Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Gabapentin is dosed at 5–10 mg/kg PO q8-12h in cats, per KuKanich B. Outpatient oral analgesics in dogs and cats beyond nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an evidence-based approach. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43:1109-1125. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.04.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.597 (2026-08-01).. Gabapentin is used in cats for Neuropathic pain, pre-visit anxiolysis, Chronic musculoskeletal pain, Feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Routes documented in cats: PO. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 3 cited dose rules for Gabapentin in cats, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Neurontin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q8-12h | Chronic or PRN for vet visits | Neuropathic pain, pre-visit anxiolysis | Strong | KuKanich B. Outpatient oral analgesics in dogs and cats beyond nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an evidence-based approach. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43:1109-1125. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.04.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.597 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q12h | Chronic; taper to discontinue | Chronic musculoskeletal pain | Moderate | KuKanich B. Outpatient oral analgesics in dogs and cats beyond nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an evidence-based approach. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43:1109-1125. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.04.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.597 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q8-12h | Chronic | Feline hyperesthesia syndrome | Anecdotal | KuKanich B. Outpatient oral analgesics in dogs and cats beyond nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an evidence-based approach. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43:1109-1125. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.04.007 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.597 (2026-08-01). |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your cat's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Binds to alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, modulating neurotransmitter release. Reduces central sensitization.
Sedation common, especially initially. Some oral solutions contain xylitol (toxic to dogs). Taper to discontinue (do not stop abruptly). Adjust dose in renal impairment.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cats may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Gabapentin dose ranges in cats, with cited source references: PO 5–10 mg/kg q8-12h; PO 5–10 mg/kg q12h; PO 5–10 mg/kg q8-12h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Gabapentin in cats: PO.
Cited course lengths for Gabapentin in cats include: Chronic or PRN for vet visits; Chronic; taper to discontinue; Chronic. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Gabapentin is indicated in cats for: Neuropathic pain, pre-visit anxiolysis, Chronic musculoskeletal pain, Feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
These are general warnings for Gabapentin across species; consult the cat dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Sedation common, especially initially. Some oral solutions contain xylitol (toxic to dogs). Taper to discontinue (do not stop abruptly). Adjust dose in renal impairment.
Why a species-specific page? Gabapentin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cats — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.