Why Gabapentin?

Gabapentin has the unique ability to block the fight or flight response in cats (panic or aggression) We recommend Gabapentin because of it's proven record to be safe & effective and because it is NOT a sedative. Recommended to all cats who are 3 or above on their stress score. Required for cats who are 4 and above for aggression. Stress scores range from 0 to 6.

For best results treat with a 100mg capsule of Gabapentin OR 2.0ml (if at a 50mg/1ml oral solution) 2 hours prior to your appointment.

The THERAPEUTIC DOSE for Gabapentin when treating for behavioral health / panic or aggression is a 100mg capsule or 2.0ml of liquid Gabapentin (if at a 50mg/1ml oral solution)

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Gabapentin is slowly being regarded as one of the most effective ways to temporarily treat stress in cats. It's unique ability to block the fight or flight response in cats is proving to be very successful for trips to both the vet & groomer. 50% of all our clients use Gabapentin prior to grooming to treat one specific trigger or a combination of them and for emotional support. Triggers can vary depending upon the cat. 30% of clients who use Gabapentin are specificallt treating for cat carrier stress and travel yet are fine with the grooming.

Capsules & Tablets

100mg is recommended 2 hours prior to a grooming or vet visit. PLEASE Do Not administer on a full stomach of food or this will significantly reduce its effects

Capsules are the most common & versatile form of Gabapentin. Normally $2 a capsule. Ask your vet to supply you what you would need for a years worth of grooming. (your cat must be within their yearly vet visit in order to receive a prescription) Capsules have a much longer shelf life and can be opened to mix with your cat's favorite treat....

Whipped Cream
Yogurt
Baby Food
Cream Cheese pill pocket
Tuna
Ice Cream

TIP (For cats who refuse to eat food with medicine) Cut off the tip of a capsule and sprinkle into the mouth like "Pixie Stix" candy while holding your cat's mouth up and partially open. The powder will stick to their tongue and mouth and readily start to absorb.

TIP Make your own liquid formula by mixing the contents of a capsule with a small amount of liquid (water or tuna juice). Use a dosing medicine syringe to administer into the mouth.

WHY MANY CLIENTS USE CAPSULES instead of liquid

1.Regular liquid Gabapentin is goopy & bad tasting which can cause some cats to lock their larynx. The medicine ends up not being swallowed and drools out the sides of your cat's mouth.

2. A capsule is the equivalent of a crushed baby aspirin in content as opposed to liquid Gabapentin which has a lot more product to have to administer.

TINY TABS is a Wedgewood Pharmacy exclusive. Can be used in combination with a pill popper for easier application. Comes in 25, 50 or 75 mg.

Wedgewood Pharmacy Capsules Link

Liquid Gabapentin

There is usually a 6 month expiration date with liquid Gabapentin. So ask for only what you would use during that time period. Ask your vet for a Wedgwood Pharmacy order if they do not normally carry it. Cost may vary. You will either be given a bottle with a limited amount inside. Or predrawn syringes at about $10 + per dose (Wegmans pharmacy always keeps liquid Gabapentin in stock).

Oral solutions may vary but the most common formula is 50mg/1ml. Which means a strength of 50 mg per 1ml of liquid

Flavored Gabapentin can be ordered through Wedgewood Pharmacy ( Anchovie, Duck, Chicken ect....)

WHEN TO ADMINISTER: Please administer 2 hours prior to the groom or vet visit. Do not administer with a full meal as this will significantly reduce it's effect.

50% of vets recommend a "slow walk" which is 2 full doses, one the night before and one 2 hours prior to the groom or vet visit.

WHY MANY CLIENTS USE LIQUID instead of capsules

1.Because it is easier for both them and their cat

Wedgewood Pharmacy Liquid Gabapentin Link

Wedgewood Pharmacy

Located in New Jersey. Open to Veterinarians only

If you are a Veterinarian, click link below to set up your account with one of the leading compounding pharmacies in the country.

What If I Cannot Medicate My Cat Myself? We can help. Make arrangements with the salon to arrive 2 hours prior to your appointment and we can assist you in medicating your cat.

Wedgewood Pharmacy Account

Why Gabapentin

Because it is safe and effective and NOT a sedative. A minimum of a 100 mg capsule or 2.0 ml liquid (if at a 50mg/1ml oral solution) is required to receive the therapeutic dose for anxiety block

Having groomed over 10,000 cats, I have seen it all. I have also seen the high failure rate & negative side effects sedatives can have on cats. It wasn't until I witnessed for myself the effects liquid Gabapentin had on a known severely stressed cat (as prescribed & recommended by it's vet) that I started to take notice. Since then our salon has been locked onto one of the most game changing products in the cat grooming industry today. Literally blocking the Fight or Flight response in cats. Essential in providing a Feline Fear Free Salon. Recommended also by the Fear Free Pets organization. We are currently undergoing their certification process.

What Does Therapeutic Dose Mean?

The MEDICAL dose required to produce the desired medicinal effect.

The therapeutic dose of Gabapentin to produce anxiety block in cats is a 100mg capsule or 2.0ml of liquid if at a 50mg per 1ml oral solution) Please double check what the oral solution formula is (bottom Right corner of prescription label) prior to medicating your cat as some veterinarian's oral solutions may vary.

Gabapentin is currently one of the safest & most effective ways to treat panic or aggression in cats (Fight or Flight).Treat 2 hours prior to the groom or vet visit. In some cases treat the night before as well.

Why We Do Not Recommend Sedatives

Because they do not work for the purposes of a 1 hour "hands on" grooming appointment which is very different from a typical vet visit.

Cat grooming involves an incredible amount of triggering starting with the cat carrier, leaving your house and going for a car ride.....followed by strangers, grooming tools, touching, water, smells, drying, sounds and so much more. Sedatives do not block the triggering of cats they just mask the bodies response to them. Slower & drunken like but still triggered and capable of aggression & temper tantrums. The side effects of sedatives can also be upsetting for many owners and linger with cats all day.

What Is Fear Free?

A new educational movement in the care & treatment of fear in animals founded by Dr. Marty Becker. This new approach is sweeping the nation with seminars & certification programs for all pet professionals.

Who Founded Fear Free?

Dr. Marty Becker

Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” has spent his life working toward better health for pets and the people who love them. Dr. Becker was the resident veterinary contributor on “Good Morning America” for 17 years. He is a founding member of Core Team Oz for “The Dr. Oz Show,” and a member of the Dr. Oz Medical Advisory Panel. Author of 18 books & 100's of articles

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Fear Free Upcoming Events

One day Symposiums

Hosted and facilitated by Dr. Marty Becker as well as leading veterinarians & pet professionals. This symposium will give you all the tools and direction you need to get started, and includes a discounted registration for the Fear Free Certification Program available online with VetFolio. Your clients both 2 and 4 legged will be glad you did!

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How Can I Become Certified In Fear Free?

Offering step by step modules

Reduce or remove anxiety triggers that can cause pets to become fearful at home, in transport, and at the veterinary hospital & groomers
Help owners deliver calm pets to your hospital/grooming salon
Enhance the quality of medicine in your practice
Increase compliance
Improve safety for the veterinary/grooming/ training staff

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