Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat is still wobbly after gabapentin for vet anxiety. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 5 years and 10 months old | 11 lbs

My cat has loss of balance after taking gabapentin for anxiety before a vet visit. It’s been 6 hours and she’s still not quite right. Should I be worried?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 27th, 2019

Hi there. It’s common for cats to be a bit wobbly when they have taken a sedative or anti-anxiety medication like gabapentin, so this would not normally be cause for concern. This medication can last for up to 8 hours or so, so I normally tell my clients to expect that their kitty may seem a bit drowsy or off-balance for the rest of the day.
Vote Icon7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 22nd, 2019

    This would be an appropriate dose of gabapentin for sedation and I am not necessarily surprised that Lucy still seems affected. If Lucy is not her normal self by the time your vet opens tomorrow I would recommend contacting your vet to see if they want to examine her. If Lucy seems extremely depressed or is not responding to you then I would recommend seeing an emergency vet tonight.

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button