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PetDosageChart

PromAce (Acepromazine) Dosage for Cats

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

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. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator

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PromAce Dosage Chart for Cats by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose 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

What is PromAce (Acepromazine) used for in cats?

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

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 of PromAce in cats

Common side effects

sedation
low blood pressure
third eyelid protrusion
decreased body temperature

Serious side effects

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

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)

Related Medications for Cats

Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI)

Desyrel

Trazodone

For Anxiety and fear reduction

View dosage chart
Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Neurontin

Gabapentin

For pain management

View dosage chart
Antihistamine

Benadryl

Diphenhydramine

For allergies

View dosage chart
NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic

Cerenia

Maropitant

For vomiting

View dosage chart

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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