Behavioral and physiological effects of Gabapentin and its combination with Trazodone in aggressive domestic cats

Stress and aggression in cats, particularly during veterinary visits, present significant challenges for both clinicians and pet owners. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and behavioral effects of gabapentin alone and in combination with trazodone in managing stress-induced aggression in domestic short-haired cats. Twenty-seven cats were randomly assigned to three groups: placebo, gabapentin (5 mg/kg), and gabapentin (5 mg/kg) combined with trazodone (10 mg/kg). Physiological factors, including heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and rectal temperature, as well as behavioral factors such as posture, vocalization, and activity levels, were assessed. The results revealed that the combination therapy significantly reduced respiratory rate and rectal temperature compared to gabapentin and placebo (p≤ 0.05), highlighting its enhanced ability to modulate physiological stress responses. Behavioral assessments showed substantial improvements in the gabapentin + trazodone group, with reductions in fear-driven behaviors, indicating a synergistic effect of the combination. The gabapentin-only group demonstrated moderate improvements over placebo, confirming its efficacy as a standalone treatment. This study underscores the clinical benefits of combining gabapentin and trazodone for managing feline stress and aggression. The findings suggest that this protocol offers a practical and effective solution for high-stress scenarios, such as veterinary visits, enhancing animal welfare.