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PetDosageChart

NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic · For Cats

How much Cerenia (Maropitant) can I give my cat?

Standard Cerenia dose for cats is 1 mg per kg (0.45 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
Duration
24 hours
Class
NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic

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

Cerenia 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

Cerenia dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe 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

Common Uses · 03

What is Cerenia (Maropitant) used for in cats?

vomiting nausea motion sickness

Administration · 04

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 · 05

Side effects of Cerenia in cats

Common side effects

drooling
lethargy
decreased appetite

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • pain at injection site
  • severe lethargy
  • allergic reaction

Emergency · 06

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

For Dogs

Looking for Cerenia dosage for dogs?

View the Cerenia 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 Maropitant.

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 1 mg per kg (0.45 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

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.

Safety · 10

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