Ever noticed subtle signs of discomfort in your cat? Gabapentin offers a versatile solution for managing pain and anxiety, aiding behaviors like stress during vet visits or nerve-related pain from conditions like cancer. Learn about its uses, proper dosage, potential side effects, and essential tips for giving it to your feline companion.
Ever noticed how your cat can quietly signal when something's not quite right? Whether it's those subtle shifts in behavior due to pain or those anxious moments before a veterinary examination, our feline friends sometimes need a little extra support. Gabapentin acts as a potential versatile solution for both situations, addressing behavior problems stemming from pain or anxiety.
What does gabapentin do for cats? Gabapentin isn't just about soothing anxiety or easing pain, it's about giving our cats comfort when they need it most. It can also be used in combination with other medications to treat seizures and epilepsy in cats. From helping manage seizures to relieving chronic pain caused by nerve issues or cancer, gabapentin has become a trusted ally for pet owners.
In this blog, we'll explore the proper use of gabapentin, its benefits, what to watch out for in terms of side effects, and some handy tips on how to administer it to your cats.
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Gabapentin for Cats: What is it?
Gabapentin is a human medication that acts as both an anticonvulsant and analgesic (pain reliever) drug. Veterinarians often prescribe it to cats for managing seizures or chronic pain related to nerve inflammation or cancer. While gabapentin has some anti-seizure properties, it is generally not the first choice for treating seizures in cats. Veterinarians prescribe other medications first to control seizures, and a single dose of gabapentin may be used as an additional therapy to enhance the treatment.
Additionally, its sedative & anxiolytic properties make it useful for reducing anxiety in cats during stressful events such as:
- Veterinary visits
- Car rides
- Loud noises (e.g., fireworks, thunderstorms)
- Moving to a new home (either for your own pet or community cats who are prone to be extremely frightened or stressed if brought into an indoor home)
- Grooming sessions
- Large gatherings or parties
- Medical procedures or surgeries
While gabapentin is not FDA-approved as a veterinary medicine, it is commonly used in the veterinary field. Veterinarians are permitted to legally prescribe this human drug for cats under specific conditions, a practice known as extra-label or off-label use, as it is not outlined on the drug’s label. Before prescribing gabapentin, veterinarians typically conduct a thorough physical examination to assess the cat's overall health.
How to give Gabapentin to Cats?
You can give gabapentin with or without food. If your pet vomits or seems unwell after taking it on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting persists, contact your veterinarian right away.
Can I mix Gabapentin in cat’s food?
Gabapentin capsules are best given crushed or placed inside soft food. This method reduces the risk of the capsule getting stuck in your cat’s mouth or throat. You can give a small amount of water after giving the capsule directly into your cat’s mouth.
Dosage of Gabapentin for Cats
The dosage of gabapentin for cats varies based on their age, weight, and specific health conditions. For pain management in cats, typical dosages range from 1.5 to 5 mg per pound of body weight, administered every 12 hours. Cats requiring treatment for seizures may require 2.5 to 5 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours. In some cases, higher doses of up to 10 mg per pound every 6 hours may be prescribed. The detailed gabapentin dosage for cats is tabulated below:
Cat Weight | Low Dose (1.5 mg/lb) | High Dose (5 mg/lb) |
4 lb (1.8 kg) | 6 mg | 20 mg |
6 lb (2.7 kg) | 9 mg | 30 mg |
10 lb (4.5 kg) | 15 mg | 30 mg |
15 lb (6.8 kg) | 22.5 mg | 75 mg |
25 lb (11.3 kg) | 37.5 mg | 125 mg |
How Quickly Does Gabapentin Work?
Gabapentin typically begins working within 1 to 2 hours after administration. The clinical signs in your cat should start improving within this timeframe. However, the effects of gabapentin are short-lived, usually lasting up to 24 hours, which is why it is prescribed to be taken 2-3 times per day. It may also improve sleep problems related to nerve pain within a week of starting treatment. For relief from nerve pain itself, it may take up to two weeks to notice significant improvement. Reduction in seizure frequency usually becomes noticeable within a few weeks of starting gabapentin treatment.
Can Cats Overdose on Gabapentin?
Gabapentin overdoses in cats can occur, but they are usually not fatal. One-time overdoses of gabapentin can result in symptoms such as sleepiness, loss of coordination, and diarrhea. However, if the human liquid form containing xylitol is overdosed, it can lead to severe drops in blood sugar levels and liver damage, which are potentially life-threatening. If you observe or suspect an overdose of gabapentin in your cat, it's important to seek immediate veterinary assistance or contact an animal poison control center for guidance.
Gabapentin for Cats: Side Effects
While gabapentin is generally safe for long-term use, it's important to monitor your cat for any signs of tolerance or adverse effects. Gabapentin can cause common but not serious side effects in cats, including:
- Tiredness (lack of energy)
- Incoordination or difficulty with walking/balance
- Sedation
These effects typically resolve within 8 to 12 hours after administration. You don’t have to be overly concerned if you see any of these signs unless they are severe, worsen, or persist for a longer duration. More severe side effects such as excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur, especially with higher doses of gabapentin. If you notice these signs, it's essential to contact your veterinarian right away.
Does Gabapentin Make Cats Wobbly?
It is common for cats to experience some wobbliness after taking a sedative or anti-anxiety medication like gabapentin. This is usually not a cause for concern and can be expected as the medication takes effect, lasting up to about 8 hours. Gabapentin helps to relax cats without the need for oral tranquilizers or anesthesia, making it easier to administer either at home or during veterinary visits.
Gabapentin for Cats: Precautions
When administering gabapentin to cats, certain precautions must be taken to ensure their safety and well-being.
- 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. Therefore, it should be used cautiously in pregnant or nursing cats.
- Avoid giving gabapentin within two hours of administering antacids, as they can interfere with its absorption and reduce its effectiveness.
- Gabapentin should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 77°F (25°C). It's safe to be briefly exposed to temperatures ranging between 59°F-86°F (15°C-30°C). Always keep the container tightly closed and away from moisture and light, ensuring its effectiveness.
Gabapentin for Cats: Alternative Medications
When it comes to managing pain and anxiety in cats, gabapentin is just one of several options available. Alternative medications include:
- NSAIDs: Onsior (robenacoxib) or Metacam
- Opioids: codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, tramadol, and buprenorphine.
- Corticosteroids: Dexamethasone and prednisolone.
- Carprofen
- Cat Anxiety Medications such as Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, etc.
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physical therapy, and dietary supplements.
Giving any pain medication to your pet without veterinary guidance, including gabapentin, is risky. Different brands and formulations of gabapentin such as Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant are not interchangeable, so use only the specific form prescribed by your veterinarian. This is especially important for liquid gabapentin for humans, as it often contains xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to pets. Your veterinarian can prescribe a liquid formulation of gabapentin that is safe for cats and does not contain xylitol. Consult Dr.Tail to get expert vet guidance and ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.