Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How CBD, Gabapentin, and Pheromones Reduce Fear in Cats
By F. Torres-Bernal et al.·Published in Veterinary Sciences·2025·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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Original publication title: Infrared Thermography and Physiological Variables as Methods for Recognizing Fear in Domestic Cats (Felis catus) Using Three Pharmacological Models: Cannabidiol, Gabapentin, and Synthetic Facial Pheromones
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Cats often feel scared during vet visits, especially when they encounter other animals. In a study, researchers tested three treatments—cannabidiol (CBD), gabapentin (GABA), and synthetic facial pheromones (SFPs)—to see if they could help calm fearful cats. The cats that received any of these treatments showed less stress, with improvements in their heart rate and body temperature compared to those who didn't get treatment. This suggests that these options could be effective in making vet visits less stressful for cats.
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Abstract
Simple Summary In Latin America, domestic cats often experience fear during veterinary procedures; this is especially the case when several species are received in veterinary hospitals, leading to marked physiological stress responses. This study evaluated whether three pharmacological interventions—cannabidiol (CBD), gabapentin (GABA), and synthetic facial pheromones (SFPs)—could mitigate fear-induced physiological alterations in cats exposed to a negative dog–cat interaction model. Using infrared thermography, changes in surface body temperature were monitored alongside heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature. Cats receiving any of the three treatments showed a marked reduction in fear-related physiological changes compared to untreated controls. These findings suggest that CBD, GABA, and SFP can help reduce stress and improve feline welfare in fear-inducing contexts such as veterinary visits.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/40559760