Cerenia for Cats: Dosage, Uses & Side Effects
Cerenia for Cats Quick Facts
Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is the most effective anti-nausea medication for cats. It blocks the vomiting center in the brain and works within 1-2 hours. Commonly used for kidney disease, motion sickness, and post-surgical nausea.
Giving your cat Cerenia?
Track vomiting episodes and appetite changes to see if the medication is working.
Track My Cat's ProgressYour cat has been nauseous, vomiting, or refusing food, and your vet prescribed Cerenia. Here's everything you need to know about this powerful anti-nausea medication - how it works, proper dosing, and what to expect.
What Is Cerenia?
Cerenia is the brand name for maropitant citrate, a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. It's specifically designed to prevent and treat vomiting by blocking signals to the vomiting center in the brain.
- • Drug Name: Maropitant citrate
- • Brand Name: Cerenia
- • Forms: Tablets (16mg, 24mg, 60mg, 160mg) and Injectable (10mg/mL)
- • FDA Approved: Yes, for dogs; used off-label in cats (very common and well-studied)
- • Prescription Required: Yes
How Does Cerenia Work?
Cerenia works by blocking substance P, a neurotransmitter that triggers vomiting. It acts on the vomiting center in the brain (chemoreceptor trigger zone) and on receptors in the GI tract. This dual action makes it effective for both central causes of nausea (like motion sickness) and peripheral causes (like GI inflammation).
Key Benefits of Cerenia:
- • Stops vomiting at the source - blocks the brain's vomiting center
- • Reduces nausea - cats feel better and may eat
- • Long-acting - once daily dosing
- • Multiple routes - injectable for acute cases, tablets for home use
- • Well-tolerated - fewer side effects than older anti-nausea drugs
Common Uses in Cats
Uremic toxins cause nausea. Cerenia helps CKD cats feel better and eat. Often used with Mirataz for appetite.
Give 2 hours before car travel. Prevents vomiting and drooling during trips. Much more effective than Dramamine.
Severe nausea is common with pancreatitis. Cerenia is a key part of treatment.
Prevents chemo-induced nausea and vomiting. Often given before and after treatment.
Anesthesia commonly causes nausea. Cerenia helps cats recover and eat sooner.
Short-term use for vomiting episodes. Works for both acute and chronic GI conditions.
| Condition | Why Cerenia Helps | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Kidney Disease | Uremic toxins cause nausea; helps cats eat | Ongoing or as needed |
| Motion Sickness | Blocks vestibular nausea signals | Single dose before travel |
| Pancreatitis | Severe nausea from inflammation | 3-7 days typically |
| Chemotherapy | Prevents chemo-induced vomiting | Around each treatment |
| Post-Surgical | Anesthesia causes nausea | 1-3 days |
| Acute Vomiting/IBD | Stops vomiting cycle | Until resolved |
Cerenia Dosage for Cats
Standard Dosing:
- Oral Tablets: 1 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb) once daily
- Injectable: 1 mg/kg subcutaneously or IV once daily
- Motion Sickness: Give 2 hours before travel
- Minimum Age: 16 weeks for tablets, 8 weeks for injectable
Dosing by Cat Weight
| Cat Weight | Approximate Dose | Tablet Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 5-8 lbs (2.3-3.6 kg) | ~4 mg | 1/4 of 16mg tablet |
| 8-11 lbs (3.6-5 kg) | ~8 mg | 1/2 of 16mg tablet |
| 11-16 lbs (5-7.3 kg) | ~12 mg | 3/4 of 16mg tablet |
| 16+ lbs (7.3+ kg) | 16 mg | Full 16mg tablet |
Note: Cerenia tablets can be given with or without food. If your cat vomits the tablet, do not re-dose - wait until the next scheduled dose.
Managing a cat with chronic nausea?
Track medication doses, appetite changes, and vomiting episodes. Know what's working and share progress with your vet.
Try VetLens FreeHow Fast Does Cerenia Work?
- • Injectable: 30-60 minutes for full effect
- • Oral tablets: 1-2 hours for full effect
- • Duration: Approximately 24 hours
- • For motion sickness: Give oral dose 2 hours before travel
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Cerenia is generally well-tolerated. Side effects are typically mild:
- • Drooling/Hypersalivation: Especially with injectable form - usually resolves quickly
- • Decreased appetite initially: Paradoxically, some cats eat less at first
- • Lethargy: Mild sedation in some cats
- • Diarrhea: Occasional GI effects
- • Pain at injection site: Injectable can sting (refrigerate to reduce)
When to Call Your Vet
- • Vomiting continues despite Cerenia
- • Severe lethargy or weakness
- • Allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing - rare)
- • Cat still refuses to eat after 2-3 days on Cerenia
Precautions & Drug Interactions
Use with Caution In:
- • Cats with liver disease (metabolized by liver)
- • Very young kittens (under 16 weeks for tablets, under 8 weeks for injectable)
- • Pregnant or nursing cats (safety not established)
- • Cats on other protein-bound drugs (may interact)
Drug Interactions
Cerenia is highly protein-bound, so it may interact with other protein-bound medications:
- • NSAIDs (like Metacam)
- • Phenobarbital
- • Cardiac medications
Always tell your vet about all medications and supplements your cat takes. In most cases, these interactions are not clinically significant.
Cost
| Form | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 16mg tablet (single) | $5-8 |
| 16mg tablet (4-pack) | $25-40 |
| Injectable (at vet) | $20-50 per injection |
| Generic maropitant | $3-6 per tablet |
Cerenia vs Other Anti-Nausea Medications
- Most effective anti-vomiting
- Works on brain and GI tract
- 24-hour duration
- Well-tolerated
- Higher cost
- Serotonin blocker
- Good for chemo nausea
- Shorter duration (8-12 hrs)
- Less effective for motion sickness
- Lower cost
- Prokinetic (moves gut)
- Multiple daily doses needed
- More side effects
- Older medication
- Lowest cost
| Medication | Effectiveness | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cerenia | Excellent | 24 hours | $$$ |
| Ondansetron | Good | 8-12 hours | $$ |
| Metoclopramide | Moderate | 6-8 hours | $ |
Tips for Giving Cerenia
- • Can be given with or without food - some cats tolerate it better with a small amount of food
- • Tablets are bitter - don't crush; use pill pockets or hide in treats
- • For motion sickness: Give 2 hours before travel on an empty stomach
- • If cat vomits tablet: Don't re-dose; wait until next scheduled dose
- • Store properly: Room temperature, away from light
- • Refrigerate injectable: Reduces sting at injection site
Track Your Cat's Response to Cerenia
VetLens helps you:
- Log vomiting episodes and timing
- Track appetite changes
- Monitor medication effectiveness
- Share progress reports with your vet
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cerenia used for in cats?
Cerenia (maropitant) is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting in cats. Common uses include: chronic kidney disease nausea, motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced vomiting, pancreatitis, post-surgical nausea, and general GI upset.
What is the Cerenia dosage for cats?
The standard Cerenia dose for cats is 1 mg/kg (about 0.45 mg/lb) once daily. It comes in 16mg, 24mg, 60mg, and 160mg tablets. Injectable form (10mg/mL) is also available. For motion sickness, give 2 hours before travel.
How fast does Cerenia work in cats?
Injectable Cerenia works within 30-60 minutes. Oral tablets take 1-2 hours for full effect. The anti-nausea effect lasts approximately 24 hours, which is why it's dosed once daily.
What are the side effects of Cerenia in cats?
Cerenia is generally well-tolerated in cats. Possible side effects include: drooling (especially with injectable), decreased appetite initially, lethargy, diarrhea, and pain at injection site. Serious side effects are rare.
Can I give my cat Cerenia every day?
Yes, Cerenia can be given daily for chronic conditions like kidney disease. Studies have shown it's safe for extended use. However, always follow your vet's specific instructions for duration of treatment.
How much does Cerenia cost for cats?
Cerenia tablets cost approximately $5-10 per tablet depending on dosage. A 4-tablet pack typically costs $25-40. Injectable Cerenia at the vet costs $20-50 per injection. Generic maropitant may be less expensive.