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PetDosageChart

H2 receptor antagonist · For Cats

Famotidine (Pepcid) dosage for cats

Onset
30-60 minutes
Duration
12-24 hours
Class
H2 receptor antagonist

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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Dosage Chart · 02

Pepcid dosage for cats by weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 0.5mg 0.5mg 1.5mg every 12-24 hours
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 2mg every 12-24 hours
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 2.5mg every 12-24 hours
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 0.5mg 1.5mg 2.5mg every 12-24 hours
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 1mg 1.5mg 3mg every 12-24 hours
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 1mg 2mg 3.5mg every 12-24 hours
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 1mg 2mg 4mg every 12-24 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 1mg 2.5mg 4.5mg every 12-24 hours
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 1.5mg 2.5mg 5.5mg every 12-24 hours
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 1.5mg 3mg 6.5mg every 12-24 hours
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 2mg 3.5mg 7.5mg (10mg tablet) every 12-24 hours
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 2mg 4mg 8mg (10mg tablet) every 12-24 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg 9mg (10mg tablet) every 12-24 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 3mg 5.5mg 11.5mg (10mg tablet) every 12-24 hours

Common Uses · 03

What is Pepcid (Famotidine) used for in cats?

stomach acid reduction gastritis acid reflux nausea

Administration · 04

How to give Pepcid to your cat

Famotidine tablets are small but may need to be cut for cat-sized doses. A pill cutter helps achieve the right dose. Give on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before meals for best effect. You can also crush the tablet and mix with a small amount of wet food if your cat is difficult to pill.

Available Forms

tablet, injectable

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Pepcid in cats

Common side effects

decreased appetite
drowsiness
constipation

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • irregular heartbeat (rare)
  • severe vomiting
  • allergic reaction

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

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

  • Vomiting continues despite treatment
  • Refusing to eat for more than 24 hours
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Severe lethargy
  • Signs of allergic reaction

For Dogs

Looking for Famotidine dosage for dogs?

View the Famotidine 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 Famotidine.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

Can I give my cat Pepcid?
Yes, Pepcid (famotidine) is commonly used for cats with stomach acid issues, nausea, and gastritis. Use the original plain formula only. Many vets recommend it for cats with chronic kidney disease who experience nausea.
How much Pepcid can I give my cat?
The typical dose for cats is 0.25-0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, given every 12-24 hours. For an average 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat, this is approximately 2.5 mg (one quarter of a 10 mg tablet) once or twice daily.
Can Pepcid help a cat with kidney disease?
Yes, famotidine is commonly prescribed for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to help manage nausea and stomach acid buildup, which is common as kidney function declines. It can help improve appetite in cats with CKD.
How long can a cat take famotidine?
Famotidine can be used short-term for acute stomach issues or long-term for chronic conditions like CKD-related nausea. Long-term use is generally well-tolerated in cats. Your vet will determine the appropriate duration.

Safety · 10

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