Skip to main content
PetDosageChart

GI protectant / Mucosal coating agent · For Cats

How much Sucralfate (Carafate) can I give my cat?

Standard Sucralfate dose for cats is 75 mg per kg (34.01 mg per lb), given every 8-12 hours on empty stomach. Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
30 minutes (forms protective coating)
Duration
6-8 hours
Class
GI protectant / Mucosal coating agent

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

Enter your cat's weight

By Weight

Carafate 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.

Embed this calculator on your site

Get a free Sucralfate dosage widget

Get embed code

Free forever. Works in any blog post or article. Adds a small "Powered by petdosagechart.com" credit at the bottom.

Dosage Chart · 02

Carafate dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 70mg 105mg 140mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 90mg 135mg 180mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 115mg 172.5mg 230mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 135mg 202.5mg 270mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 160mg 240mg 320mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 180mg 270mg 360mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 205mg 307.5mg 410mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 225mg 337.5mg 450mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 270mg 405mg 540mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 315mg 472.5mg 630mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 365mg 547.5mg 730mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 410mg 615mg 820mg (1000mg tablet) every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 455mg 682.5mg 910mg (1000mg tablet) every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 565mg 847.5mg (1000mg tablet) 1130mg (1000mg tablet) every 8-12 hours on empty stomach

Common Uses · 03

What is Carafate (Sucralfate) used for in cats?

gastric ulcers esophagitis post-doxycycline esophageal damage stress ulcers GI erosion protection

Administration · 04

How to give Carafate to your cat

Give sucralfate on an EMPTY stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. It works by forming a physical protective coating over ulcerated tissue, so it must contact the stomach lining directly. For cats, quarter a 1000 mg tablet (250 mg per dose) or use a liquid suspension. The tablet can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water to form a slurry for easier administration via syringe. It is especially important after doxycycline administration, which can cause severe esophagitis in cats if it gets stuck in the esophagus.

Available Forms

tablet, liquid suspension

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Carafate in cats

Common side effects

constipation
decreased appetite
mild nausea
dry mouth

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • aluminum toxicity (rare, with renal failure)
  • severe constipation
  • bezoar formation (rare)
  • intestinal obstruction (rare)

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

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

  • Black or tarry stools (continuing GI bleeding)
  • Severe constipation or straining with no stool
  • Persistent vomiting despite treatment
  • Blood in vomit
  • Weakness or pale gums (sign of anemia from blood loss)

For Dogs

Looking for Sucralfate dosage for dogs?

View the Sucralfate 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 Sucralfate.

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 75 mg per kg (34.01 mg per lb) of body weight, given every 8-12 hours on empty stomach. 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 sucralfate important after giving doxycycline to cats?
Doxycycline capsules and tablets can become lodged in a cat's esophagus and cause severe esophageal strictures (scarring and narrowing). This is a well-known and serious risk in cats. Sucralfate can help protect and heal esophageal tissue if irritation has occurred. Always follow doxycycline with water or food to ensure it reaches the stomach, and consider using liquid doxycycline for cats.
How do I dose sucralfate for a cat?
The typical dose is 250-500 mg per cat (one-quarter to one-half of a 1000 mg tablet) given every 8-12 hours on an empty stomach. You can quarter the tablet or crush it and mix with a small amount of water to create a slurry that can be given by syringe. Liquid suspensions are also available from compounding pharmacies.
Can sucralfate be given with other medications?
Sucralfate can bind to and reduce absorption of many other drugs. Give it at least 2 hours apart from other oral medications, especially antibiotics like enrofloxacin, tetracyclines, and acid reducers like omeprazole. Ask your vet about specific timing with your cat's other medications.
How long does a cat need to take sucralfate?
Treatment duration depends on the condition being treated. For acute esophagitis, 1-2 weeks is typical. For gastric ulcers, 2-4 weeks may be needed. Your vet will determine the appropriate duration. Sucralfate has minimal systemic absorption, making it very safe for short to medium-term use.
Is sucralfate safe for cats with kidney disease?
Use with caution in cats with significant kidney disease. Sucralfate contains aluminum, which is normally excreted by the kidneys. In cats with severely compromised kidney function, aluminum can accumulate and potentially cause toxicity. Your vet will weigh the benefits against this risk.

Safety · 10

More resources