Without understanding gabapentin’s veterinary uses, pet owners may fail to administer this important medication as needed or discontinue it too soon. As I lead a team of pet hospice care specialists, I oversee the prescription of gabapentin for certain conditions. Learn what gabapentin can treat in cats and its benefits for pets.
What Does Gabapentin Treat in Cats?
Gabapentin may be prescribed to control pain in cats or reduce acute stress and fear associated with travel, transport and veterinary appointments. Thus, most Veterinarians prescribe Gabapentin for pain management and anxiety. Originally, the medication was used to treat pain that is linked to nerves, otherwise known as Neuropathic pain, along with other medications like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Gabapentin was originally developed as a seizure medication for humans and can be used to treat refractory epilepsy, however, it hasn’t been used for that in cats because other medications have been more effective. The number of clinical studies into gabapentin’s efficacy in cats has been limited, but a study from 2017 published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association confirmed that administering the medication to cats 90 minutes prior to a vet visit significantly reduces signs of stress-related behaviors during transportation and examination.
Unfortunately, there are not many effective pain medications that have minimal side effects to the kidneys for cats. Gabapentin along with other medications such as Buprenorphine or Solensia may be prescribed to treat pain or discomfort because there are less side effects than other options. Veterinarians also prescribe this drug to treat behavioral disorders like anxiety, hyperesthesia syndrome, and chronic pain. It can provide significant relief for cats and greatly improve their comfort and well-being.
Knowing what feline conditions gabapentin treats enables owners to administer it appropriately when recommended by veterinarians. Neglecting to give gabapentin as prescribed may lead to discomfort or heightened anxiety.
| Overview of Gabapentin/PreGablin “Bonqat” | Details |
| Feline condition | Behavioral conditions, nerve pain, arthritis, acute stress or anxiety associated with travel, fireworks, thunderstorms or veterinary appointments, hyperesthesia and pain management. |
| Process | Gabapentin acts in many different ways and the mechanism of action is quite complex. The medication acts at the actual site of pain or discomfort to block the nerves from sending a pain sensation to the brain. It also acts in the spinal cord and brain to enhance signals that will block a pain signal and reduces the excitability of nerves to fire and transmit a signal needed to feel pain.
PreGabalin acts the same way. |
| Typical dosage | Between 50 mg to 100 mg, depending on the vet’s prescription several hours before a stressful event or every 8-12 hours as needed for pain. |
| Benefits | Provides pain relief with improved mobility and function or reduced anxiety and stress. |
| Potential side effects | Lethargy, incoordination, lack of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea are less common. |
Gabapentin and PreGablin Treatment for Cats
Gabapentin is a versatile medication that my team uses in hospice care and pain management for various medical conditions. While it’s primarily known for its effectiveness in controlling chronic pain and seizures, gabapentin also plays a role in treating behavioral and anxiety-related disorders.
Chronic Pain Management
I prescribe gabapentin and pregablin for chronic pain management in cats. It’s important for the quality of life to manage this pain effectively, especially when the pain comes from arthritis. Unfortunately, most cats have underlying arthritis that is often undiagnosed. Cats are very good at masking pain and have been known to give us very few clues that they actually are suffering from chronic pain. Cats unlike dogs have vague signs of chronic discomfort such as reduced grooming or subtle behavior changes.
Behavioral Disorders
Most clients approach us with worry about how an ailing cat may also be suffering from behavioral problems. I find that gabapentin or PreGablin provides a calming effect in conditions where cats exhibit aggressive or hyperactive behaviors that are associated with a sudden stressful event or what we refer to as “acute stress such as a veterinarian check up appointment or travel.
For cats dealing with anxiety, gabapentin acts as a mild sedative. I recommend this for stressful events such as car rides or vet visits. It’s vital to dose accurately to ensure their comfort without over-sedation.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome causes cats to exhibit extreme sensitivity and erratic behavior like over-grooming or attacking the tail. The majority of cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome experience the onset of the syndrome’s clinical signs at one year of age. In these cases, gabapentin helps by dampening the abnormal nerve activity associated with this syndrome.
