Some cats get motion sickness but maybe in your case currently, the road is bumpier or your tires are noisier than on that long trip? Have you tried a large lightweight towel covering the carrier? As a cat owner, you may have wondered whether it is safe to give your feline friend Gabapentin for a road trip. Gabapentin is a medication that is commonly used to treat seizures, nerve pain, and anxiety. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among pet owners as a way to calm down their pets during stressful situations such as car rides or vet visits. The vet perscribed the cat 100mg gabapentin twice a day to sedate the cat for the trip. We did a trial with the drug at home last week and it worked well, the cat slept the most part for about 10hrs during the day. Gabapentin has been really amazing for my cat and no doubt I would use it on something like a long car journey. For my cat, she is definitely more lethargic and at its peak has trouble jumping super high. 28 votes, 26 comments. so i’m planning an 8 hour road trip during the holidays and it looks like i have to take my cat with me. looking for tips. In conclusion, Gabapentin can be a useful tool for pet owners looking to help their cats manage travel anxiety. By working with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage and monitoring your cat for any potential side effects, you can help ensure a smoother and less stressful travel experience for your feline companion. Screenshots from a June 1 TikTok video of a cat's reaction to using gabapentin. The owner used this medication for the 20-hour road trip. @zagfluffnstuff/TikTok "The medication made him feel A drug whose fatality is rumored as potentially surpassing opioids in the U.S. may raise questions about its safety for pets; namely, cats. The contrast lies within the dosage and care; responsibilities of the owner and veterinarian. Animals that are much smaller than the average human require lower measurements for effective results. A brief, detailed study of Gabapentin and its history In summary, gabapentin can be a helpful tool in managing your cat’s anxiety during a road trip. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage. Additionally, taking steps to prepare your cat for travel and using calming techniques can make their experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Human doctors typically prescribe gabapentin for mild pain management and as a sleep/anxiety drug. It is a commonly used med for cats also, just like other "people medicine" such as antibiotics or cardiac drugs, etc. Ignore the silly trolls trying to make you feel bad for following your vet's prescribed treatment. We are using gabapentin now more commonly in pets with anxiety or fear prior to stressful events such as a trip to the vet. This could possibly include a road trip as well. This is, however, a prescription medication so it will require a visit to a veterinarian for an examination of your cat or a call to your vet if they have seen your cat recently to determine if they feel the drug is safe Do check with your vet for getting accurate information about anxiety management for cats, gabapentin, and travel** Hi all, so I just wanted to give a couple of updates about gabapentin, and about the whole trip in general. Try to drive straight through if you can. Most cats can easily hold their urine for 16-24 hours and most will not eat or drink on the road anyway though you can offer them water, access to the litter box and to stretch their legs. Cerenia will last around 24 hours. Gabapentin about 8 so you may need to give another dose midway. Gabapentin for cats can help soothe certain painful conditions. Learn more about its uses, safety guidelines, and more. Learn about road trips and car travel with your cat. VCA Animal Hospital offers professional guidance to help you ensure the health and happiness of your pet. Learn about road trips and car travel with your cat. VCA Animal Hospital offers professional guidance to help you ensure the health and happiness of your pet. Gabapentin Before Your Trip: If your kitty’s anxiety comes in the Extra Large size, you may want to start giving gabapentin several days before the trip. Cats often experience an anxiety build-up triggered by trip preparations like getting out the suitcase. 14. **Can gabapentin be used for cats with a history of aggression during travel?** Gabapentin may help to reduce aggression in cats during travel by calming their nerves and reducing anxiety. It's important to address the underlying causes of aggression as well to prevent future incidents. I give my two cats 100mg of gabapentin for a ~6 hour road trip I typically take with them 3-4x per year and have never had any issues. Gabapentin is a central nervous system depressant that’s a prescription medication for humans and cats. It’s exceptionally effective as an anti-anxiety medication for cats.
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