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Dosage Guide • FL · NY · VA • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM

Mirataz Dosage for a 12 lb Cat

mirtazapine · Atypical antidepressant / appetite stimulant · Medium adult breed (12 lb / 5.4 kg)

What pet owners in Florida, New York, and Virginia need to know about Mirataz dosing for a 12 lb (average-sized Domestic Shorthairs-sized) cat — written by a licensed vet, no specific dose given without an exam.

Important: This page does not provide a specific dose for your cat. The right dose depends on your cat's age, weight, kidney and liver function, current medications, and the condition being treated — and requires a veterinary examination. RexVet's licensed Florida, New York, and Virginia veterinarians can calculate the right Mirataz dose for your 12 lb cat in a $64.99 video visit.

The dosing principle for Mirataz

Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal ointment) is FDA-approved for cats at approximately 1.5 inches of ointment applied to the inner ear pinna once daily for up to 14 days. Oral mirtazapine is sometimes used at very low per-cat doses (1.88-3.75 mg per cat, NOT per kg) every 24-72 hours, calculated by a vet.

Cats are exquisitely sensitive to mirtazapine. The transdermal formulation eliminates many dosing errors that occur with oral mirtazapine. Over-dosing can cause severe vocalization, agitation, and serotonin syndrome — particularly dangerous in cats already on other serotonin-affecting drugs. Under-dosing fails to restart eating. Veterinary calibration is essential.

Why 12 lb matters

A 12 lb (5.4 kg) cat falls into the medium adult category — typical examples include average-sized Domestic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, and Ragdolls.

12 lb is the upper bound of typical healthy cat weight for many breeds. Above 12 lb, vets begin considering whether the cat is genuinely large or carrying extra body weight that affects drug distribution.

What Mirataz is approved for

  • Appetite stimulation in cats with chronic disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, or pancreatitis
  • Anti-nausea (off-label)

What to watch for in your 12 lb cat

  • Increased vocalization or pacing (relatively common, often resolves)
  • Severe agitation or aggression — call vet immediately, dose may be too high
  • Tremors or twitching (sign of serotonin syndrome — emergency)
  • Application site redness for the transdermal form
  • Vomiting (uncommon)

Ask about a prescription or refill in your state

RexVet’s veterinarians are licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia. They can examine your 12 lb cat by video and calculate the right Mirataz dose for their specific situation. If the veterinarian decides medication is appropriate, they can prescribe where state rules allow; some medications need an in-person exam first.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How much Mirataz can I give my 12 lb cat?

Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal ointment) is FDA-approved for cats at approximately 1.5 inches of ointment applied to the inner ear pinna once daily for up to 14 days. Oral mirtazapine is sometimes used at very low per-cat doses (1.88-3.75 mg per cat, NOT per kg) every 24-72 hours, calculated by a vet. For a 12 lb (5.4 kg) cat, this gives a range that a licensed vet will narrow down based on the indication, your cat's age, kidney/liver function, and any other medications. RexVet vets serve Florida, New York, and Virginia and can calculate the right dose for your specific cat in a $64.99 video visit.

Is Mirataz safe for a medium adult cat like mine?

Mirataz (mirtazapine) is widely used in cats in the 12 lb range, but "safe" depends on the specific cat, not just the weight. 12 lb is the upper bound of typical healthy cat weight for many breeds. Above 12 lb, vets begin considering whether the cat is genuinely large or carrying extra body weight that affects drug distribution. A licensed vet will check your cat's history, current medications, and any underlying conditions before prescribing.

What should I watch for after giving my 12 lb cat Mirataz?

The most common things to watch for are: Increased vocalization or pacing (relatively common, often resolves); Severe agitation or aggression — call vet immediately, dose may be too high; Tremors or twitching (sign of serotonin syndrome — emergency). If you see anything concerning, contact a vet. For medium adult cats specifically: 12 lb is the upper bound of typical healthy cat weight for many breeds.

Can a RexVet online vet prescribe Mirataz for my 12 lb cat?

If the veterinarian decides medication is appropriate, they can prescribe where state rules allow; some medications need an in-person exam first.

Can I get a Mirataz refill in Florida, New York, or Virginia online?

RexVet’s veterinarians are licensed in all three states and take refill requests where state rules allow for cats already established on the medication. Refill visits are also $64.99. Prescriptions are filled through RexVet's in-house pharmacy (RexVetRx) or can be sent to your local pharmacy. When the veterinarian prescribes, same-day delivery is available in most ZIP codes in FL, NY, and VA.

Sources

Last fact-checked: 2026-06-01. Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM. RexVet (Rex Vets Inc.) is licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.

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