Pick the Purpose: Select the condition you’re treating – seizures, chronic pain, or sedation. The dosage varies depending on what you’re using Gabapentin for. Crunch the Numbers: The calculator uses your cat’s weight and the selected condition to determine the recommended dosage range of Gabapentin. Here’s how we calculate the dosage range: 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 Oral gabapentin in cats – often without additional sedation/premedication – can be used by house-call and clinic-bound veterinarians to facilitate examination, blood draws, cystocentesis, blood glucose curves, ultrasound exams and additional injections. With use of a liquid gabapentin we can dose our cats really accurately with that optimal dose of 20 mg/kg. In a recent study (Gurney et al) we evaluated the efficacy of 20mg/kg gabapentin in hyperthyroid cats, given 1-2hrs before coming to the clinic. Understanding how to administer gabapentin and determine the correct dosage for your cat is essential for ensuring effective pain management or sedation. This medication can be crucial for your pet’s wellbeing. To find the right dosage of gabapentin for your cat, consult your veterinarian. Some cats will need the injectable sedation in addition to gabapentin, and this is okay. Downing’s preferred protocol is acepromazine (1 mg/mL at 0.02 mg/kg), hydromorphone (2 mg/mL at 0.05 mg/kg), and midazolam (5 mg/mL at 1/4 of the normal anesthetic induction dose) given subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to the appointment. Gabapentin is a medication used to treat pain in cats. It is also used as a sedative to help reduce anxiety during stressful situations, like car travel and vet visits. Here’s what you need to know about this common feline medication. What is gabapentin for cats, and how does it work? 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. Dose for petite or geriatric cats: reduce dose to 50 mg per cat 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 RESULTS Owner-assessed cat stress scores during transportation and veterinary examination and veterinarian-assessed compliance scores were significantly lower when cats received gabapentin than when they received the placebo. Sedation was a common effect of gabapentin administration, and ataxia, hypersalivation, and vomiting were also reported. In cats, single-dose gabapentin (50-100 mg/cat) may result in decreased stress, but not necessarily sedation, 2 to 3 hours after oral administration. Gabapentin may be safely administered before anesthesia and routine surgery in healthy patients older than 4 months. 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. For Gabapentin to remain safe, the dose for cats will usually not exceed 50–100 mg per animal. The dosage varies depending on the condition, and generally is in the range of 5-10 mg/kg, or 2.5-5 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Gabapentin for Cats 📝. What is gabapentin used for in cats? Pain relief, anxiety reduction, and seizure control. 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? Dose for petite or geriatric cats: reduce dose to 50 mg per cat 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 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. Gabapentin Dosage for Cats. 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. How much Gabapentin for Cats? According to pet experts and veterinarians, the safe dose of gabapentin for treating seizures in cats is 2-5mg/lb or 5-10mg/kg every 8 to 12 hours. For feline pain, the ideal amount of the medicine is 1.25 to 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. 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.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |