Mirataz for Cats: How It Works, Dosage & Side Effects
Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal ointment) is an FDA-approved appetite stimulant for cats. Applied to the inner ear tip, it stimulates appetite within 1-2 days. It's a game-changer for cats who won't eat due to illness.
Your cat isn't eating, and you're worried. Pills are stressful for both of you. Mirataz offers a simpler solution - a small amount of ointment applied to the ear that can restore your cat's appetite. Here's everything you need to know.
Using Mirataz for your cat?
Track appetite changes, weight, and food intake to see if the medication is working.
Track My Cat's ProgressWhat Is Mirataz?
Mirataz is a topical (transdermal) form of mirtazapine, an appetite-stimulating medication. It's the only FDA-approved transdermal medication for managing weight loss in cats.
- • Drug Name: Mirtazapine
- • Brand Name: Mirataz
- • Form: Transdermal ointment (applied to ear)
- • FDA Approved: Yes, specifically for cats
- • Prescription Required: Yes
How Does Mirataz Work?
Mirtazapine affects several neurotransmitter systems in the brain:
- • Blocks serotonin receptors (5-HT3): Reduces nausea and vomiting
- • Affects histamine receptors: Increases appetite
- • Increases norepinephrine and serotonin: Mild mood enhancement
The result: cats feel less nauseous, more interested in food, and may show increased affection or vocalization (a common side effect).
When Is Mirataz Used?
Mirataz is indicated for weight loss management in cats. Common conditions where it's prescribed:
- • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Most common use - nausea from uremia causes appetite loss
- • Cancer: Both the disease and chemotherapy reduce appetite
- • Pancreatitis: GI inflammation causes nausea and food aversion
- • Hyperthyroidism: Some hyperthyroid cats lose appetite despite weight loss
- • Hepatic Lipidosis: To encourage eating while liver recovers
- • IBD/GI Disease: Chronic GI conditions often reduce appetite
- • Post-Surgery/Illness: Short-term appetite support during recovery
- • Unexplained Appetite Loss: When a cat won't eat despite workup
How to Apply Mirataz
Step-by-Step Application:
- 1.Wear gloves. Mirtazapine can be absorbed through human skin and may cause drowsiness.
- 2.Squeeze a 1.5-inch strip of ointment onto your gloved finger (approximately 2mg mirtazapine per dose).
- 3.Apply to the inner surface of the ear tip (pinna) - the hairless pink area.
- 4.Alternate ears with each dose (left ear today, right ear tomorrow).
- 5.Don't let cat scratch ear for a few minutes after application. Distract with petting.
- 6.Dispose of gloves and wash hands thoroughly.
Important Application Tips:
- • Do NOT apply to broken or irritated skin
- • Keep away from cat's eyes and mouth
- • Don't apply to outside of ear (fur reduces absorption)
- • Clean ear gently before applying if there's debris
- • Keep multi-cat households separated until ointment absorbs (cats may groom each other)
Dosage
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1.5-inch strip (approximately 2mg mirtazapine) |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Application Site | Inner ear pinna (alternate ears daily) |
| Initial Treatment Duration | 14 days, then reassess |
| Onset of Action | 1-2 days (some cats respond sooner) |
Using Mirataz for your cat?
Track appetite changes, weight trends, and medication response. Know if Mirataz is working and share progress with your vet.
Try VetLens FreeSide Effects
Common Side Effects
These are usually mild and often decrease with continued use:
- • Vocalization: Increased meowing, yowling - very common, especially at night
- • Behavioral Changes: Increased affection, restlessness, or mild agitation
- • Application Site Reactions: Redness, residue, or debris on ear (12% of cats)
- • Vomiting: Some cats experience GI upset
- • Hyperactivity: Unusual energy or restlessness
- • Lethargy: Less common, but some cats become drowsy
Serious Side Effects (Contact Vet)
- • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- • Tremors or muscle twitching
- • Difficulty walking or coordination problems
- • Rapid heart rate or breathing
- • Signs of serotonin syndrome (rare) - agitation, tremors, elevated temperature
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Do NOT use Mirataz if your cat is taking:
- • MAO inhibitors: Selegiline (Anipryl) - risk of serotonin syndrome
- • Other serotonergic drugs: Trazodone, fluoxetine, tramadol - increased serotonin syndrome risk
- • Cyproheptadine: May reduce mirtazapine's effectiveness
Always tell your vet about ALL medications and supplements your cat takes.
