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Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI) · For Cats

How much Trazodone (Desyrel) can I give my cat?

Standard Trazodone dose for cats is 3.5 mg per kg (1.59 mg per lb), given As needed or every 8-24 hours. Use the calculator below for your cat's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-2 hours
Duration
6-12 hours
Class
Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI)

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

Desyrel dose by cat weight

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Dosage Chart · 02

Desyrel dosage for cats by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 3mg 5mg 7mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 3.5mg 6.5mg 9mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 4.5mg 8mg 11.5mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 5.5mg 9.5mg 13.5mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 6.5mg 11mg 16mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 7mg 12.5mg 18mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 8mg 14.5mg 20.5mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 9mg 16mg 22.5mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 11mg 19mg 27mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 12.5mg 22mg 31.5mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 14.5mg 25.5mg 36.5mg As needed or every 8-24 hours
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 16.5mg 28.5mg 41mg (50mg tablet) As needed or every 8-24 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 18mg 32mg 45.5mg (50mg tablet) As needed or every 8-24 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 22.5mg 39.5mg (50mg tablet) 56.5mg (50mg tablet) As needed or every 8-24 hours

Common Uses · 03

What is Desyrel (Trazodone) used for in cats?

Anxiety and fear reduction Pre-veterinary visit sedation Post-surgical confinement stress Travel anxiety Inter-cat aggression

Administration · 04

How to give Desyrel to your cat

Trazodone tablets can be given whole, hidden in a pill pocket or soft treat, or crushed and mixed into a small amount of wet food. For cats that are difficult to pill, ask your vet about compounded liquid or transdermal (ear) formulations. If hiding in food, use a small amount of strong-smelling food like tuna to mask any taste. Give with food to reduce stomach upset. For vet visit anxiety, administer 1.5-2 hours before the appointment.

Available Forms

Tablet, Compounded liquid, Compounded transdermal

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Desyrel in cats

Common side effects

Sedation and drowsiness
Ataxia (wobbly walking)
Decreased appetite
Gastrointestinal upset

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • Serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremors, hyperthermia)
  • Severe hypotension
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Priapism (rare)

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

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

  • Extreme lethargy or inability to wake your cat
  • Tremors, muscle twitching, or agitation (possible serotonin syndrome)
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
  • Collapse or severe unsteadiness lasting more than a few hours

For Dogs

Looking for Trazodone dosage for dogs?

View the Trazodone 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 Trazodone.

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 3.5 mg per kg (1.59 mg per lb) of body weight, given As needed or every 8-24 hours. 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

How much trazodone can I give my cat?
The typical dose of trazodone for cats is 2-5 mg/kg. Most veterinarians start at the low end (around 2-3 mg/kg) and increase if needed. For a 4 kg cat, this means roughly 8-20 mg. Always follow your veterinarian's specific dosing instructions, as individual cats can vary in sensitivity.
How long does trazodone take to work in cats?
Trazodone typically begins working in cats within 1-2 hours after oral administration. For best results before a vet visit, give it 1.5-2 hours before the appointment. Some cats may respond faster, while others may take the full 2 hours to show noticeable sedation.
Can trazodone be used long-term in cats?
Trazodone can be used both as-needed and as a longer-term treatment for anxiety in cats. When used regularly, your vet may want to perform periodic blood work to monitor liver function. Many cats tolerate it well for extended periods, but it should always be used under veterinary supervision.
Is trazodone safe for cats with kidney disease?
Trazodone is primarily metabolized by the liver, so cats with kidney disease may still be able to take it. However, dose adjustments may be necessary, and your vet should evaluate your cat's overall health before prescribing. Cats with both liver and kidney issues require extra caution.
Can I combine trazodone with gabapentin for my cat?
Yes, trazodone and gabapentin are often used together in cats for enhanced anxiety relief, especially before stressful events like vet visits. This combination is widely recommended by veterinary behaviorists. However, both drugs cause sedation, so doses may need to be reduced when combined. Always consult your vet for the correct combination dosing.

Safety · 10

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