# Cerenia Tablets for Cats: Forms, Doses, and Limits You cannot buy it over the counter, and it has no role in treating feline asthma. It is used for vomiting, including vomiting caused by motion sickness and certain medical triggers. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Cerenia tablets are prescription-only in the U.S. There is no legal over-the-counter version for cats. Your veterinarian picks the strength and the number of tablets based on your cat's weight. - Maropitant, the active drug in Cerenia, clearly reduces vomiting risk in cats. In a pooled analysis of controlled feline studies, vomiting occurred in 11 of 141 cats given maropitant compared with 70 of 152 controls [1]. - Cerenia does not treat asthma. It is an antiemetic, meaning it blocks the vomiting reflex. It does nothing for inflamed airways. - Never split, crush, or re-dose a tablet on your own. Call your veterinarian if a dose is missed or if you think your cat got too much. ## What Cerenia Tablets Are and What Veterinarians Use Them For Cerenia is the brand name for maropitant citrate. It is a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, and it is labeled for the treatment of vomiting in dogs and cats [2]. In cats, veterinarians reach for it when a cat is vomiting from a known or suspected trigger, when nausea is interfering with eating, or when vomiting needs to be prevented before a stressful event such as a car ride. Vomiting in cats has many causes. Some are mild and short-lived, such as eating something upsetting. Others are serious, such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, intestinal blockage, or toxin exposure. Cerenia stops the vomiting reflex, but it does not fix the underlying problem. That is why your veterinarian will usually want to know why your cat is vomiting, not just how to stop it. Cerenia also has a place in preventing vomiting tied to certain drugs. Emesis is a common adverse effect in cats receiving alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and opioids, and it can compromise safety during procedures [1]. A veterinarian may give maropitant before or during such treatment to keep the cat comfortable. If your cat takes other prescription medicines, it helps to understand how cat prescriptions work in general. You can read more about [Prescription Medicine For Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/prescription-medicine-for-cats) to see how dosing, refills, and monitoring usually fit together. ### Tablets, Injection, and Compounded Forms Cerenia comes as tablets and as an injectable solution [3]. The injectable form is common in clinics because a vomiting cat may not keep a pill down. Some veterinarians also use a compounded transdermal gel made from finely ground Cerenia tablets, dissolved in propylene glycol and mixed into a liposomal base, applied to the inner ear [3]. In one small study, eight cats weighing 2 to 7 kg received 4 mg per cat once daily by this route for five days [3]. That is a study setting, not a standard home protocol, and compounded products vary in quality. Ask your veterinarian before using any compounded form. ## How Cerenia Works in Cats Vomiting is a reflex controlled in part by a brain region called the vomiting center. Maropitant blocks NK-1 receptors, which are targets for substance P, a signaling molecule involved in triggering nausea and vomiting. By blocking that signal, maropitant raises the threshold for vomiting. This is a targeted effect, not a sedative effect. Your cat should not act drugged from Cerenia. Some cats do seem quieter after a dose, but the main goal is to settle the stomach and stop the retching. One thing owners sometimes notice is a change in gut motion. In healthy adult dogs, a 1 mg/kg subcutaneous dose of maropitant significantly decreased the rate of peristalsis in the stomach and jejunum without significantly changing intestinal diameter or wall thickness [2]. That finding comes from dogs, not cats, so it may not apply the same way to your cat. Still, it is a useful reminder that this drug acts on the gut as well as the brain, and it is one reason veterinarians do not use it casually for every stomach upset. ## Cerenia for Cats Tablets: Dosing Basics ### Who Decides the Dose Your veterinarian decides the dose. There is no safe home dose chart for Cerenia in cats. The right amount depends on your cat's weight, the reason for vomiting, whether the cat is also getting other drugs, and whether the tablet or injection is being used. Because cats are small, many doses involve a fraction of a tablet. Your veterinarian will tell you exactly what to give, often in milligrams and sometimes in a quarter or half tablet. Do not guess. Do not use a dog's Cerenia tablet for your cat unless your veterinarian has calculated the dose for your cat's weight. ### How to Give It Cerenia tablets are given by mouth. Many cats will take a small piece hidden in a treat or a small amount of food, but check with your veterinarian first, because food can affect how the drug is absorbed. If your cat is actively vomiting, a pill may come right back up. In that case, call your veterinarian. They may switch to the injectable form or a compounded option. Do not crush or split a tablet unless your veterinarian tells you to. Uneven pieces mean uneven doses. ### Missed Doses If you miss a dose, do not double up. Give the next dose at the normal time, or call your veterinarian for guidance. If your cat vomited shortly after a dose, do not repeat it without asking. A second dose on top of the first can push your cat toward overdose. If your cat is on other long-term medicines, such as insulin, timing matters. Our guide to [Insulin Glargine for Cats: Feline Diabetes Dose and Glucose Curve](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/insulin-glargine-for-cats-feline-diabetes-dose-and-glucose-curve) explains why consistent timing keeps some drugs working predictably. ## Side Effects of Cerenia in Cats Most cats tolerate Cerenia well. Side effects tend to be mild and short-lived, but some signs need a call to your veterinarian. | Side effect | How common or serious | What to do | |---|---|---| | Sleepiness or quieter behavior | Common and usually mild | Let your cat rest. Call your veterinarian if it lasts more than a day or seems excessive. | | Drooling, lip smacking, or lip licking | Common and usually mild | This often happens with bitter tablets. Offer water and watch for improvement. | | Vomiting that does not stop | Serious | Call your veterinarian the same day. Cerenia may not be the right treatment, or the cause may be more serious. | | Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours | Serious | Call your veterinarian. Cats that stop eating can develop liver problems quickly. | | Weakness, wobbling, or collapse | Emergency | Go to a veterinary emergency clinic now. | | Swelling of the face, hives, or trouble breathing | Emergency | Go to a veterinary emergency clinic now. | | Yellow gums, yellow eyes, or dark urine | Emergency | Go to a veterinary emergency clinic now. | If you are also giving your cat other supplements or over-the-counter products, be careful. Some products that seem gentle are not. Our article on [CBD Oil for Cats: Feline Safety Profile and THC Toxicity](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/cbd-oil-for-cats-feline-safety-profile-and-thc-toxicity) covers why unregulated products can cause real harm, and the same caution applies to any product you add to a cat already taking Cerenia. ## Who Should Not Take Cerenia, and Drug Interactions Cerenia is not right for every cat. Tell your veterinarian about all medicines, supplements, and recent treatments before your cat gets Cerenia. Cats with liver disease need extra caution. Maropitant is processed by the liver, and a cat with reduced liver function may clear the drug more slowly. Your veterinarian may lower the dose, avoid the drug, or monitor liver values. Cats that are pregnant, nursing, or being used for breeding should not get Cerenia unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it. Safety in these groups is not well established. Young kittens need a veterinarian's judgment. The transdermal study enrolled cats more than 6 months old, so that research does not tell us about younger kittens [3]. Drug interactions matter. Tell your veterinarian about any sedatives, pain medicines, heart medicines, or seizure medicines your cat takes. Some drugs that cause vomiting, such as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists and opioids, are also drugs that may be given alongside an antiemetic, and the combination needs to be planned [1]. Never mix prescription medicines on your own. ## Cerenia for Cats Over the Counter: Why You Cannot Buy It Cerenia for cats over the counter does not exist in the United States. It is a prescription drug, which means a licensed veterinarian must examine your cat and authorize the medicine. There are good reasons for that rule. Vomiting is a symptom, not a diagnosis. A cat that vomits could have a harmless stomach upset, or it could have a swallowed toy, a kidney problem, or a toxin on board. Giving an anti-vomiting drug without knowing the cause can hide a serious problem and delay treatment. Prescription status also protects your cat from wrong dosing. A well-meaning owner who buys pills online or uses a dog's supply can easily give too much. If you see Cerenia sold without a prescription, treat that as a red flag. The product may be counterfeit, expired, or stored improperly. Ask your veterinarian for a legitimate prescription instead. ## Cerenia for Cats 16 mg and Tablet Sizes Here is what matters more than the number on the tablet. Your veterinarian calculates the dose from your cat's weight and health, and many cats need only part of a tablet. The decision belongs to your veterinarian. Do not cut tablets to make your own dose unless your veterinarian has given you specific instructions. Uneven cuts can mean your cat gets too little to help or too much for safety. ## Cerenia for Cats Asthma: Does It Help? Cerenia for cats asthma is a common search, and the answer is no. Cerenia is an antiemetic. It blocks the vomiting reflex. Asthma is a disease of inflamed, narrowed airways, and it is treated with medicines that reduce airway inflammation and open the airways. Giving Cerenia to an asthmatic cat will not ease coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing. Worse, it could delay the treatment your cat actually needs. If your cat is coughing or struggling to breathe, that is an emergency. Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. If your cat has both vomiting and asthma, those are two separate problems. Your veterinarian will treat each one with the right drug. Do not assume one medicine covers both. ## Overdose and When to Call for Help Too much Cerenia can cause vomiting, sleepiness, wobbling, drooling, or a fast or slow heart rate. If you think your cat ate extra tablets, act right away. Do not wait for symptoms. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately. Have the tablet strength, the number of tablets, and the time of exposure ready. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home. Home remedies can cause more harm than the overdose itself. If your cat is having trouble breathing, is collapsed, or is having seizures, go to an emergency clinic now. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian Cerenia is a tool, not a cure. It can stop vomiting while your veterinarian works on the cause, but it cannot fix an obstruction, an infection, or organ disease. It also has real limits in cats with liver problems, in young kittens, and in pregnant or nursing cats. Call your veterinarian the same day if your cat keeps vomiting after a dose, refuses food for more than 24 hours, seems painful in the belly, or has diarrhea with blood. These signs suggest the problem is bigger than simple nausea. Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat is struggling to breathe, collapsing, having seizures, has a swollen face, or has yellow gums or eyes. Breathing trouble in a cat is always urgent. Schedule a routine visit if your cat vomits repeatedly over days or weeks, even if Cerenia helps each time. Recurring vomiting needs a diagnosis, not just a refill. Every cat is different, and only your veterinarian can decide what is safe for your cat. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I buy Cerenia for my cat without a prescription? No. Cerenia is a prescription medicine in the United States, so a veterinarian must examine your cat and authorize it. Buying it from an unverified seller risks counterfeit or spoiled product. Ask your veterinarian for a legitimate prescription instead. ### Is Cerenia safe to give every day? That depends on your cat and the reason for treatment. Some cats need only a single dose, while others may need a short course. Long-term use should be guided by your veterinarian, who may check liver values over time. Never extend a course on your own. ### What should I do if my cat vomits right after taking the tablet? Do not give another dose. Call your veterinarian and describe what happened, including how soon the vomiting started. They may switch to the injectable form or adjust the plan. Repeating a dose can lead to an overdose. ### Can Cerenia help with hairballs? No. Hairballs are not the same as vomiting from nausea, and Cerenia targets the vomiting reflex. Frequent hairballs or retching should be checked by a veterinarian, because they can signal a digestive problem. Treatment depends on the cause. ### Does Cerenia interact with flea or parasite preventives? Usually not, but you should still tell your veterinarian about every product your cat receives. Some preventives are prescription drugs with their own dosing rules, such as the combination product covered in our guide to [Revolution Plus for Cats: Selamectin Sarolaner Feline Dose Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/revolution-plus-for-cats-selamectin-sarolaner-feline-dose-guide). Your veterinarian can check for interactions before starting Cerenia. ## Related Articles - [Revolution Plus for Cats: Selamectin Sarolaner Feline Dose Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/revolution-plus-for-cats-selamectin-sarolaner-feline-dose-guide) - [Insulin Glargine for Cats: Feline Diabetes Dose and Glucose Curve](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/insulin-glargine-for-cats-feline-diabetes-dose-and-glucose-curve) - [CBD Oil for Cats: Feline Safety Profile and THC Toxicity](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/cbd-oil-for-cats-feline-safety-profile-and-thc-toxicity) - [Prescription Medicine For Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/prescription-medicine-for-cats) - [Can I Give My Cat Melatonin? Safety, Dosage, and When to Avoid It](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/can-i-give-my-cat-melatonin) - [Prednisolone for Cats: Feline Safe Steroid Dose and Autoimmune](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/prednisolone-for-cats-feline-safe-steroid-dose-and-autoimmune) - [Cerenia for Cats: Side Effects and Dosing Basics](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/cerenia-cats-side-effects-dosage) - [Cerenia Nasal Drops and Injections for Cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/cerenia-nasal-drops-injection-cats) - [Maropitant (Cerenia) for Cats: Appetite and Dosing](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/maropitant-cerenia-for-cats) ## References 1. [Receptor-Targeted Antiemetic Strategies in Cats: A Systematic Review and Intervention-Specific Meta-Analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42599757/). Veterinary medicine and science, 2026. 2. [Maropitant Citrate Administration Significantly Decreases the Rate of Peristalsis in the Stomach and Jejunum and Does Not Significantly Alter Intestinal Diameter or Intestinal Wall Thickness in Healthy Adult Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42083426/). Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association, 2026. 3. [Evaluation of the efficacy of transdermal administration of maropitant in managing vomiting in cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36589400/). Open veterinary journal, 2022. ## Further Reading - [American Veterinary Medical Association: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information)