Before bringing Muezza home, I tragically lost the first pet cat of my life. Once, while traveling with her, she experienced a bit of motion sickness and started vomiting. As soon as I got back, I gave her Cerenia tablets. Though her vomiting stopped, her condition unfortunately worsened within a few days. I rushed her to the vet, but she couldn’t survive.
So, it’s probably Cerenia that killed my cat, But how could this happen? While Cerenia (maropitant citrate) is an FDA-approved drug considered generally safe, it does have some common side effects. More critically, improper dosage or individual sensitivities can lead to severe adverse reactions, potentially even causing fatalities in cats. This is why understanding its proper use is so vital.
I want to share what I’ve learned about Cerenia with you, so you don’t experience the heartache of losing your beloved cat, as I did. Please, keep reading to inform yourself.
What Is Cerenia and How Does It Work?
Initially, Cerenia was only approved for dogs by the FDA. Later, in 2012, the FDA officially approved its use for cats aged 16 weeks or older. This crucial medication is available in two forms: tablets and injections.
Here’s some more essential information about this medication:
| Medication type | Antiemetic (anti-vomiting medication) |
| Forms | Tablet, Injection |
| Common name | Maropitant citrate |
| Brand name | Cerenia |
| Suitable for pet | 16 weeks or older |
| Available dosages | Tablets – 16 mg, 24 mg, 60 mg, 160 mg; Injection – 10 mg/ml (for veterinary administration) |
As I’ve already mentioned, Cerenia is primarily prescribed to prevent and treat acute vomiting and nausea in cats. To truly understand its working principle, it helps to know a bit about how vomiting occurs in our feline friends.
Vomiting in cats can be triggered by two main pathways:
- Central Pathway: This can be triggered by issues like gastrointestinal disease, or even when a cat is frightened, anxious, or experiencing motion sickness during travel.
- Peripheral Pathway: This pathway is often activated by toxins in the blood or a failing organ.
Regardless of which pathway is triggered, a key chemical called Substance P is released. When Substance P then binds to specific NK1 receptors in the brain, it sends a signal that ultimately causes your cat to vomit.
When your cat is given Cerenia, the medication works by binding to these very same NK1 receptors. This means Substance P can’t attach to them, and consequently, the brain doesn’t receive the “vomit” signal. This is precisely how Cerenia effectively prevents or stops vomiting. [Cerenia Mechanism of Action]
Why Is Cerenia Used in Cats? Other Purposes Aside from Vomiting and Nausea
Nausea and vomiting are the main reasons why Cerenia is prescribed. Nevertheless, there can be other underlying conditions. I have listed some of them here.
● If the Cat’s Stomach Is Upset
Whether due to inflammation or another gastrointestinal issue, a cat’s stomach can become upset, leading to discomfort and nausea. The same happened with one of my friend’s cats, who then lost her appetite. Cerenia helps soothe this discomfort.
● Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
It is mostly caused by your cat’s diet. If a cat consumes something too acidic, or if its digestive system isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to inflammatory bowel disease. This frequently results in chronic nausea or vomiting, and Cerenia is often prescribed to ease the suffering.
● Pancreatitis and Chronic Kidney Disease
The pancreas is a small, vital organ that produces various enzymes and hormones crucial for digestion. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of this organ, commonly causes severe nausea in cats. Similarly, cats with chronic kidney disease often experience significant nausea. Veterinarians frequently suggest Cerenia to manage the associated nausea in both these serious conditions.
● If the Cat Goes Through Anesthesia
When your cat undergoes surgery, anesthesia is administered beforehand. Post-surgery, nausea is a very common side effect in cats. Cerenia is also routinely used to prevent or treat this common post-operative issue, aiding in a smoother recovery.
What Are the Side Effects of Cerenia? Crucial Information to Be Aware Of
While Cerenia is generally well-tolerated, it’s vital for pet owners to be aware of potential side effects. The most common side effect of the injected form of Cerenia is temporary pain or stinging at the injection site. However, the tablet form generally has fewer immediate side effects. Transdermal administration (applied to the skin) is also considered very effective and minimizes injection discomfort.
Important Warning: Severe side effects can occur due to an overdose or individual sensitivity. If you observe any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary care.
- Your cat can have diarrhea and start losing too much body fluid.
- Anorexia can reduce the appetite of your cat.
- Hematuria is a more serious condition where you may see blood in your cat’s urine.
- Hypersalivation or excessive drooling happens in many cats. And the cat I lost also started drooling too much.
- If the cat has allergies, anaphylaxis can happen, where the face or body will swell.
- Though rare, seizures can also happen and lead your cat to death.
What Is the Correct Dose of Cerenia for Cats? Always Consult Your Vet!
It is absolutely critical that you consult a veterinarian before administering Cerenia to your cat. Self-medicating can have severe, even fatal, consequences. Your vet will determine the safest and most effective dose based on your cat’s specific condition and weight.
The standard recommended dose for preventing acute vomiting in cats is typically 0.45 mg per pound of the cat’s body weight (or 2 mg/kg), given once daily for up to five consecutive days.
For example, for a cat weighing 12 pounds, the approximate dose would be 5.4 mg of Cerenia. Remember, your veterinarian may increase or decrease this dose depending on your cat’s specific health condition, the severity of symptoms, and the underlying cause of nausea or vomiting.If your veterinarian prescribes Cerenia tablets, you’ll notice the amount marked on the tablet itself (e.g., “16” for a 16 mg tablet). If your vet prescribes, say, an 8 mg dose, you would carefully give your cat half of a 16 mg tablet. Always follow your vet’s precise instructions for dosage and administration.
FAQs
Check answers to some commonly asked questions about the effects of Cerenia.
Q: Should Cerenia be consumed on an empty stomach?
A: No. Consuming Cerenia on an empty stomach can worsen the situation. So, you should always give your cat some food before giving Cerenia.
Q: How long does Cerenia last for cats?
A: It may not take long for Cerenia to start working so that your cat vomits no more. The medication will last for 24 hours.
Q: Is Cerenia safe for long-term use?
A: According to the FDA, Cerenia can be used for up to five (5) consecutive days for acute vomiting. While longer-term use has been explored in specific cases, you should always consult your veterinarian before considering any long-term administration. They will assess the risks and benefits for your cat’s individual health needs.
Final Thoughts
I still feel immense sorrow for the cat I lost. It truly feels like my ignorance regarding medication side effects and proper dosage contributed to her passing. The thought that “Cerenia killed my cat” because I didn’t have all the information still weighs heavily on me. But now, I am far more aware and vigilant about any medication for Muezza and my other pets.
My heartfelt hope in sharing this is to help you keep your own beloved pet cats safe and healthy. If you ever observe any symptoms of nausea or vomiting in your cat, please, do not hesitate to quickly consult a veterinarian. They are the only qualified professionals who can accurately diagnose the issue and provide a safe and effective treatment plan. Even if Cerenia is prescribed, diligently follow their instructions for the correct dose and administration. Your vet’s guidance is paramount.
