Is Cerenia Safe for Cats?
Treatment with Cerenia can be very effective, but there are some risks associated with its use. The proper dosage is important because using too much of it can be harmful to your pet. In fact, using the wrong amount of medication can be fatal.
Will Cerenia hurt a cat?
For those of you who don’t know Cerenia, it is used for vomiting in dogs and cats. It has been around for years and is considered very safe. However, it has been linked to killing cats by causing them to go into kidney failure.
“Just recently our cat died, and I found out through further research that it was probably due to Cerenia. Cerenia is an antiemetic used to treat vomiting and nausea in cats. It is also used commonly in veterinary medicine. It has been shown to be very safe for dogs and cats. But if you have ever had a cat die after taking Cerenia there is the possibility that it was the Cerenia that killed your cat.”
“My cat was given Cerenia for vomiting. The vet did not tell me that Cerenia could cause kidney failure, which is what happened. I had to put my cat down on the third day of being sick, due to kidney failure. I am more than upset about this drug, and would not recommend it to anyone!”
“It is believed that when some cats are given Cerenia, their kidneys fail and they die from renal failure. My cat died because of renal failure after taking Cerenia.”
Is Cerenia bad for cats?
Cerenia is considered a safe drug when used properly, but side effects can occur. The most common side effects seen in dogs and cats administered CERENIA are pain/vocalization, depression or lethargy, anaphylaxis, disorientation, seizures, hypersalivation, and vomiting.
Not all of these side effects will appear with every dog or cat treated with CERENIA, but they can occur. Your veterinarian may be able to reduce the risk of some of these side effects by adjusting the dose or scheduling the administration of the drug.
Treating your cat for vomiting with CERENIA can result in a success rate of about 90%, according to published studies. It is not known whether CERENIA could have any dangerous interactions with other drugs that your cat may be taking so always follow your vet’s instructions carefully when administering this medication to your cat.
What happens if I give my cat too much Cerenia?
A cat that has ingested an overdose of Cerenia may show any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Death
If you suspect that your cat has ingested an overdose of Cerenia, call your veterinarian immediately. If you cannot reach your veterinarian or if he/she is unavailable, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. This organization provides 24-hour assistance for pet owners who need urgent treatment advice for their pets.
How long does Cerenia stay in a cat’s system?
Cerenia is an antiemetic drug that blocks one of the receptors in the brain that triggers nausea and vomiting. It starts working within 30 minutes after it is administered. The active ingredient, maropitant citrate, stays in your cat’s system for about 24 hours.
Can I give my cat Cerenia on an empty stomach?
When ingested alone on an empty stomach, Cerenia can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. You don’t want your poor cat suffering through any of these conditions when he or she already has a sickness that requires treatment with Cerenia!
To avoid making your cat ill while treating it with Cerenia, always administer the medication with food in order to decrease its chances of having a negative reaction.
Takeaway: The best way to administer Cerenia to your cat is with a small snack because it will help the medicine go down more easily. You can always use a treat that your cat likes, or try pairing Cerenia with its regular meal if you are able. Do not give your cat Cerenia on an empty stomach; doing so may cause nausea instead of preventing it!
