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PetDosageChart

Cerenia (Maropitant) Dosage for Cats

NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ Duration: 24 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.

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Cerenia Dosage Chart for Cats by Weight

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

What is Cerenia (Maropitant) used for in cats?

vomiting nausea motion sickness

How to give Cerenia to your cat

Cerenia tablets for cats can be hidden in a small amount of food or given with a pill gun. For motion sickness, give at least 2 hours before travel. The injectable form is commonly given by veterinarians for acute vomiting. Cerenia is prescription-only.

Available Forms

tablet, injectable

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side effects of Cerenia in cats

Common side effects

drooling
lethargy
decreased appetite

Serious side effects

  • pain at injection site
  • severe lethargy
  • allergic reaction

When to call the vet

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

  • Vomiting continues despite Cerenia
  • Blood in vomit
  • Severe lethargy or not responding to stimuli
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours

Related Medications for Cats

Serotonin (5-HT3) antagonist antiemetic

Zofran

Ondansetron

For nausea

View dosage chart
H2 receptor antagonist

Pepcid

Famotidine

For stomach acid reduction

View dosage chart
Antihistamine (H1 Receptor Antagonist)

Atarax

Hydroxyzine

For Allergic dermatitis and itching

View dosage chart
Second-Generation Antihistamine (H1 Receptor Antagonist)

Claritin

Loratadine

For Allergic dermatitis

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 Maropitant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cerenia safe for cats?
Cerenia is considered safe and effective for cats 16 weeks and older. It is one of the most commonly prescribed antiemetics in veterinary medicine. The injectable form is widely used in clinics for acute vomiting in cats.
How much Cerenia can I give my cat?
The dose for cats is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, given once daily. For a typical 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat, this would be approximately 4.5 mg. Your vet will prescribe the correct dose — Cerenia is a prescription medication.
Can I give my cat Cerenia for car sickness?
Yes, Cerenia is very effective for motion sickness in cats. Give the tablet at least 2 hours before travel. It lasts 24 hours, providing all-day protection. It is approved for motion sickness in cats 16 weeks and older.
How long can a cat take Cerenia?
Cerenia can be given for up to 5 consecutive days for acute vomiting. For longer-term use, your vet will want to determine and treat the underlying cause of vomiting rather than relying on ongoing anti-nausea medication.

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