Discover expert answers to common concerns about gabapentin side effects in cats, including foaming at the mouth, drooling, and diarrhea. Learn when to seek veterinary care. 1. Is it normal for cats to drool after medication? Yes, it is quite normal for cats to drool or salivate excessively after receiving medications. This is often due to the taste of the medicine and is not generally harmful. 2. Can gabapentin make a cat’s mouth foam? Veterinarians also use gabapentin against neuropathic pain, and it also is very effective to reduce short-term anxiety in cats. Studies show that in addition to reducing stress, cats given gabapentin are more compliant during veterinary visits. Side effects are rare in cats, but sedation is sometimes seen, lasting no longer than 8 hours. Yes, gabapentin can sometimes cause drooling in cats, although it’s not the most common side effect. While gabapentin is a widely used and generally safe medication for felines, some cats may experience excessive salivation , or hypersalivation , after administration. If your cat is foaming or drooling, don’t panic. It’s more often than not due to a reaction to the taste of the medicine you’ve given them. There are, however, some other possible causes, so it’s worth exploring these and giving your cat a health check. Excessive Drooling: Some cats may drool more than usual after taking gabapentin. Vomiting: There’s a possibility of vomiting, but this is often not serious and usually resolves quickly once the medication is discontinued. Do not give gabapentin to cats who are allergic or hypersensitive to it. Use gabapentin with caution in cats with decreased liver function or kidney disease. Since the drug is processed through the kidneys, it can pose risks for cats with kidney problems. Gabapentin can cause birth defects and fetal loss. The primary effects of gabapentin in cats typically revolve around sedation and changes in coordination. Immediately after administration, you can expect your cat to become noticeably drowsy, possibly exhibiting lethargy or a slightly disoriented state. The capsule or human liquid version of gabapentin can have a bitter taste, so drooling is not uncommonly observed. To counteract this response, one can get gabapentin compounded by a veterinarian and have flavor added to it to cut through the bitterness. It can sometimes seem that our cat suffers a negative reaction to the drug as it is common to see a cat drooling at the mouth after administering a liquid medication. If we have taken our cat to the vet and they have prescribed the drug, then they should be giving something which has gone through the necessary controls before going to market. Gabapentin should be used cautiously in cats with liver or kidney disease, as we may see it take longer for the effects to wear off. Its use should typically be avoided in pregnant queens. Try to drop the dose at the very back of her mouth. Gapatenin is also available in a capsule which can be put into a Pill Pocket whole. The capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled into food but if the liquid has a bitter taste, the capsule powder might not be any different. Gabapentin should be stored at a temperature of 77°F (25°C) in a dry place, protected from light, and inaccessible to children and pets. Certain oral solutions should be kept in the refrigerator Possible Side Effects of Gabapentin for Dogs and Cats. The most common side effects observed with gabapentin in dogs and cats are: Sedation (drowsiness or sleepiness) Ataxia (loss of coordination) In cats, an increase in drooling and vomiting has also been observed. While drooling is more about the cat’s reaction to the taste or experience of administration, it’s true that higher doses of gabapentin may cause more noticeable side effects in general including excess salivation, diarrhea, or vomiting. It is important to only give your cat the dose prescribed by your vet. Sedation and incoordination are the chief side effects of concern, though they are temporary and resolve in a few hours. Cats may also vomit or drool, but these side effects should resolve within 8 hours of receiving the medication. Diarrhea has also been reported.
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