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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 No stairs, no jumping, no driving for cats on sedative doses of gabapentin. Gabapentin has analgesic effects in cats, and reducing pain may be one of the ways it helps reduce fear. Gabapentin is typically used prior to sedation/premedication protocols (see below). Gabapentin does not replace in-clinic sedation/premedication protocols. 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. Gabapentin is a medication that can be used for several purposes, including seizure control, anxiety relief, sedation, and pain management. It’s a common cat sedative for grooming, travel, vet visits, and other short-term events. Gabapentin is generally considered safe in healthy pets, with minimal side effects. 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. The sedation side effect is promoted by combining gabapentin with other sedating medications such as antihistamines, mirtazapine, CBD, or narcotic pain relievers. Concerns and Cautions. Gabapentin may be given with or without food. Doses for cats are small enough that a compounding pharmacy may need to prepare an appropriate product. The short answer is: Gabapentin typically begins to take effect within one to two hours when used for sedation, and you should start to see noticeable changes in your cat’s behavior within this timeframe. Gabapentin is often used as a sedative for cats, but the sedative effect largely depends on dose, which is why it’s very important to follow your vet’s advice when using it for this purpose. For cats at home, even those without neuropathic pain, gabapentin can be a sedative option. Gabapentin can also be used when clients are taking cats to the veterinary hospital; 50 to 100 mg PO administered 2 to 3 hours beforehand will produce mild to heavy sedation and possible ataxia. Here are seven trends related to the effects of gabapentin in cats: 1. Increased use of gabapentin for pre-anesthetic sedation: Veterinarians are increasingly using gabapentin as a pre-anesthetic sedative in cats undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. 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. 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. 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 and additional injections. 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. Yes, gabapentin is indeed a sedative for cats, although it’s not its primary function. While primarily an anticonvulsant used to treat nerve pain, gabapentin also has significant sedative side effects, making it a popular choice for managing anxiety and stress in felines. 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. 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. 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. When gabapentin has been used as part of a pre vet visit medication protocol or for cats during hospitalisation caregivers must be informed of the ongoing impact on mobility and spacial awareness. Cats must be kept inside for at least 8 hours after the last administration of gabapentin.
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