Question: How Much Gabapentin Can I Give My Cat
They had good experiences with this technique and felt that the medication was very safe. As with any medication given to effect, weve learned that doses vary with different cats. In smaller, older or sick cats, we generally prescribe 50-75 mg in larger cats, 75-100 mg.13-Mar-2018
How much gabapentin can I Give My Cat?
- For treatment for seizures in cats, gabapentin is started at 2.5 to 5 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours. Does up to 10 mg per pound every 6 hours has been used in some cats. For pain control in cats, doses range from 1.5 to 5 mg per pound every 12 hours.
What If Your Cat Is Foaming At The Mouth
Sometimes your kitty might have an unexpected reaction, like foaming at the mouth, after getting his medication. This doesn’t mean the medicine is harming him. Cats may foam at the mouth just because they don’t like the taste of something. If you place the medication on the back third of his tongue, he is less likely to taste it and won’t foam at the mouth. If you’re worried, you can always ask your vet.
Don’t expect perfect results when you first start to give liquid medicine to your cat. This is one of those situations where you and your fur baby will get better with practice. If you’re having difficulty, don’t hesitate to talk to your veterinarian for additional advice.
1. Ward, Ernest. “Giving Liquid Medication to Cats.” VCA Hospitals, .
2. Helpful Vancouver Vet. “How to Give Liquid Medication to a Cat.” YouTube.com, 7 June 2019, .
3. Lichtenberg, Debora. “How to Give Medicine to a Cat ” Petful, 30 July 2019, .
4. Buckeye Veterinary Clinic. “Giving Liquid Medication to Your Cat.” BuckeyeVetClinic.com, .
Keys To Calmer Vet Visits
Does your cat do any of the following when traveling or outside of their usual environment?
- Meowing, howling, or crying
- Digging at the door or sides of the carrier
- Sitting curled into a small ball at the back of the carrier
- Hissing and swatting
- Attempting to bite when approached or handled
- Struggling and fighting when handled
- Panting
- Straining to urinate or defecate but nothing comes out
- Excessive shedding
- Vomiting or drooling
These are signs of cat anxiety and can seriously limit the veterinary care your cat receives.
Our goal is for every cat to have a safe, pleasant, stress-free experience at the cat hospital. Some cats are more anxious than others and need some extra help relaxing. These are options to reduce anxiety in our patients. All items in BOLD are available at Lexington Hospital for Cats.
Don’t Miss: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food
It Must Be Magic: How Gabapentin Can Change Your Cats Vet Visit
For most cats, a visit to the veterinarian can be an overwhelming experience. Even though you and your vet team do everything possible to make their visit stress free, it can still be too much for some cats. Being removed from their familiar comfortable environment, a trip in the car, new smells and sounds at the vet any one of these things can be stressful, but combine them and its no wonder some kitties need a little extra help when they visit us.
In the past few years, feline veterinarians have discovered that Gabapentin can aide in examining some kitties that have previously had to be sedated. Its been used for chronic pain safely for several years, but has only recently been recognized for its effectiveness as a great short term anxiety medication for cats. It takes the edge off without having to use an oral tranquilizer medication or anesthesia. Other than drowsiness it has very little risk for side effects, and a lot of kitties will eat the capsule contents sprinkled in/on their food making it easy to give at home or at the vet. Occasionally owners report more increased drowsiness which can make them a little wobbly on their feet but it generally resolves within 12 hours.
Can I Give My Cat Gabapentin Answer: By Prescription Only
Although the FDA has not approved Gabapentin for treating chronic pain and seizures in cats, it is generally an acceptable practice by vets to use the drug for treating cats with the same condition. Do not however administer this medication unless prescribed by the vet, as it may contradict with the other medications or supplements taken by your cat. It may have an adverse effect if your pet has other existing health problems. The best thing to do is to always consult a vet if you have any concerns with your cat.
If you suspect that your feline friend is suffering from chronic pain or it has experienced seizures in the past, go to your vet to have it checked. He will perform tests to determine the exact condition of your pet. If your cat is indeed suffering from said concerns, the vet may prescribe Gabapentin. You need this prescription for purchasing the drug. Make sure to follow the right dosage and schedule for administering the medication, and completing the full course of medication, for best result. Failure to do so may negatively affect the health of your pet.
Possible Side EffectsAll drugs have side effects and Gabapentin is not an exemption. People who are under this medication often experience dizziness, eyesight problems, decreased energy, drowsiness, fluid retention, muscle pain and involuntary movement of the eyes. Others also experience diarrhea, weight gain, dry mouth, depression, mood changes, urinary tract infection and loss of memory.
