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PetDosageChart

Desyrel (Trazodone) Dosage for Cats

Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI) ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ 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.

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Desyrel Dosage Chart for Cats by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose 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

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

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 of Desyrel in cats

Common side effects

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

Serious side effects

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

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

Related Medications for Cats

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Prozac

Fluoxetine

For urine spraying

View dosage chart
Serotonin (5-HT3) antagonist antiemetic

Zofran

Ondansetron

For nausea

View dosage chart
NK1 receptor antagonist / Antiemetic

Cerenia

Maropitant

For vomiting

View dosage chart
H2 receptor antagonist

Pepcid

Famotidine

For stomach acid reduction

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 Trazodone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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