Medication Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Cerenia for Cats
Cerenia is a prescription anti-nausea medication for cats that controls vomiting from various causes — chemotherapy, kidney disease, motion sickness, or acute GI upset.
What Cerenia is used for in cats
- Acute vomiting from various causes
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Chronic kidney disease nausea support
- Pre-procedure / post-surgical nausea
How it works
Maropitant blocks NK-1 receptors in the brain's vomiting center, stopping nausea at the signal source.
Available formulations
16 mg tablet
Injectable solution
Side effects to know
Common side effects
- • Mild sedation
- • Decreased appetite
- • Drooling
These usually resolve on their own. If they persist past the first few doses, ask your vet.
Call your vet immediately if you see
- ⚠ Severe allergic reaction
- ⚠ Pain at injection site (injectable form)
- ⚠ Persistent lethargy
Drug interactions
- • Generally low; confirm with your vet on multi-medication plans
When not to use
- • Cats under 16 weeks (acute use)
- • Severe liver disease
Monitoring during treatment
Often used short-term for acute episodes. For chronic conditions (e.g. kidney disease), follow your vet's specific schedule.
Need a Cerenia refill?
RexVet is the first 501(c)(3) non-profit online vet service in the U.S. Talk to a licensed veterinarian by video, get your cats's Cerenia prescription, and have it shipped through RexVetRx — all for $64.99 per visit.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Cerenia for Cats
Frequently asked questions
How fast does Cerenia work in cats?
Most cats stop vomiting within 1-2 hours of an oral dose. The injectable form works faster.
Can Cerenia be used long-term in cats with kidney disease?
Yes — chronic kidney disease cats often benefit from Cerenia for nausea management. Your vet will set the right schedule.
What if my cat won't swallow the Cerenia tablet?
Pill pockets, soft food, or asking your vet about a compounded liquid usually solves this. The injectable form is another option for difficult oral dosers.
Can RexVet prescribe Cerenia for my cat?
Yes — for acute vomiting, chronic kidney support, or post-procedure nausea, a RexVet video visit can ship Cerenia same-day through RexVetRx.
Should I worry about ongoing vomiting in my cat?
Vomiting more than twice in 24 hours, or any vomiting in a cat that's also lethargic or not eating, needs veterinary attention quickly — Cerenia treats the symptom but the cause matters.
Medical review by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet. Licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
Last fact-checked: 2026-05-19
Sources
This page is an educational reference and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting, changing, or stopping medication for your pet.