# A Systematic Review of the Sedative, Behavioral, Analgesic and Cardiovascular Effects of Gabapentin in Cats

## TL;DR

This review examines how gabapentin affects cat behavior, anxiety, and cardiovascular health during vet visits.

## Contribution

A systematic review of gabapentin's effects in cats, focusing on sedation, anxiety, and cardiovascular safety.

## Key findings

- Gabapentin mildly to moderately reduces anxiety in cats during veterinary visits.
- Gabapentin can be administered with food and does not negatively affect cardiovascular function.
- The drug's effects may vary depending on the dosage used.

## Abstract

Gabapentin is popular in veterinary medicine due to its depressive effects on the central nervous system, analgesic properties, and behavioral impact. Stress or aggressive behavior can make handling cats during clinical examinations extremely difficult. This systematic review, based on twenty selected articles, aims to evaluate gabapentin’s impact on sedation, anxiety, behavioral modification, pain, and cardiovascular function in feline patients during veterinary appointments. The review shows that gabapentin mildly to moderately reduces anxiety in cats. However, responsiveness may vary depending on the dosage used. Gabapentin can be orally administered mixed with food and does not negatively impact the cardiovascular system. Overall, gabapentin may reduce stress in cats during veterinary examinations.

Gabapentin is a drug frequently used in veterinary medicine because of its recognized analgesic, sedative, and behavioral properties. In recent years, its use has become particularly important in feline medicine. The clinical examination of a cat can be challenging due to various factors, such as patient compliance or inadequate handling techniques employed by veterinary staff, which can lead to fear-based aggressive behavior in cats. A systematic review based on the PRISMA statement was conducted from March to September 2024. Out of 543 articles, only 20 were included in the review. The objective of the systematic review was to describe the impact of gabapentin on sedation, anxiety, behavioral modification, pain, and cardiovascular function in feline patients during veterinary appointments. Gabapentin’s effects may be dose-dependent, though a specific dosage is not available. Administering gabapentin with wet or dry food is suggested. Furthermore, gabapentin has positive behavioral, analgesic, and sedative effects, ensuring an anxiolytic effect without altering any cardiovascular, echocardiographic, or hemodynamic aspects.