Pregabalin (Bonqat) for Cats: Proper Dosage, Safety Profile & Common Side Effects

Pregabalin is an FDA‑approved oral solution specifically formulated for cats to reduce anxiety during travel and veterinary visits. In this guide you’ll find a concise overview of its mechanism, recommended dosing, administration tips, safety profile, and potential drug interactions.

What Is Pregabalin for Cats?

• Medication type: Anticonvulsant and neuropathic pain agent, similar to gabapentin.
• Form: FDA‑approved oral solution (Bonqat) and capsules (human brand Lyrica).
• Prescription required: Yes.
• Life stage: All life stages.
• Brand names: Bonqat (FDA‑approved for cats) and Lyrica (human).
• Common name: Pregabalin.
• Available dosages: 50 mg/mL Bonqat solution (FDA‑approved); Lyrica capsules: 25 mg, 50 mg; Lyrica solution: 20 mg/mL.

How Pregabalin Works in Cats

Pregabalin mimics the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma‑aminobutyric acid (GABA). By decreasing calcium influx into neurons, it reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and norepinephrine, producing a calming effect and mild antiepileptic activity. Compared to gabapentin, it is approximately five times more potent, yet it is not marketed for pain relief in cats and should not be used interchangeably.

Dosing Guidelines (Bonqat)

The FDA‑approved dose is 5 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg) taken 1.5 hours before travel or a veterinary appointment. The medication may be repeated on a second consecutive day but is not intended for continuous use. Off‑label protocols for pain or seizure management are not yet supported by robust clinical data and should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Below is a weight‑based dosing chart for the liquid formulation. Always calculate the dose based on your cat’s exact weight for optimal efficacy and safety.

For cats weighing more than 20 lb, multiple doses may be required; the supplied syringe maxes at 1.0 mL.

Clinical trials indicate the sedative effect lasts 4–6 hours. The manufacturer does not recommend more than one dose in a 24‑hour period or more than two consecutive days.

Administering Bonqat

1. Remove the cap and insert the supplied syringe (plunger fully depressed). Flip the bottle upside down.
2. Pull the plunger back to the appropriate volume.
3. Place the syringe tip in the cat’s mouth hinge to prompt an opening.
4. Inject slowly, aiming for the back of the tongue.

If oral administration is difficult, a small amount of a palatable liquid treat (e.g., Churu) can mask the taste. Avoid mixing with a full meal, which may delay absorption.

Common Side Effects

Pregabalin’s primary side effects—lethargy and ataxia—are intentional, reflecting its sedative purpose. In a study of over 100 cats (ages 5 months–15 years), the incidence of side effects was:

• Ataxia: 4.6%
• Lethargy: 2.8%
• Vomiting: 1.9%
• Other (<1%): abnormal limb placement, tremors, anorexia, weight loss.

Higher doses (15–25 mg/kg) produced more pronounced sedation and ataxia but resolved within 6–8 hours. Mild hyper‑salivation may occur but is usually a taste response; a small wet food or tuna juice can mitigate it.

Overdose and Emergency Response

In suspected overdose, contact an emergency helpline before your veterinarian: ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline. Most adverse effects resolve within 8 hours in healthy young cats, but older or medically compromised animals may experience prolonged sedation, bradycardia, or hypothermia. Signs of excessive sedation include closed eyes, severe ataxia, and rectal temperature < 99.0 °F. Keep the cat warm, restrict food and water, and monitor in a safe, confined space until the drug clears.

Potential Drug Interactions

Use caution when combining pregabalin with the following classes of drugs. Discuss with your veterinarian before co‑administration:

• ACE inhibitors (benazepril, enalapril) – may increase edema risk.
• Benzodiazepines (midazolam) – additive CNS and respiratory depression.
• CNS depressants (dexmedetomidine, phenobarbital) – additive CNS and respiratory depression.
• Opioids (buprenorphine, methadone) – additive CNS and respiratory depression.

Storage Instructions

• Store unopened bottles in the original box with the syringe and product information.
• After opening, refrigerate at 36°F–46°F (2°C–4°C). Use within 6 months.
• At room temperature (< 77°F/25°C), it remains stable for up to 1 month.
• Keep the medication out of reach of children; it is a Schedule V controlled substance.
• Do not leave a filled syringe unattended; it could be mistaken for a child’s medication.

References

1. A. Budde & D. McCluskey, “Pregabalin,” in Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook (10th ed., 2023).
2. Cleveland Clinic, “Gaba Aminobutyric Acid (GABA),” 2022.
3. Zoetis & Orion Pharma, “Bonqat (pregabalin oral solution) package insert.”
4. A.E. Miranda‑Cortés et al., “Comparison of the anxiolytic and analgesic effects of gabapentin and pregabalin in cats: a systematic review,” Animals 15(16), 2346 (2025).
5. T. Lamminen et al., “Pregabalin Alleviates Anxiety and Fear in Cats during Transportation and Veterinary Visits—A Clinical Field Study,” Animals 13(3), 371 (2023).
6. T. Lamminen et al., “Efficacy of a single dose of Pregabalin on signs of anxiety in Cats during Transportation—A Pilot study,” Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8, 711816 (2021).