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My cat is falling, wobbly, and not eating on Gabapentin. ER or vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Nugget has been on Gabapentin 70mg since 02/16/17 (3 days). In those 3 days he hasn't eaten much, by the second day he was falling a bit and wobbly. Now he's already falling most of the time he tries to jump from anywhere. Down or up from/to his bed. He fell while just sitting on top of my shelving not even jumping. He fell multiple times while trying to get up to the sink. And he has NOT been landing on his feet. I'm not sure wether to take him to the ER or I can wait for the vet tomorrow.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on February 19th, 2017

I am so sorry about Nugget. It sounds like Nugget is suffering from vestibular disease or a disease of brain. It would be best to have him evaluated and even have a few diagnostics performed at the emergency hospital (bloodwork, T4, and blood pressure).

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry Nugget hasn't been doing well the past few days! I would have him seen in the ER tonight. It's quite serious that he isn't eating much, and is falling just by sitting. This certainly isn't normal, and needs to be investigated by a vet. In addition, when a cat doesn't eat much or stops eating for at least three days, they can develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. It's best to avoid this, so I would have Nugget seen by an ER vet ASAP. I hope this helps and that he feels better soon!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm really not sure what is going on, you didn't mention why he is on gabapentin in the first place and if those symptoms are connected to the original condition. Gabapentin can be responsible for the symptoms you have described, it's not very common but it is a known side effect. i would recommend stopping the gabapentin and taking him to your vet during normal office hours.

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