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PetDosageChart

Anticonvulsant / Analgesic · For Cats

How much Gabapentin (Neurontin) can I give my cat?

Standard Gabapentin dose for cats is 10 mg per kg (4.54 mg per lb), given every 8-12 hours. Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-2 hours
Duration
8-12 hours
Class
Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

Neurontin dose by cat weight

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Dosage Chart · 02

Neurontin dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 7mg 14mg 28mg every 8-12 hours
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 9mg 18mg 36mg every 8-12 hours
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 11.5mg 23mg 46mg every 8-12 hours
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 13.5mg 27mg 54mg every 8-12 hours
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 16mg 32mg 64mg every 8-12 hours
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 18mg 36mg 72mg every 8-12 hours
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 20.5mg 41mg 82mg (100mg tablet) every 8-12 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 22.5mg 45mg 90mg (100mg tablet) every 8-12 hours
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 27mg 54mg 108mg (100mg tablet) every 8-12 hours
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 31.5mg 63mg 126mg every 8-12 hours
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 36.5mg 73mg 146mg every 8-12 hours
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 41mg 82mg (100mg tablet) 164mg every 8-12 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 45.5mg 91mg (100mg tablet) 182mg (2 × 100mg) every 8-12 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 56.5mg 113mg (100mg tablet) 226mg every 8-12 hours

Common Uses · 03

What is Neurontin (Gabapentin) used for in cats?

pain management anxiety (especially vet visits) seizures neuropathic pain

Administration · 04

How to give Neurontin to your cat

Gabapentin capsules can be opened and the powder mixed with a small amount of wet food or tuna juice. Do NOT use liquid gabapentin formulations made for humans, as they often contain xylitol which is toxic. For vet visit anxiety, give a single dose 2-3 hours before the appointment. Cats may become very wobbly — this is a normal effect.

Available Forms

capsule, tablet, liquid

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Neurontin in cats

Common side effects

sedation
wobbliness (ataxia)
lethargy
decreased appetite

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • severe sedation
  • loss of coordination
  • depression
  • rebound seizures if stopped abruptly

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs:

  • Extreme sedation or inability to stand for more than 12 hours
  • Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures (especially if a dose was missed)
  • Vomiting repeatedly after taking

For Dogs

Looking for Gabapentin dosage for dogs?

View the Gabapentin dosage chart and calculator for dogs.

Related · 08

Related medications for cats

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Gabapentin.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 10 mg per kg (4.54 mg per lb) of body weight, given every 8-12 hours. The calculator multiplies that basis by your cat's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review cats dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

How much gabapentin can I give my cat?
The typical dose for cats is 5-10 mg/kg every 8-12 hours for pain, or a single dose of 50-100 mg given 2-3 hours before vet visits for anxiety. A common pre-vet anxiety dose is one 100 mg capsule for an average-sized cat. Your vet will determine the right dose for your cat.
Will gabapentin make my cat act drunk?
Yes, wobbliness (ataxia) is a very common effect of gabapentin in cats, especially at higher doses or when first starting the medication. Your cat may stumble, have trouble jumping, or seem uncoordinated. This is a normal side effect and usually resolves within 8-12 hours.
Can gabapentin hurt my cat?
Gabapentin has a wide safety margin in cats. Serious adverse effects are rare at recommended doses. The main risk is excessive sedation, which resolves as the drug wears off. Never use human liquid gabapentin, as it may contain xylitol. If your cat takes gabapentin for seizures, never stop abruptly.
How long does gabapentin last in cats?
Gabapentin effects typically last 8-12 hours in cats. When given for vet visit anxiety, plan for your cat to be sedated for most of the day. Sedation and wobbliness gradually wear off over several hours.
Can I open a gabapentin capsule for my cat?
Yes, gabapentin capsules can be opened and the powder sprinkled on food or mixed with a small amount of wet food, tuna juice, or a compounded treat. The powder is slightly bitter but most cats tolerate it when mixed with a flavorful food.

Safety · 10

More resources