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PetDosageChart

Ultram (Tramadol) Dosage for Cats

Opioid Analgesic (Atypical) ⏱ Onset: 30-60 minutes ⏳ Duration: 6-12 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.

Dosage Calculator

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Ultram 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 3mg 5.5mg Every 12 hours
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 2mg 3.5mg 7mg Every 12 hours
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg 9mg Every 12 hours
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 2.5mg 5.5mg 11mg Every 12 hours
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 3mg 6.5mg 13mg Every 12 hours
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 3.5mg 7mg 14.5mg Every 12 hours
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 4mg 8mg 16.5mg Every 12 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 4.5mg 9mg 18mg Every 12 hours
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 5.5mg 11mg 21.5mg Every 12 hours
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 6.5mg 12.5mg 25mg Every 12 hours
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 7.5mg 14.5mg 29mg Every 12 hours
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 8mg 16.5mg 33mg Every 12 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 9mg 18mg 36.5mg Every 12 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 11.5mg 22.5mg 45mg (50mg tablet) Every 12 hours

What is Ultram (Tramadol) used for in cats?

Moderate to severe pain management Post-surgical pain Osteoarthritis pain Cancer pain Chronic pain conditions

How to give Ultram to your cat

Tramadol is extremely bitter—this is the biggest challenge when giving it to cats. NEVER crush the tablet. If you must use tablets, cut to the prescribed dose, coat in butter or wrap in a pill pocket, and use a pill gun to place it at the back of the tongue. Follow immediately with a syringe of tuna water or low-sodium chicken broth to wash it down and mask any bitter taste. For long-term use, strongly consider asking your vet for a compounded flavored liquid or transdermal (ear gel) formulation, which avoids the taste issue entirely. Give with food to reduce nausea.

Available Forms

Tablet, Compounded liquid, Compounded transdermal

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Ultram in cats

Common side effects

Sedation and drowsiness
Dilated pupils (mydriasis)
Euphoria or dysphoria
Constipation
Decreased appetite

Serious side effects

  • Serotonin syndrome (when combined with other serotonergic drugs)
  • Seizures
  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Severe constipation or ileus

When to call the vet

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

  • Extreme sedation, difficulty waking, or very slow breathing
  • Seizures or severe tremors
  • Agitation, vocalization, or signs of distress (possible dysphoria)
  • No bowel movement for more than 48 hours (severe constipation)
  • Vomiting or complete refusal to eat for more than 24 hours

Related Medications for Cats

Partial opioid agonist

Simbadol

Buprenorphine

For moderate pain relief

View dosage chart
Anticonvulsant / Analgesic

Neurontin

Gabapentin

For pain management

View dosage chart
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Onsior

Robenacoxib

For post-surgical pain

View dosage chart
Monoclonal antibody (anti-nerve growth factor)

Solensia

Frunevetmab

For osteoarthritis pain

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 Tramadol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tramadol effective for pain in cats?
Yes, tramadol is considered more effective in cats than in dogs for pain relief. Cats produce higher levels of the active metabolite (O-desmethyltramadol, or M1) that provides opioid-like pain relief. This makes tramadol a useful option for managing moderate to severe pain in cats, including post-surgical pain, arthritis, and cancer pain.
Why is tramadol so hard to give to cats?
Tramadol has an extremely bitter taste that cats find highly aversive. Even a brief taste can cause intense drooling, foaming, and head shaking. The standard 50 mg tablet is also quite large relative to cat doses. Compounded formulations (flavored liquids or transdermal gels) are strongly recommended for cats. If you must use tablets, give them whole—never crush—and follow with water or a treat immediately.
How much tramadol can I give my cat?
The typical tramadol dose for cats is 1-4 mg/kg given every 12 hours. For an average 4 kg cat, this is approximately 4-16 mg per dose. Since standard tablets are 50 mg, your vet will likely prescribe a fraction of a tablet or a compounded formulation for accurate dosing. Never adjust the dose without consulting your veterinarian.
Can tramadol cause dilated pupils in cats?
Yes, mydriasis (dilated pupils) is a very common and expected side effect of tramadol in cats. It is not harmful but can make your cat sensitive to bright light. This effect typically resolves as the medication wears off. If pupils remain dilated continuously or are accompanied by other neurological signs, contact your vet.
Is tramadol a controlled substance for cats?
Yes, tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. Your vet will need to write a prescription for it, and there may be limitations on refills. Keep the medication securely stored away from children and other pets. Report any lost or stolen medication to your vet.

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