Use with Caution In:
- • Cats with liver disease (slower drug clearance)
- • Cats with severe kidney disease (adjust dose may be needed)
- • Cats on other sedating medications
- • Pregnant or nursing cats (safety not established)
Mirataz vs. Oral Mirtazapine
- No pilling - applied to ear
- FDA-approved for cats
- Consistent absorption
- Lower GI side effects
- Easier for sick cats
- $80-150 per tube (14 days)
- Requires pilling or hiding in food
- Off-label use in cats
- Variable absorption if vomited
- More GI upset possible
- Stressful for some cats
- ~$20-40 for 30 tablets
| Factor | Mirataz (Transdermal) | Oral Mirtazapine |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Applied to ear - no pilling | Pill or compounded liquid |
| FDA Approved for Cats | Yes | No (off-label) |
| GI Side Effects | Lower | More common |
| Stress Level | Low | Can be high (pilling) |
| Cost | $80-150 (14 days) | $20-40 (30 days) |
Bottom line: Mirataz is more expensive but often worth it for sick cats who can't or won't take pills. The easier administration means better compliance and less stress.
Cost
- • Mirataz 5g tube: $80-150 (approximately 14 days of treatment)
- • Compounded mirtazapine transdermal: $40-80 (varies by pharmacy)
- • Oral mirtazapine tablets: $20-40 for 30 tablets
What to Expect
- Day 1: Apply first dose. Some cats show interest in food within hours.
- Days 1-2: Most cats show improved appetite. May notice increased vocalization.
- Days 3-7: Appetite should be consistently better. Monitor food intake.
- Day 14: Reassess with vet. May continue, adjust dose, or taper off.
When Mirataz Isn't Working
If your cat isn't responding after 3-5 days:
- • Check application technique: Inner ear surface, full 1.5-inch strip
- • Consider underlying disease: May need additional treatment
- • Rule out nausea: Anti-nausea medication (Cerenia) may be needed alongside
- • Check for food aversion: Cat may associate certain foods with feeling sick - try different flavors/textures
- • Talk to your vet: Dose adjustment or alternative approach may be needed
Human Safety
Important for Pet Owners:
- • Always wear gloves when applying Mirataz
- • Mirtazapine can be absorbed through human skin
- • May cause drowsiness if absorbed
- • Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- • Keep away from children
- • Pregnant women should not handle this medication
Track Your Cat's Response to Mirataz
VetLens helps you:
- Log daily food intake and appetite scores
- Track weight changes over time
- Monitor side effects
- Share progress reports with your vet
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Mirataz work for cats?
Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal ointment) is applied to the inner ear tip and absorbed through the skin. It stimulates appetite by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain. Most cats show improved appetite within 1-2 days of starting treatment.
How do I apply Mirataz to my cat?
Apply a 1.5-inch strip (approximately 2mg mirtazapine) to the inner surface of the ear tip (pinna). Alternate ears with each dose. Wear gloves when applying. Apply once daily for 14 days, then reassess with your vet.
What are the side effects of Mirataz in cats?
Common side effects include vocalization, increased affection or agitation, hyperactivity, and vomiting. Application site reactions (redness, debris) can occur. Serious side effects are rare but contact your vet if you notice tremors, severe vomiting, or unusual behavior.
How much does Mirataz cost?
Mirataz typically costs $80-150 for a 5g tube, which provides approximately 14 days of treatment. Generic compounded mirtazapine transdermal may cost less but varies by compounding pharmacy.
Is Mirataz better than mirtazapine pills for cats?
Mirataz is often preferred because: no pilling required (applied to ear), more consistent absorption, FDA-approved specifically for cats, and better tolerated. Oral mirtazapine can cause more GI side effects and is harder to give to sick cats.
What conditions is Mirataz used for?
Mirataz is FDA-approved for weight loss management in cats. It's commonly used for cats with chronic kidney disease, cancer, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, and any condition causing reduced appetite or unintended weight loss.