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. If you are searching for an anti-nausea medication for cats, Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is the one most vets reach for first: its injectable form is FDA-approved for cats to treat vomiting (the tablets are labeled for dogs and are used off-label in cats at a vet's discretion), and it works on the vomiting reflex itself rather than on a single cause. Other options exist — ondansetron, metoclopramide, or simply treating the underlying problem — and a vet chooses between them based on what is making the cat nauseous, the cat's age and kidney and liver health, and whether the cat can keep a pill down. Cerenia is prescription-only, so a veterinarian has to examine or consult on the cat and decide whether it is the right choice.
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 for $64.99 per visit. If the veterinarian decides medication is appropriate, they can prescribe where state rules allow; some medications need an in-person exam first.
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?
If the veterinarian decides it is appropriate after a video visit, they can prescribe it where state rules allow.
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.
What is the best anti-nausea medication for cats?
For most cats, Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is the anti-nausea medication vets reach for first — its injectable form is FDA-approved for cats to treat vomiting, and it covers nausea from many different causes. Alternatives such as ondansetron or metoclopramide are sometimes chosen instead, depending on the cause of the nausea and the cat's overall health. There is no single 'best' choice for every cat; your vet picks based on the individual cat.
Can I give my cat an over-the-counter nausea medicine?
No. Human anti-nausea and motion-sickness products are not labeled for cats, and some are dangerous for them. Cat nausea medicine is prescription-only, and vomiting in a cat can signal something that needs treatment on its own, so a vet visit — in person or by video — is the right first step.
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.