My cat sprays the bed from stress. Gabapentin isn't working. What now?

Question

I have started my cat on gabapentin, been five days. Tigger has been spraying on my bed 7-8 times, not alot just a few drops no more than size of half dollar. We moved two mos ago and there has been a cat coming around house so thinking he is anxious/stressed. I put animal repellant around house and have Feliway plugin. Ive sprayed my bed with a product so he wouldnt do again but didnt work. He does not have a uti, i think its behavioral but dont know how to stop it! Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 years and 2 months old | 15 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

I agree with you. I think this is stress related behavior. Feliway is great - make sure you have enough plug-ins to cover the square footage of your house. Also, they make a Feliway collar for cats that looks like a flea collar - you may want to get that as well to put on him. As for the gabapentin. That would not have been my first choice of drug for this issue. I have had better luck with fluoxetine, buspar or amitriptyline. You need to talk to your vet about switching drugs. Five days is not a long time but I don't personally feel like that is the best drug for this issue. Of course drugs are an individual response. What works for one may not work for another so sometimes you need to go through a couple different drugs or drugs dosages to find the right fit. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=633 Be sure you have enriched his environment appropriately to make him feel less stressed. http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/what-is-environmental-enrichment-and-why-does-your-cat-need-it/ Hope this helps. Be patient. I know it's hard but I think you can work through this. Best wishes!

My cat sprays the bed from stress. Gabapentin isn't working. What now?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?

My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?

My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?

Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?

Share