Embarking on a road trip with pets can be challenging, especially if they get nervous or anxious. To help soothe her cat’s anxiety during a long journey, a pet owner turned to medication.
In a TikTok video posted on June 1 by @zagfluffnstuff, Fluffy’s owner documented the use of gabapentin to help the cat relax on a trip from North Carolina to Minnesota. In veterinary medicine, gabapentin is commonly used to alleviate anxiety and stress in pets during travel, vet visits, or during storms, as reported by Catster.com. It can also manage chronic pain and seizures.
Fluffy’s owner shared that prior to taking the medication, the cat was visibly distressed during travel, showing signs of discomfort. After taking gabapentin, Fluffy’s behavior changed noticeably as the drug took effect. The cat started to doze off and eventually fell asleep in the carrier within two hours.
The owner observed that the medication made Fluffy groggy, resulting in the cat sleeping for most of the trip, making the journey more tolerable. The successful use of gabapentin eased both the owner’s and Fluffy’s apprehensions about the long travel ahead.
During the trip, Fluffy rested in the lap of the owner, allowing for a more relaxed and comfortable travel experience. Even another cat, Zagrius, received a smaller dose of gabapentin for his first long journey and experienced similar calming effects, sleeping through most of the trip.
Gabapentin is generally deemed safe for cats, though side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or unsteady walking can occur, as highlighted by Relievet. In rare cases, more severe reactions like breathing difficulties or swelling may present themselves.
How to Prepare Cats for Travel
Before considering medicating your cat for trips, there are ways to prepare them naturally for travel to reduce stress and ensure a smooth journey.
Cats can be trained to travel comfortably. Teaching them to view their carrier as a secure and cozy space is recommended by VCA Hospitals. Familiarize them with the carrier by feeding them in it to create positive associations.
Gradually transition your cat to the vehicle by starting with short drives around the neighborhood. Encourage positive experiences by rewarding your cat during these initial trips.
Viewer Responses
As of recent, the TikTok video has gained over 663,800 views, 98,400 likes, and 623 comments.
One viewer humorously noted, “If I didn’t see kitty blink, I thought that the carrier clip is a still photo and not video!” Another quipped, “He took a totally different vacation than you.”
While Fluffy had a successful experience with gabapentin, not all viewers shared the same sentiment. One person shared, “Gabapentin did NOTHING for my cat. It was given to her just before her dental procedure, and it didn’t make a difference.”