Welcome to our cozy corner of the cat care world! If your veterinarian has mentioned Gabapentin for your cat, you might find yourself curious about what this means. It’s completely natural to have questions when it comes to the well-being of our furry family members, and that’s exactly why we’re here - to demystify Gabapentin and its role in ensuring your cat’s happiness and health. Whether it’s managing chronic pain, controlling seizures, or easing anxiety for various scenarios like travel or vet visits, Gabapentin has emerged as a multifaceted ally in feline care. But what types of anxiety can it help with, and how exactly does it work?
What is Gabapentin?
A medication, either in liquid or capsule form that has multiple uses for our feline friends.
Gabapentin can help manage common issues like chronic pain and seizures, but you will most frequently hear it recommended to assist with anxiety in cats.
What type of anxiety does Gabapentin help with?
Lots of types! Some situations we prescribe it for include:some text
Travel
Routine visits for high stress kitties
Treatment that requires more handling
Visits to the groomer
How long does Gabapentin last?
The effects last about 8 hours with the peak effect occurring around 3 hours after initial dosing.
When recommended by your veterinarian, administering Gabapentin around 2-3 hours before your cat’s visit can significantly reduce their anxiety.
Your veterinarian will work with you on tailoring your cat’s prescription.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effect of Gabapentin is mild sedation. This is helpful for our anxious feline friends who have a hard time going to the vet!
It also may cause your kitty to drool a bit due to the taste!
Is Gabapentin Safe?
Very much so! We commonly prescribe Gabapentin to our anxious cats.
Gabapentin was found to be a safe and effective treatment for cats for reducing anxiety in a 2017 study published in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), according to DVM360.
If you have any questions regarding Gabapentin or your cat’s anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule an exam. We are happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan so that your kitty can have the most comfortable, stress-free experience possible!
At BLVD Cat, we provide exemplary care exclusively for cats. Our team of veterinary professionals are dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of your feline companion.