Read Also: How Cold Can Cats Be Outside
What Happens If You Forget To Refrigerate Gabapentin For Cats
The powdered capsules remain stable at room temperature , and dont require refrigeration. The commercial 50mg/ml liquid Neurontin does need to be stored in the fridge and is most stable between 36-46 degrees F . There are some reports that it can remain stable out of refrigeration for up to 7 days at up to 85 degrees F .
Essentially, if you find you left your cats liquid gabapentin out for a short period, like an hour or two, its likely not a problem. If it was left out overnight or longer, make sure to contact your vets office for the best advice on what to do. Liquid gabapentin left out will not become dangerous or toxic for a kitty, but may lose some of its efficacy.
If you have a compounded form of gabapentin that requires refrigeration, its best to contact the specific compounding pharmacy for advice if its left out, because requirements may differ depending on the compounding methods.
Overviewof Gabapentin For Canines And Felines
- Gabapentin, a common human drug known as Neurontin®, is a drug commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat chronic pain and complex seizures disorders in dogs and cats. A seizure is a convulsion or physical manifestation of abnormal brain electrical activity. A partial seizure involves only a portion of the body whereas a generalized seizure involves the entire body. Dogs that are affected by chronic seizures often require treatment to control these events. Gabapentin is typically not given as the primary method of seizure control but administered with other drugs. It is commonly used in dogs that have cluster seizures .
- This drug works by inhibiting calcium channels, thus preventing the calcium influx to cells that can cause seizures. The mechanism of action for pain control is not completely understood, however.Gabapentin is quickly absorbed and reaches peak effect in approximately 2 hours.
- This drug is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.Gabapentin is not currently approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
Also Check: How Often Do Cats Lose Whiskers
What Types Of Cat Sedatives Are There
If youre considering an over-the-counter sedative for your cat instead of a prescription, you should always talk to your veterinarian first, especially if your cat has any medical issues.
Veterinarians commonly use tranquilizers that are gas-based for medical procedures. However, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and halothane are only useful for a short duration and arent practical for cat owners to use.
According to Vetinfo the most common method that cat owners use to sedate their cats are sedatives in pill form.
The six main kinds of cat sedatives are benzodiazepines, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, gabapentin, clonidine, and SARIs. Each of these medications affects a different mixture of neurotransmitters.
Cats that get stressed and dont do well when theyre traveling can often benefit from being given Benadryl. The calming effects of the drug can help to keep your cat from getting motion sickness, in addition to giving them some quiet time during the trip.
| Image |
|---|
This YouTube Video explains effective methods of sedating a cat.
Heres what you need to know about each type of medication:
What Are The Effects If A Dose Is Missed
This is a powerful medication that affects neurological functions. Missing a dose or quitting abruptly will likely result in the return of pain or seizures and possibly other adverse effects.
If a cat is to be removed from Gabapentin, it is best to ween it off gradually. Lower or less frequent doses are the safest way to do so.
The veterinarian who prescribed the Gabapentin is familiar with the medical history and the first person to consult.
Recommended Reading: At What Age Can Cats Have Catnip
How To Give Liquid Medicine In A Syringe
If you can’t get your kitty to take medicine mixed with canned food, you’re going to have to give your cat the liquid medicine with a syringe. This can be a little more difficult, so follow these steps to make sure it’s done right.2
1. Gather your medication. You want everything ready and the syringe filled before you involve your cat.
2. Position your cat so he’s facing away from you. Hold the syringe with your dominant hand and hold your cat with the other hand. Make sure he’s facing away from you and is tucked into your arm so he can’t wriggle free.
3. Some very difficult cats might need to be wrapped in a towel. Sometimes an especially difficult cat might need to be wrapped in a towel for this step with just his head exposed. This can cause a little extra stress, so try giving medication without wrapping your cat. For the most difficult cats, you may have to wrap him in a blanket and let a trusted caretaker hold him while you administer the medicine.
4. Point his head to look up at the ceiling. Gently hold your cat with your fingers near his top lip and push his whiskers back. Position his head so he’s looking up at the ceiling.
It’s worth noting that some veterinarians suggest trying to give liquid medicine without tilting your cat’s head up.3 Others suggest letting the cat lick the tip of the syringe first if the taste doesn’t scare him off.4 If you’re not sure which technique to use, talk to your veterinarian.
Behavior Modification Is Not The Only Note
The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center is conducting a clinical trial to study the potential effects of using Gabapentin in higher doses for sedation in cats with Chronic Kidney Disease.
Knowing its ability to relieve stress and even sedate healthy cats, the suspicion is that a usual dose may not be enough for cats with Chronic Kidney Disease . A standard dose of Gabapentin seems effective in cats without CKD.
However, because the drug is processed through the kidneys, it may not be properly passed through the system of a diseased cat.
The trial aims to deliver higher doses of Gabapentin to cats with CKD to observe the risk of over-sedating them while managing symptoms.
