Human gabapentin for my cats?

Hello. I’m from a country without compounding vet pharmacies, and vet pharma companies don’t sell or manufacture gabapentin here. From what I read online, having administering gabapentin to my cats before vet visits can help a lot with their anxiety. I can’t buy cat gabapentin, but I can get human gabapentin. The dose is the same but the thing I don’t know about is human fillers vs cat fillers. This is for their bi-yearly check ups. Has anyone ever heard of people using human gabapentin, such as Neurontin, for cats? TIA

Hello and thank you for your question, the answer to which I'm afraid may disappoint you.  Out of interest, are you able to tell us which country you are in? - as this may make a difference.  Either way, when it comes to giving drugs to pets, your cats' own vet (as opposed to a different, generic small animal vet like me, who knows next to nothing about this specific patient) should advise.  In the UK (where we are) vets cannot prescribe an unlicensed drug when there is a licensed drug available that will perform the same or better function; Gabapentin has limited evidence and no license for use in anxious cats in the UK.  Furthermore, 'Anxiety' is a condition or state that can be completely normal in lots of situations; behavioural states are often best treated by understanding how and why they arise and addressing the source.  This can involve focussing on the patient's environment, rather than simply giving pills.  There are 'hacks' for making vet visits easier for cats, including addressing the carrier, transport to the surgery, pheromone diffusers, waiting-rooms with mood modification, complete separation from the facilities used for dogs and so on.  As awareness is spreading about the importance of this,  some clinics are now specifically designed with stress reduction in mind.  Home visits can also sometimes be considered. A good vet with an interest in behaviour and welfare should be consulted prior to the consultation and should consider the whole picture.

In the meantime, here is a sheet about the uses of Gabapentin in dogs and cats.  https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2022/10/31/what-is-gabapentin-for-in-dogs-and-cats/

This Blog is about looking after a cat's mental wellbeing when visiting the vets:  https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2025/07/18/taking-your-cat-to-the-vets-how-to-make-this-a-positive-experience/#google_vignette