Although initially developed for seizure and chronic pain management, today, Gabapentin is a popular anti-anxiety medication for cats. Gabapentin is commonly prescribed by veterinarians because, in addition to being efficient, it can also be used as adjunctive therapy to potentiate the effects of other medications. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of neuropathic pain, has been shown to reduce anxiety in rats and humans. 1,2 Although gabapentin’s anxiolytic properties have not been studied in cats, pharmacokinetics studies have reported excellent oral bioavailability and a wide margin of safety with single-dose administration. 3 Gabapentin is a commonly-prescribed medication for cats, used most often for chronic pain conditions, and as a pre-medication to relieve stress or anxiety before veterinary exams or travel. Also Read: Cat Separation Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Gabapentin is a safe and effective anti-anxiety medication for cats. Ask us how we can calm your cat and make your next veterinary visit stress-free! The use of gabapentin was found to be a safe and effective treatment for cats for reducing stress and aggression in a 2017 study published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). 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.. Like other medicines, the safe dosage of gabapentin depends on the size of the cat, body weight and overall health condition. Gabapentin is a versatile medication prescribed for cats to manage pain, anxiety, and seizures. 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? Gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant, anxiolytic (relieving anxiety), and neuropathic pain analgesic. It’s a medication commonly used in cats for both stress and anxiety, as well as for chronic pain. For behavior, it is most often used to decrease fear responses during veterinary exam visits and car or plane travel. Luckily, there is an effective anti-anxiety medication for cats called gabapentin, but the uses of gabapentin in cats are not limited to anxiety. For example, it can also be used to manage several types of pain and help treat seizures. Gabapentin, a medication commonly used in cats for various conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety, offers two different forms of administration: oral and transdermal. Each form has its own unique benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision about which option is best for your cat. 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. In conclusion, oral administration of a 100-mg gabapentin capsule to cats 90 minutes before travel was safe and effective in reducing anxiety during transportation and examination. Furthermore, the researchers recommend 20mg/kg gabapentin, instead of 100mg/cat, to be given orally ~ 2-3 hours beforehand for short-term anxiolysis in cats.
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