Unfortunately, results from trials to support a hypothesis are still pending, leaving only human accounts available for deliberation of potential risks to felines. Furthermore, human subjects with similar cases show mostly negative data.
Gabapentin is often prescribed in lower amounts for patients with kidney disease because the drug levels could rise if the renal system does not clear it out properly. One reason for renal failure or renal scarcity is kidney disease.
This begs the question as to why doctors would risk diseased cats with higher doses. While dosages can be reduced to avoid sedation, ailing cats may require it. If the dose is light for safety yet too light for sedation, a risk may be necessary.
Read Also: Can You Become Allergic To Cats
Dosage Forms Of Gabapentin
There is no specific veterinary form of gabapentin for pets, and it is always the human medication form that is used in an extra-label or off-label manner, which is common in veterinary medicine.
The most common form of gabapentin is a capsule containing powder, with the prescribed amount mixed with canned or soft food.
The 100mg capsule is the most common size prescribed for cats. Gabapentin also comes in a 50mg/ml liquid form that does require refrigeration.
The commercial liquid form may contain the artificial sweetener xylitol. While not toxic to cats, xylitol is toxic to dogs, so be careful with this form if theres a pup in your home.
To make dosing easier, especially for smaller cats, gabapentin can also be ordered as a compounded medication in different forms by your veterinarian.
How Do You Give Oral Medications To A Cat
Giving a cat oral medication isnt always the easiest task, but by remaining calm and following the guidance below, you can make sure your pet gets the medications it needs.
Your veterinarian will tell you if your cats medication should be given with food or on an empty stomach. If the tablet or capsule can be given with food, you may make a meatball by placing the medication in the center of a small ball of canned cat food or cheese.
Cats are more likely than dogs to chew their food, so felines often eat the meatball and spit out the tablet or capsule. This causes the tablet or capsule to partially dissolve and become difficult to handle. If the cat bites into the tablet or capsule, it will leave a bad taste in its mouth and likely make a second attempt more difficult.
The following instructions will help you give medications if a meatball doesnt work for your cat. Use caution to avoid being bitten. A cats mouth contains many bacteria and bites can result in deep punctures. If bitten, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention.
Medications for oral administration may be in pill, capsule, or liquid form.
Recommended Reading: Is Dried Lavender Safe For Cats
This Drug Can Be Used For In
Doctor Marty Becker of the North Idaho Animal Hospital argues on behalf of using drugs such as Gabapentin to create a relaxed state for patients. Some animals are inconsolable by the usual methods of calming.
Soft touch, passive voice, and treats go unacknowledged as the fight or flight instinct in highly stressed animals overpowers the desire for food or other basic needs. Some, according to Dr. Jeff Nichol, even become self-destructive.
During appointments that require lab work, exams, or other procedures that cant be easily rescheduled, medicine is the quick fix.
Becker notes that most doctors are wary of dosing patients as the alterations could obscure crucial observations.
While it can be hard to determine the pain level or disease symptoms of a sedated cat, there is also a possibility that stress-induced behaviors falsely reflect disease symptoms.
These include irregular heart rates, digestive issues, excessive grooming or scratching, isolation, vocalizing, appetite changes, fatigue, and aggression.
In his tips for those considering the sedation method, Becker includes doctor testimonials. One states she would rather catch anxious behaviors early and opt for mood-altering medications to avoid sedation if possible.
Another says she records the behaviors of cats before and during visits, then prescribes stressed felines with a pre-appointment dose of Gabapentin. Dr. Nichols concurs this drugs ability and notes its use alongside others for car sickness.
Tips For Cats With Travel Anxiety
If your cat tends to suffer from motion sickness or get agitated when hes in the car Benadryl can be given twice a day, which averages out to 8-12 hours. The dosage is 0.5 to 2 milligrams for each pound.
Besides using Benadryl to keep your cat relaxed, you should take special care with the carrier you use for your cat when youre traveling. Its not advisable to buy a new carrier just before you make a trip and expect your cat to adjust quickly.
The carrier should be a place where hell be calm during trips. You should make the carrier as comfortable as possible to provide a relaxing environment for the cat.
Cats really are naturally curious and like to watch whats going on. The crates location should allow them a good view of their owners or even a good view out the window.
Cat experts recommend making sure that something soft in the cats crate, like their bed or blanket, or article of clothing with the owners scent. A favorite toy inside the crate will also help keep your cat occupied.
While youre traveling, place your hand near the carrier frequently, so the cat picks up your scent. Speak to your cat in a soothing, quiet voice. When the effects of the tranquilizer begin to work, your cat will start to calm down and feel relaxed.
Cats enjoy comfort food as much as humans so you can reward your cat with a favorite treat.
Youll enjoy your trip more if you dont have to worry about your cats anxiety and whether he may get sick.
Read Also: Is Umbrella Tree Toxic To Cats