Cerenia for Cats: Comprehensive Guide to Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety

Effective relief for feline nausea with clear dosing advice and safety insights.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 15, 2025

Effective relief for feline nausea with clear dosing advice and safety insights.

Cerenia for Cats: What Every Cat Parent Should Know

Caring for your cat sometimes means managing challenging health issues like vomiting and nausea. Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is a trusted veterinary medication that helps control and prevent these symptoms, offering relief to countless felines and peace of mind to their owners. This comprehensive guide explains everything cat parents should know about Cerenia: from its uses, dosing recommendations, safety precautions, to practical administration tips and frequently asked questions.

What Is Cerenia?

Cerenia is an antiemetic medicationâthat is, a drug specifically designed to prevent and treat vomiting in cats and dogs. The active ingredient is maropitant citrate. Developed by Zoetis, Cerenia works by blocking certain signals in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting, regardless of the initial trigger (such as illness, toxins, or motion sickness) .

FDA approval: Cerenia injectable is FDA-approved for use in cats. Cerenia tablets are FDA-approved for dogs, but commonly prescribed off-label for cats.
Types: Available as oral tablets and as an injectable solution.
Main uses: Treating and preventing vomiting, motion sickness, and nausea due to various causes.

How Does Cerenia Work?

Cerenia acts centrally on the neurological systemâspecifically, it blocks substance P neuroreceptors in the brainâs vomiting center. This central action means Cerenia can stop vomiting as well as the feeling of nausea itself, instead of simply dampening outward symptoms .

Common Uses of Cerenia in Cats

Treatment of acute vomiting: Whether due to gastrointestinal upset, kidney disease, or other underlying causes.
Management of nausea: Including cases related to chronic illness (like kidney or liver disease).
Prevention of motion sickness: For cats who experience nausea during car rides or travel.
Supportive care during chemotherapy: Helping reduce nausea from cancer treatments.

Cerenia Dosage for Cats

The correct dosage depends on your catâs weight, age, health status, and the reason for prescription. Always follow your veterinarianâs specific instructions.

Form	Dose	Frequency	Route
Injectable	1 mg per kg (body weight)	Once daily (up to 5 days)	Under the skin (subcutaneous) or intravenous
Tablet (off-label)	1 mg per pound (body weight)	Once daily (duration varies)	By mouth (oral)

For example, a 12-pound cat would typically receive a 12 mg dose orally; this is often given as half or a whole 16 mg scored tablet, depending on the vetâs calculation .

Oral tablets: Usually peach-colored, available in scored 16 mg and 24 mg sizes, packaged in sets of 4.
Injectable solution: Supplied in vials (10 mg/mL strength), predominantly administered by vets.
Duration: Most prescriptions are limited to once daily for up to five days, especially for injectable form .
For kittens or seniors: Dose adjustments may be necessary for very young or elderly catsâyour vet will factor in age, organ function, and any concurrent illnesses .

Missed Dose

If your cat misses a dose of Cerenia, you may notice vomiting or decreased appetite later that day. Missing one dose is generally not life threatening, but consult your veterinarian if you have concerns or if multiple doses are missed .

How to Administer Cerenia to Your Cat

Oral administration: Can be given with or without food, but offering a small treat or meal helps reduce the risk of stomach upset. Many cats resist pills, so try pill pockets or hiding the tablet in a favorite treat. Make sure your cat swallows the entire dose; if your cat vomits within one hour of dose, consult the vet about re-dosing .
Injectable administration: Generally performed by a veterinary professional for accuracy and safety. The subcutaneous injection ensures rapid action and is often used when oral medication cannot be tolerated (e.g., in actively vomiting cats) .

Possible Side Effects of Cerenia in Cats

Cerenia is generally well tolerated by cats, but all medications carry some risk of side effects.

Pain at injection site (for injectable form)âtypically mild and transient
Lethargy or mild sedation
Decreased appetite (less common)
Hypersalivation (drooling)
Diarrhea or softer stools
Rare but severe reactions: Swelling, hives, or more serious allergic reactions. If you notice facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or collapse, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Report any side effects to your veterinarian promptly, especially if they persist or seem severe.

Cerenia Cost for Cats

Tablets: A 16 mg tablet costs around $5â$6. Boxes of 4 tablets cost $20â$24. Smaller doses (e.g., 1/4 tablet for a smaller cat) will proportionally reduce cost per dose .
Injectable: A single injection typically costs $5â$10, but a full vial (for multiple doses or larger cats) can cost over $200. Most cat parents pay per injection administered at the vet clinic.

Prices vary regionally and depending on your veterinarianâs fees.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Interactions: Cerenia binds strongly to plasma proteins and can compete with other protein-bound drugs, including certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, and heart medications .
Underlying conditions: Use caution in cats with liver disease, as maropitant is processed by the liver.
Age limitations: Extra care is required when prescribing Cerenia to kittens, especially those less than 16 weeks old, and older, frailer cats.
Not intended for chronic, long-term, or daily prevention of vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

When Should You Not Give Cerenia?

If your cat is allergic to maropitant or any ingredient in Cerenia
If your cat has a known liver disorder (unless prescribed by a veterinary specialist with careful monitoring)
For kittens under 16 weeks without clear veterinary direction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Cerenia safe for all cats?

When used as prescribed, Cerenia is considered safe for most cats. Special attention is needed for kittens, seniors, cats with liver disease, and those on multiple medications. Always consult your vet before starting any new medication.

How long does it take Cerenia to work?

Injectable Cerenia begins to work within minutes. Oral tablets usually take 1â2 hours to take effect.

How long does a dose of Cerenia last?

Each dose (oral or injectable) lasts approximately 24 hours.

My cat hates pills. Any advice?

Try hiding the tablet in a pill pocket or a small amount of wet food.
Use a pill popper if comfortable, or ask your vet for tips.
If pilling is impossible, ask your veterinarian about injectable options or compounding pharmacies.

Will Cerenia make my cat sleepy?

Lethargy is an uncommon side effect, but Cerenia is not a sedative and should not cause drowsiness in most cats. If your cat seems excessively sleepy, inform your vet.

What happens if my cat vomits after taking the medication?

If vomiting occurs within one hour of giving Cerenia, contact your veterinary clinic. They may recommend repeating the dose or adjusting the timing in the future.

Can Cerenia be used for chronic vomiting?

Cerenia is designed for short-term use or crisis management. Chronic vomiting may signal a more serious underlying problem, so consult your vet for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.

Important Takeaways for Cat Parents

Follow your veterinarianâs instructions exactly; never change the dose or duration without professional advice.
Monitor your cat for side effects during treatment.
Address missed doses or accidental overdoses promptlyâcall your vet if concerned.
Discuss all medications your cat takes, including over-the-counter remedies, to avoid potential interactions.

Conclusion

Cerenia provides vital relief from vomiting and nausea, improving comfort and wellbeing for cats of all ages. When prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian, it is a safe and effective option for treating both acute and motion-related symptoms. Always maintain open communication with your vet, keep a close watch on your cat while on new medication, and ask questions when uncertain. With proper care, Cerenia can help your feline feel like themselves againâfaster.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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