If your cat is suffering from chronic pain, stress, or anxiety disorders, gabapentin may be the perfect medication to help them feel better. Gabapentin is a safe and effective drug for cats that has been used for many years to treat a variety of conditions. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of gabapentin for cats and how it can help improve their quality of life.
🎯 Key Takeaways
What is gabapentin for cats?
Gabapentin is a medication that was originally developed to treat seizures in humans. However, it was soon discovered that gabapentin had other benefits as well and it began to be used to treat pain and anxiety disorders.
Gabapentin works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for transmitting pain signals. This reduces the pain sensation felt by your cat and is why veterinarians often reach for gabapentin to help cats with pain.
Additionally, gabapentin also works by dampening the brain's ability to comprehend fear, thereby reducing stress levels in cats. This is why we will often prescribe gabapentin to help cats with fearful or stressful environments. The difference is absolutely remarkable for the majority of cats taking gabapentin!
How can gabapentin help my cat?
Gabapentin is used in cats primarily for pain relief and to reduce anxiety and stress during events like vet visits and travel.
In detail, there are many benefits of gabapentin for cats, including:
- Reducing fear and anxiety during veterinary visits: Some cats experience anxiety and fear during veterinary visits. Gabapentin can help alleviate these feelings, making the experience more comfortable for your pet. Administering gabapentin 2-3 hours before the visit can significantly reduce fear and stress, leading to a smoother appointment.
- Reducing chronic pain: Veterinarians like using gabapentin in cats that have painful conditions such as arthritis or cancer for example. Gabapentin is a good pain medication and is very safe for long-term use in cats with minimal interaction with other drugs.
- Reduce anxiety and stress: Gabapentin is useful for cats who are fearful or anxious around people or other animals. It can also be used to help cats that are traveling long distances, whether it be via car or plane. It is also helpful for cats that are moving into a new environment or when there is the addition of another pet for example.
- Managing feline hyperesthesia syndrome: Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is a neurological condition that can cause significant discomfort and strange behaviors in cats. Gabapentin can help improve the symptoms and lead to a better quality of life for cats affected by this condition.
- Adjunctive therapy for seizure management: Although gabapentin is rarely used as a single treatment for seizures in cats, it can be used alongside other anticonvulsants to provide better seizure management for cats.
How gabapentin helps cats with chronic pain or anxiety disorders
Gabapentin is an excellent medication to treat chronic pain or anxiety disorders because it is safe and effective. While gabapentin works well as part of a pain management program, it is also very good at managing neuropathic pain. Spinal disorders (e.g. IVDD - intervertebral disc disease) and feline hyperesthesia syndrome both can have a neurological component and result in nerve pain.
Gabapentin can also help to reduce anxiety levels in cats, which can make them feel more relaxed. This is especially true when their anxiety behaviors are mediated by fear. Gabapentin dampens the cats' ability to comprehend fear, therefore administering gabapentin before fearful situations, such as veterinary visits, can be very beneficial.
What is a safe gabapentin dosage for cats?
The dose of gabapentin will vary depending on its use. It is very important to review the dose with your veterinarian before making any adjustments.
To treat pain in cats: Dosing typically starts at 5 mg/kg of body weight every 12 hours. After your cat is acclimatized, you can increase the dose up to 10-15 mg/kg every 8-12 hours.
For anxiety and fear associated with veterinary visits: 100-200mg per cat 2-3 hours prior to the visit.
Anti-seizure therapy: 10 to 50 mg per cat every 8 hours.
Hyperesthesia syndrome: 5-10 mg/kg every 12 hours.
The benefits of gabapentin for cats
The benefit of gabapentin is that it can improve their overall quality of life by reducing pain, stress, and anxiety. With its large safety margin and effectiveness, it is a common medication to use for cats.
Can Gabapentin be used as a long-term solution for anxiety in cats?
Yes, gabapentin can be used as a long-term solution for anxiety in cats. It can be used as sole treatment or in conjunction with other anti-anxiety medications. It is important to discuss combining gabapentin with other medications with your veterinarian to avoid any medical conflicts.
What are the side effects of gabapentin in cats?
The side effects of gabapentin in cats are usually mild and go away after taking gabapentin for a while. The side effects are dose-dependent, which means using a higher dose will increase the chances and severity of the side effects.
Common gabapentin side effects can include sedation, lethargy, or disorientation These symptoms are temporary and will improve over time as your cat adjusts to gabapentin. In some cases, gabapentin may cause vomiting but is often not serious and will resolve quickly after discontinuing gabapentin.
FAQs about gabapentin for cats
When is the best time to give gabapentin before the stressful event?
This can vary from cat to cat, but in most circumstances, we would recommend administering gabapentin 2-3 hours before the stressful event.
Can gabapentin be used for any other health problems?
In addition to pain and stress, gabapentin for cats can also be used to treat seizures, cancer pain, and feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
How fast does gabapentin work?
Gabapentin is absorbed quickly in the body and its effects are usually noticed in a couple of hours after taking it.
When using gabapentin for cats with pain, a lower dose is often used and increased over time. With that, the analgesic benefits may not be noticed for a few days.
How long does gabapentin in cats last once it's been administered?
The effects of gabapentin on cats can last anywhere from 12-24 hours.
Can gabapentin be used in cats with kidney disease?
Yes, gabapentin is safe for use in cats with kidney disease. Gabapentin should be used cautiously in cats with late-stage kidney disease, however. The dose needs to be reduced for safe use and to reduce the chances of overdose.
What should you do if your cat misses a dose?
 If your cat misses a dose of gabapentin, administer it as soon as you remember (within 2 hours). If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one missed and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Do not give your cat two doses at once.
Gabapentin is a safe and effective medication for cats used to treat chronic pain and anxiety disorders. It has been used successfully in many cases to help reduce the symptoms of these conditions, which can improve their quality of life. However, gabapentin should only be used under the guidance of your veterinarian as it will not work on all types of pain or anxiety. The most common side effect of gabapentin in cats is mild sedation, but this usually goes away with continued use. If you are considering gabapentin for your cat, please consult with your veterinarian to see if it is the best option for them.