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PetDosageChart

Phenothiazine tranquilizer · For Cats

How much PromAce (Acepromazine) can I give my cat?

Standard PromAce dose for cats is 0.75 mg per kg (0.34 mg per lb), given as needed. Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
20-45 minutes (oral), 15-30 minutes (injectable)
Duration
4-8 hours
Class
Phenothiazine tranquilizer

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

PromAce dose by cat weight

Pick your cat's weight to jump to a dedicated page with the dose, frequency, safety notes, and FAQ for that size.

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Dosage Chart · 02

PromAce dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 1.5mg as needed
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 1mg 1.5mg 2mg as needed
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 1mg 1.5mg 2.5mg as needed
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 1.5mg 2mg 2.5mg as needed
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 1.5mg 2.5mg 3mg as needed
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 2mg 2.5mg 3.5mg as needed
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 2mg 3mg 4mg as needed
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 2.5mg 3.5mg 4.5mg as needed
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 2.5mg 4mg 5.5mg as needed
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 3mg 4.5mg 6.5mg as needed
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 3.5mg 5.5mg 7.5mg (10mg tablet) as needed
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 4mg 6mg 8mg (10mg tablet) as needed
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 4.5mg 7mg 9mg (10mg tablet) as needed
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 5.5mg 8.5mg (10mg tablet) 11.5mg (10mg tablet) as needed

Common Uses · 03

What is PromAce (Acepromazine) used for in cats?

pre-anesthetic sedation travel anxiety restraint for procedures thunderstorm or noise phobia

Administration · 04

How to give PromAce to your cat

Acepromazine is typically used on an as-needed basis for sedation, not as a daily medication. Give the tablet 30-60 minutes before the stressful event (travel, vet visit). It can be hidden in food or a pill pocket. Important: Acepromazine does NOT provide pain relief — it only makes the cat appear calm while they may still experience fear and pain. Cats generally require lower doses than dogs. Keep the cat in a warm, quiet environment, as it lowers body temperature and blood pressure.

Available Forms

tablet, injectable

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of PromAce in cats

Common side effects

sedation
low blood pressure
third eyelid protrusion
decreased body temperature

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • severe hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure)
  • paradoxical excitation
  • seizures (in epileptic animals)
  • hypothermia

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs:

  • Extreme sedation or inability to rouse the cat
  • Pale or white gums (sign of severe low blood pressure)
  • Staggering that does not resolve within 8 hours
  • Seizures or muscle tremors
  • Very low body temperature (cold ears, paws)

For Dogs

Looking for PromAce dosage for dogs?

View the PromAce dosage chart and calculator for dogs.

Related · 08

Related medications for cats

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Acepromazine.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 0.75 mg per kg (0.34 mg per lb) of body weight, given as needed. The calculator multiplies that basis by your cat's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review cats dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

Is acepromazine safe for cats?
Acepromazine is generally safe for healthy cats at appropriate doses, but it is being used less frequently as better alternatives become available (gabapentin for travel/vet visit anxiety). It does not relieve pain or anxiety — it only sedates. Cats with heart disease, seizure disorders, or liver problems should not receive it.
Why do vets not recommend acepromazine as much anymore?
Many veterinarians now prefer gabapentin for pre-visit sedation in cats because it provides actual anxiolysis (anti-anxiety effect) rather than just sedation. Acepromazine makes cats appear calm but does not reduce their perception of fear or pain. Modern veterinary practice increasingly favors fear-free approaches with true anti-anxiety medications.
How long does acepromazine last in cats?
Effects typically last 4-8 hours in cats, though some cats may seem slightly sedated for up to 12 hours. Onset is 20-45 minutes when given orally. Keep your cat warm and in a quiet environment during recovery, as the drug lowers body temperature and blood pressure.
Can I give acepromazine to my cat for car travel?
While acepromazine has been traditionally used for travel sedation, gabapentin (100-200 mg given 2-3 hours before travel) is now the preferred option for most cats. If acepromazine is used, give a test dose at home before travel day to assess your cat's response. Never use it for the first time right before a long trip.
Does acepromazine help with cat aggression?
Acepromazine can make an aggressive cat appear calmer but does not address the underlying fear or aggression. The cat may still bite or scratch without warning because the drug sedates without reducing the emotional response. For aggressive cats requiring veterinary visits, gabapentin combined with other fear-free techniques is a safer and more effective approach.

Safety · 10

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