Seizure Control
In managing seizure control, gabapentin can be helpful for felines who suffer from epilepsy or seizures due to other causes. It functions by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, preventing the erratic firing that leads to seizures. This is often an additional adjunct medication added to other primary anti-epileptic therapy such as Phenobarbital, Keppra or Potasium Brome as directed by your veterinarian.
Overview of Gabapentin as Treatment in Feline Conditions
Gabapentin or PreGablin is a medication I normally prescribe for managing various conditions in cats, primarily due to its effectiveness in pain relief and anxiety management. It’s a versatile drug belonging to the anticonvulsant category with multiple applications in feline medicine.
Pharmacology
The medication mimics the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), although it doesn’t bind directly to the GABA receptors. Its pharmacological properties stem from its ability to modulate the activity of enzymes and transporters that influence GABA pathways.
Its primary mode of action is to calm the nervous system. This is useful in neuropathic pain conditions where nerves are overly sensitive or damaged, chronic pain often used with other medications or for acute stress.
Onset of Action
In my experience, gabapentin or Pregablin typically begins to take effect in a cat within one to two hours post-administration. Factors at this onset include planning treatments or anticipating relief, especially in acute situations such as pre-visit sedation for vet appointments.
- Onset of action: one to two hours
- Duration: Peak effects around three to six hours
Gabapentin and PreGablin Dosage and Administration
The dosage is crucial and tailored to the individual needs of the feline. This depends on the results of the comfort care and quality of life evaluations.
Gabapentin and PreGablin are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid. This allows me to adjust the amount based on the cat’s weight and condition being treated.
- Pain management: I often start with a dose ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours. This dose should be prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Seizure control: Depending on severity, the dose can be between 2.5 and 5 mg/kg every eight to 12 hours. This dose should be prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Anxiety and sedation: A single dose of 50 to 300 mg administered about one and a half to two hours before a stressful event is usually effective. This dose should be prescribed by your veterinarian.
It’s generally a good practice to give gabapentin or pregablin to cats with food to minimize stomach upset. Follow the specific instructions provided by your veterinarian, as they may have tailored the medication to your cat’s specific health needs.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions of Gabapentin
In my experience prescribing gabapentin for cats, I’ve observed that some cats may experience these side effects:
- Sedation: Cats might appear sleepier than usual
- Ataxia: Difficulty with coordination and balance
- Gastrointestinal issues: Occasional vomiting or diarrhea
It’s essential to monitor your pet cat closely after administering gabapentin. Consult my vet clinic immediately if any of these side effects appear severe or persist.
Interaction With Other Medications
Gabapentin can interact with several other medications with varying consequences, so I consider the full medication profile of my feline patients.
- CNS depressants: Potentiates sedative effect
- Renal elimination: Adjust dosing in cats with kidney impairment
- Antacids: May affect gabapentin absorption
- Opioids: Risk of increased sedation
Related Questions
Is Gabapentin Safe to Give to Cats?
Gabapentin is safe for cats when prescribed by a veterinarian. You should only give it to your pet according to the vet’s guidance regarding dosage and frequency to mitigate the risks of side effects.
When Should I Give My Cat Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is usually administered to cats before potentially stressful events or as part of a pain management regimen, mainly if your cat suffers from chronic conditions like arthritis. Consult with the veterinarian for a proper treatment plan.
How Will I Know if My Cat Needs Gabapentin?
Consider gabapentin as a treatment option if your cat shows signs of chronic pain, anxiety, or seizures. These indicators include changes in behavior, persistent discomfort, or muscle spasms.
Conclusion
Easing a cat’s discomfort or fear can even be considered an act of compassion, sometimes akin to offering in-home pet euthanasia to those near the end of their journey. However, if there’s a way to pursue medication first, gabapentin serves as a valuable treatment for various feline medical conditions.