In cats, gabapentin is most often used as a pain medication for chronic pain, such as from arthritis. Gabapentin is also recognized as beneficial in reducing the fear responses that a kitty may have to the stress of handling and being examined at the vet. Brand Name: Neurontin. Available in 100 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg capsules; 600 mg and 800 mg tablets; and oral solution (some products not appropriate for dogs) Background. Gabapentin was originally approved to treat epilepsy in humans. However, gabapentin became more useful as a drug to control nerve pain. Gabapentin is administered orally by itself or with food. If your cat does not want to take medicine orally, you can crush the tablet or spread the capsule’s powder over your cat’s food. Gabapentin is the most commonly prescribed medication for cats with chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Gabapentin for cats – the uses, the risks, and of course, the dosing instructions. Can I Give My Cat Gabapentin? How to give cats gabapentin. Gabapentin capsules are usually best given inside soft food or a treat. This reduces the risk they get stuck in your cat’s mouth or throat. You can also give a small amount of water after giving a capsule directly by mouth. What are the common side effects of gabapentin in cats? Gabapentin is usually given every 8–12 hours, depending on the condition being treated. The size of your cat: Your vet will calculate the dose according to your cat’s weight. The condition being treated: Pain, seizures, and anxiety all need different levels of medication to be effective. Gabapentin is used in cats to manage chronic pain, control seizures, and reduce anxiety, especially during vet visits. The dosage varies, typically ranging from 1.5 to 5 mg per pound for pain relief, 2.5 to 5 mg per pound for seizures, and 20 mg/kg for anxiety before vet visits. 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 cats will be ataxic and slow but not overtly sedate on this dose of gabapentin. Yes, gabapentin is an excellent option for managing dental pain in cats, particularly in cases of oral surgery recovery or severe dental disease. Its analgesic properties are effective for reducing discomfort and improving recovery outcomes. A third study, published in a 2021 issue of JAVMA, found oral administration of gabapentin to cats 2 hours before a veterinary visit can reduce fear-aggression behavior during a physical examination. This study set out to investigate the effect of giving a single dose of gabapentin for fear-based aggressive behaviors in cats during veterinary Gabapentin Oral Capsules & Tablets: 100, 300, 400, 600, and 800 milligrams. Gabapentin Oral Solution: 250 milligram per 5 milliliters (50 mg/mL). The oral solution contains xylitol so it should not be used in dogs, as xylitol is quite toxic to them. Medication should not be abruptly discontinued and gradual weaning is recommended. 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. 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. A randomized, blinded, crossover clinical trial of 20 cats demonstrated that a single dose of 100 mg/cat given 90 minutes before transportation was safe and significantly reduced client perception of transportation stress and veterinarian perception of handling compliance. 8 Studies of gabapentin in community cage-trap–confined cats given 50 Oral gabapentin is taken by mouth and is the most common method of administration. It can be given as a tablet, capsule, or liquid, depending on the cat’s preferences and ease of administration. Transdermal gabapentin, on the other hand, is absorbed through the skin and is applied as a gel or cream. This alternative form can be beneficial for Giving your cat gabapentin can be a simple and effective way to help manage pain or anxiety. By following the steps outlined in this guide, and working with your veterinarian to determine the right dosage and form of the medication, you can help your cat feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |