# Metoclopramide for Cats: Uses, Doses, and Side Effects Metoclopramide is a prescription anti-nausea and stomach-emptying medicine that veterinarians give to cats to stop vomiting and help the stomach move food along. Most cats handle it well, and the metoclopramide for cats side effects you are most likely to see are sleepiness, restlessness, or a change in behavior. Serious reactions are uncommon but possible, so knowing what to watch for matters. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Metoclopramide treats nausea and vomiting and helps the stomach empty faster. It is often sent home after a vomiting episode or given in the clinic before procedures [1][2]. - It is not a cure. It controls symptoms while your vet looks for the underlying cause, which could be something as simple as a hairball or as serious as kidney disease. - Doses are calculated by your veterinarian based on your cat's weight and health. Never guess a dose or reuse a dose from another pet. - Common side effects are usually mild and include drowsiness, restlessness, and changes in behavior. Call your vet if you see twitching, agitation, or wobbliness. - Call your vet the same day if vomiting continues, your cat stops eating, or you notice unusual behavior. Call an emergency clinic right away if your cat collapses, has a seizure, or has trouble breathing. ## What Metoclopramide Is and What Veterinarians Use It For Metoclopramide is a prescription medication that works on the stomach and the vomiting center in the brain. It belongs to a group of drugs called antiemetics (medicines that stop vomiting) and prokinetics (medicines that speed up stomach emptying). Vets use it for several reasons: - To stop or prevent vomiting. In one study of cats given dexmedetomidine (a sedative that commonly causes vomiting), metoclopramide significantly reduced retching and vomiting compared with a saline control [1]. - To help the stomach empty. In healthy cats, metoclopramide significantly sped up solid-phase gastric emptying compared with a placebo [2]. - To settle a queasy stomach after surgery, after anesthesia, or during a bout of gastroenteritis. - To help cats with certain gastrointestinal motility problems, where the stomach or intestines are moving too slowly. Metoclopramide is also used in hospitalized dogs for gastrointestinal dysmotility, which shows how commonly this drug is used across species in veterinary medicine [3]. That does not mean you should ever give a dog's medication to a cat. Cats and dogs metabolize drugs differently, and doses are not interchangeable. If your cat has been prescribed other medications, it helps to understand how side effects show up in cats generally. Our guide to [gabapentin side effects in cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/gabapentin-side-effects-cats) covers a drug that is also used for nausea and anxiety, and it explains what normal sedation looks like versus something that needs a call. ## How Metoclopramide Works Metoclopramide does two jobs at once. First, it blocks dopamine receptors in the brain's vomiting center. Dopamine is one of the chemical signals that triggers the urge to vomit. By blocking it, metoclopramide turns down that signal. Second, it increases the strength and coordination of stomach contractions while relaxing the valve between the stomach and the small intestine. The result is that food and fluid move out of the stomach faster instead of sitting there and triggering more nausea. That is the prokinetic effect, and it is why the drug measurably speeds gastric emptying in cats [2]. This dual action is why metoclopramide can help with both the feeling of nausea and the physical act of vomiting. It also explains why it works better for some causes of vomiting than others. If your cat's vomiting comes from a toxin, an obstruction, or kidney failure, metoclopramide may ease the symptom but will not fix the problem. ## Dosing Basics for Cats ### Who decides the dose Your veterinarian decides the dose. Metoclopramide dosing depends on your cat's weight, the reason it is being given, and whether it is injected in the clinic or given at home. In published feline research, metoclopramide has been studied at 1 mg/kg given by injection [1]. That number comes from a controlled study setting, not a home dosing instruction. Your vet will calculate the right amount for your individual cat. Never split, crush, or adjust a dose on your own. Never give your cat a pill that was prescribed for another pet or a human. ### How it is given Metoclopramide comes in several forms: - An injectable form, usually given by a veterinarian in the clinic. - An oral tablet or liquid, which you may be sent home with. - A compounded form, which some pharmacies make for cats who are hard to pill. Oral metoclopramide is usually given on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before a meal, so it can do its job before food arrives. Follow the label instructions exactly. If your vet says to give it with food, do that instead. ### What to do about a missed dose If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one. In that case, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure, call your vet's office and ask. ## Metoclopramide for Cats Side Effects Most cats tolerate metoclopramide well. The side effects that do occur are usually mild and often fade as the body adjusts. Still, some reactions need a phone call, and a few need emergency care. | Side effect | How common or serious | What to do | |---|---|---| | Drowsiness or sleepiness | Common, usually mild | Let your cat rest. Mention it at the next visit if it lasts more than a day or two. | | Restlessness or pacing | Common, usually mild | Keep the environment calm. Call your vet if it does not settle. | | Changes in behavior or mood | Common, usually mild | Watch for a return to normal within a day. Call if your cat seems distressed. | | Twitching, tremors, or muscle stiffness | Less common, potentially serious | Call your vet the same day. Stop the medication only if your vet tells you to. | | Extreme agitation or vocalizing | Less common, potentially serious | Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away. | | Wobbliness or trouble walking | Less common, potentially serious | Treat as urgent. Call your vet now. | | Vomiting that continues or gets worse | Can be serious, means the drug is not controlling the problem | Call your vet the same day. | | Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, hives, trouble breathing) | Rare, emergency | Go to an emergency clinic immediately. | Some of these reactions are linked to how metoclopramide affects dopamine in the brain. Cats can be sensitive to drugs that change dopamine signaling, which is why behavior changes are worth watching closely. If your cat takes other medications, side effects can overlap or be hard to sort out. Our article on [Apoquel side effects in cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/apoquel-side-effects-cats) explains how to tell a drug reaction from an underlying skin or allergy problem, and the same careful observation applies here. ## Who Should Not Take Metoclopramide and What Interacts With It Metoclopramide is not right for every cat. Your vet will avoid it or use it with caution if your cat has: - A suspected or confirmed gastrointestinal obstruction. Speeding up the stomach when something is blocked can cause serious harm. - A perforation or recent gastrointestinal surgery, unless your vet specifically decides the benefit outweighs the risk. - A seizure disorder, since the drug can lower the seizure threshold in some patients. - Certain heart rhythm problems or uncontrolled high blood pressure. - A known allergy to metoclopramide. Drug interactions matter too. Tell your vet about everything your cat takes, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements. Metoclopramide can interact with: - Other drugs that affect dopamine in the brain, which can add to behavior or movement side effects. - Certain pain medications and sedatives, which can increase drowsiness. - Some antibiotics and heart medications. If your cat takes seizure medication, our guide to [seizure medication side effects in cats](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/seizure-medication-side-effects-cats) is a useful companion read, because mixing drugs that act on the brain can change how each one behaves. ## Metoclopramide for Cats With Kidney Disease This is one of the most common questions owners ask, and it deserves a clear answer. Cats with kidney disease often feel nauseated. The buildup of waste products in the blood can trigger vomiting and make a cat stop eating. Metoclopramide is sometimes used in these cats to ease nausea and help them keep food down. Two things matter here: 1. Kidney disease is not a reason to avoid metoclopramide on its own. Your vet will weigh the benefits against the risks and may adjust the dose or choose a different anti-nausea drug. 2. Metoclopramide treats the symptom, not the kidney disease. If your cat has kidney disease, the nausea is a signal that the underlying condition needs management. Controlling nausea helps your cat eat, which helps overall health, but it does not slow kidney damage. If your cat has kidney disease and is vomiting, call your vet before giving any medication. Dehydration from vomiting can make kidney values worse quickly, and your cat may need fluids or other treatment. ## Metoclopramide for Cats With Constipation or Diarrhea Metoclopramide is not a constipation treatment and it is not a diarrhea treatment. It is a nausea and vomiting medicine with a prokinetic effect on the upper gastrointestinal tract. That said, owners sometimes notice changes in stool while their cat is on it. Here is how to think about it: - Constipation. Metoclopramide speeds up the stomach and upper intestine, but it does not act strongly on the colon, where constipation happens. If your cat is constipated, that needs its own plan, often involving diet, fluids, or other medications. - Diarrhea. Metoclopramide does not treat diarrhea. If your cat develops diarrhea while taking it, that could be a sign of the underlying illness, a side effect, or an unrelated problem. Call your vet. Do not use metoclopramide to self-treat constipation or diarrhea at home. Both problems have many causes, and the wrong treatment can make things worse. ## Metoclopramide for Cats Long Term Metoclopramide can be used for more than a few days, but long-term use should be a deliberate decision made with your vet. Questions to ask if your cat may need it for weeks or months: - What is the underlying cause of the vomiting, and is it being treated? - Are there safer or more targeted options for long-term control? - How often should we recheck bloodwork or weight? - What side effects should I watch for over time? Long-term use is not automatically unsafe, but it is not a substitute for a diagnosis. If your cat needs nausea control every day, your vet should be actively looking for the reason. ## Overdose and When to Call for Help If your cat gets too much metoclopramide, or if you are not sure how much was given, call for help right away. Do not wait for symptoms. Signs of a possible overdose include severe agitation, tremors, muscle stiffness, wobbliness, vomiting, and unusual behavior. These can escalate quickly. Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic first. If they are not available, contact a pet poison control service. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available at (888) 426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline is available at (855) 764-7661. Both may charge a consultation fee. Bring the medication bottle with you if you go to a clinic. Knowing the strength and how much was given helps the vet treat your cat faster. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian Metoclopramide controls symptoms. It does not tell you why your cat is vomiting, and it does not fix the cause. That is the main limitation, and it is why follow-up matters. Call your veterinarian the same day if: - Your cat keeps vomiting after starting the medication. - Your cat refuses to eat or drink for more than 12 to 24 hours. - You see twitching, tremors, restlessness that will not stop, or unusual behavior. - Your cat seems painful, has a swollen or tender belly, or is straining to vomit without producing anything. - Your cat has kidney disease and is vomiting or seems more tired than usual. Go to an emergency clinic right away if: - Your cat collapses, has a seizure, or has trouble breathing. - Your cat's gums look pale, blue, or white. - Your cat is unresponsive or extremely weak. - You suspect an overdose. Schedule a routine visit if: - Side effects are mild but not going away. - Your cat needs the medication for more than a few days. - You want to discuss whether a different anti-nausea drug would work better. Every cat is different, and only your veterinarian can evaluate your cat's specific situation, weight, and medical history. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does metoclopramide last in a cat? The effects of a single dose generally wear off within several hours, which is why the medication is often given more than once a day. Your vet will set the schedule based on your cat's needs. Do not stretch the dosing interval on your own to make a supply last longer. ### Can I give my cat metoclopramide without seeing a vet? No. Metoclopramide is a prescription drug, and giving it without a diagnosis can hide a serious problem like an obstruction or kidney disease. If your cat is vomiting, have it examined first. The medication is safe only when the cause and the dose are known. ### Is metoclopramide the same as maropitant or ondansetron? No, they are different drugs that work on different receptors. In cats, maropitant, ondansetron, and metoclopramide have all been shown to reduce vomiting compared with a control, but they are not interchangeable [1][4]. Your vet picks the one that fits your cat's situation. ### Can metoclopramide make my cat worse? It can if the vomiting is caused by an obstruction or another condition where speeding up the stomach is harmful. It can also cause behavior changes or movement problems in sensitive cats. If your cat seems worse after a dose, call your vet. ### What should I do if I miss a dose or give too ## Related Articles - [What Are the Side Effects of Apoquel for Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/apoquel-side-effects-cats) - [What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin for Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/gabapentin-side-effects-cats) - [Cat Allergy Medication Side Effects: What to Watch For](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/cat-allergy-medication-side-effects) - [Cat Urinary Tract Infection Side Effects](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/cat-urinary-tract-infection-side-effects) - [What Are the Side Effects of Seizure Medication in Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/seizure-medication-side-effects-cats) - [Cat Prednisolone for Allergies: Side Effects and Safe Use](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/skin-allergy-and-ear-care/cat-prednisolone-allergies) - [Metoclopramide for Cats With Pancreatitis: Does It Help?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/metoclopramide-cats-pancreatitis) - [Ondansetron for Cats: Side Effects and Safety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/ondansetron-cats-side-effects) - [Guaifenesin for Cats: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/guaifenesin-for-cats) ## References 1. [The Effect of Maropitant, Ondansetron and Metoclopramide on Dexmedetomidine-Induced Vomiting in Cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39792081/). Veterinary medicine and science, 2025. 2. [Ultrasonographic assessment of the effect of metoclopramide, erythromycin, and exenatide on solid-phase gastric emptying in healthy cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32515089/). Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2020. 3. [Use of erythromycin and metoclopramide in hospitalized dogs: a multicenter historical cohort study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40351772/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2025. 4. [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. ## 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)