA SEDATION PROTOCOLS *Given orally the night before, in the morning and 2 hours before the appointment. Preappointment ORAL sedation* REACTIVE PATIENT TRAZODONE GABAPENTIN BUPRENORPHINE 50-100 mg/cat 50-100 mg/cat 0.1 mg/cat **Add 0.1 cc of maple syrup to Ketamine to reduce bitterness. In-clinic ORAL sedation NB: The sedative dose (>20 mg/kg) is higher than the analgesic dose of gabapentin in cats (gabapentin for analgesia in cats = 5 – 10 mg/kg or 25 – 50 mg per cat, PO, BID) The use of pre-hospital gabapentin has been the single most effective tool for reducing fear and anxiety in healthy cats that I and many clinicians have used. Expect that
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