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PetDosageChart

Calcium channel blocker (antihypertensive) · For Cats

How much Norvasc (Amlodipine) can I give my cat?

Standard Norvasc dose for cats is 0.18 mg per kg (0.08 mg per lb), given once daily. Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-2 hours; full effect in 1-2 weeks
Duration
24 hours
Class
Calcium channel blocker (antihypertensive)

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

Norvasc 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

Norvasc dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 0mg 0.5mg 0.5mg once daily
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 0mg 0.5mg 0.5mg once daily
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 0.5mg once daily
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 0.5mg once daily
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 1mg once daily
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 1mg once daily
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 1mg once daily
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 1mg once daily
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 1.5mg once daily
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 1mg 1mg 1.5mg once daily
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 1mg 1.5mg 2mg (2.5mg tablet) once daily
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 1mg 1.5mg 2mg (2.5mg tablet) once daily
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 1mg 1.5mg 2.5mg (2.5mg tablet) once daily
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 1.5mg 2mg (2.5mg tablet) 3mg (2.5mg tablet) once daily

Common Uses · 03

What is Norvasc (Amlodipine) used for in cats?

hypertension (high blood pressure) hypertension secondary to chronic kidney disease hypertension secondary to hyperthyroidism retinal protection in hypertensive cats

Administration · 04

How to give Norvasc to your cat

Amlodipine is the drug of choice for feline hypertension. The typical starting dose is 0.625 mg (one-quarter of a 2.5 mg tablet) once daily for an average-sized cat. The tiny tablet fragment can be hidden in a pill pocket, soft treat, or wet food. Blood pressure should be rechecked 1-2 weeks after starting and after any dose change. Consistency in daily timing helps maintain stable blood pressure control.

Available Forms

tablet

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Norvasc in cats

Common side effects

mild decrease in appetite
mild lethargy
gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth) with long-term use
mild GI upset

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • rapid heart rate (reflex tachycardia)
  • worsening kidney function
  • acute blindness if hypertension is untreated

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

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

  • Sudden blindness, dilated pupils, or bumping into things (hypertensive retinopathy)
  • Extreme lethargy or weakness (possible hypotension from over-dosing)
  • Rapid breathing or open-mouth breathing
  • Seizures or disorientation (hypertensive crisis)
  • Persistent loss of appetite or vomiting

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 Amlodipine.

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 0.18 mg per kg (0.08 mg per lb) of body weight, given once daily. 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

Why is high blood pressure dangerous in cats?
Uncontrolled hypertension in cats damages the eyes (causing sudden blindness from retinal detachment), kidneys (accelerating chronic kidney disease), heart (causing thickening of the heart muscle), and brain (causing seizures or disorientation). The most devastating and visible consequence is sudden blindness, which can be permanent if blood pressure is not quickly controlled.
How common is high blood pressure in senior cats?
Very common — studies show 20-65% of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop hypertension, and it frequently accompanies hyperthyroidism. All cats over 10 years old should have regular blood pressure checks, especially if they have kidney disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes. It is often called a "silent killer" because signs may not be obvious until organ damage occurs.
Can amlodipine restore vision in cats with hypertensive blindness?
If caught very early (within 24-48 hours of vision loss), rapidly lowering blood pressure with amlodipine can sometimes restore partial or full vision by allowing the detached retinas to reattach. However, if treatment is delayed, blindness is often permanent. This is why routine blood pressure screening in senior cats is so important.
How long does a cat need to take amlodipine?
Amlodipine is typically a lifelong medication, as feline hypertension is usually secondary to chronic conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism that do not resolve. Regular blood pressure monitoring (every 3-6 months) ensures the dose remains appropriate as the underlying condition progresses.
Is amlodipine the only blood pressure medication for cats?
Amlodipine is the first-line and most effective antihypertensive for cats. It is significantly more reliable at lowering blood pressure in cats compared to ACE inhibitors (benazepril) or beta-blockers, which are often used in other species. In refractory cases, amlodipine may be combined with telmisartan (Semintra) for added effect.

Safety · 10

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