Cerenia for Cats: A Comprehensive Guide to Motion Sickness and Vomiting

Introduction

Motion sickness and vomiting are common problems in cats, affecting up to 70% of them. These conditions can be distressing for both the cat and the owner and can lead to dehydration and other health complications. Cerenia is a safe and effective medication that can be used to prevent and treat motion sickness and vomiting in cats.

What is Cerenia?

Cerenia is a prescription medication that is used to prevent and treat motion sickness and vomiting in cats. It is a selective serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, which means that it blocks the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in nausea and vomiting.

Cerenia is available in two forms:

• Tablets: Cerenia tablets are given by mouth and are available in 8 mg, 16 mg, and 24 mg strengths.
• Injection: Cerenia injection is given by a veterinarian and is available in a 10 mg/mL strength.

How does Cerenia work?

Cerenia works by blocking the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in nausea and vomiting. Serotonin is released in the brain and gut when a cat experiences motion sickness or other triggers, such as stress, anxiety, or certain foods. Blocking the action of serotonin helps to reduce nausea and vomiting.

When should I give my cat Cerenia?

Cerenia can be given to cats to prevent or treat motion sickness and vomiting.

• Prevention: Cerenia can be given to cats before they are exposed to a situation that is likely to cause motion sickness or vomiting, such as a car ride or a boat trip.
• Treatment: Cerenia can be given to cats that are already experiencing motion sickness or vomiting.

How long does Cerenia take to work?

Cerenia tablets start to work within 1-2 hours and can last for up to 24 hours. Cerenia injection starts to work within 30 minutes and can last for up to 72 hours.

Is Cerenia safe for cats?

Cerenia is a safe and effective medication for cats. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cats and is well-tolerated by most cats.

The most common side effects of Cerenia are mild and include:

• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

How much Cerenia should I give my cat?

The dose of Cerenia that is right for your cat will depend on their weight and the severity of their symptoms.

• Tablets: The usual dose of Cerenia tablets for cats is 8 mg-16 mg, given orally once daily.
• Injection: The usual dose of Cerenia injection for cats is 0.2-0.4 mg/kg, given by a veterinarian subcutaneously (under the skin).

Can I give my cat Cerenia over-the-counter?

Cerenia is a prescription medication and can only be obtained with a prescription from a veterinarian.

What are the alternatives to Cerenia?

There are a number of other medications that can be used to prevent and treat motion sickness and vomiting in cats. These include:

• Meclizine: Meclizine is an antihistamine that can be used to prevent and treat motion sickness. It is available over-the-counter in a 12.5 mg tablet.
• Ondansetron: Ondansetron is a serotonin receptor antagonist that can be used to treat vomiting. It is available by prescription in a 4 mg tablet.
• Maropitant: Maropitant is a selective NK-1 receptor antagonist that can be used to prevent and treat vomiting. It is available by prescription in a 1 mg/mL injection.

Tips for preventing and treating motion sickness in cats

In addition to medication, there are a number of things that you can do to help prevent and treat motion sickness in cats:

• Avoid exposing your cat to situations that are likely to cause motion sickness. This includes car rides, boat trips, and air travel.
• If you must travel with your cat, make sure to take breaks often. This will give your cat a chance to get out of the car or boat and walk around.
• Feed your cat a light meal before traveling. This will help to reduce the risk of vomiting.
• Provide your cat with a comfortable place to travel. This could be a cat carrier, a blanket, or a towel.
• Try using a pheromone diffuser. Pheromones are natural chemicals that can help to calm cats and reduce anxiety.
• Talk to your veterinarian about medication. If your cat is prone to severe motion sickness, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help prevent or treat vomiting.

FAQs

• Q: How long can I give my cat Cerenia?
  A: Cerenia can be given to cats for up to 5 days.
• Q: Can I give my cat Cerenia if they are already vomiting?
  A: Yes, Cerenia can be given to cats that are already vomiting.
• Q: Are there any side effects to Cerenia?
  A: The most common side effects of Cerenia are mild and include lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Q: Can I give my cat Cerenia over-the-counter?
  A: No, Cerenia is a prescription medication and can only be obtained with a prescription from a veterinarian.
• Q: What are the alternatives to Cerenia?
  A: There are a number of other medications that can be used to prevent and treat motion sickness and vomiting in cats, including meclizine, ondansetron, and maropitant.
• Q: How can I prevent motion sickness in my cat?
  A: There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent motion sickness in cats, including avoiding exposing your cat to situations that are likely to cause motion sickness, taking breaks often when traveling, feeding your cat a light meal before traveling, providing your cat with a comfortable place to travel, and trying using a pheromone diffuser.

Call to Action

If your cat is prone to motion sickness or vomiting, talk to your veterinarian about Cerenia. Cerenia is a safe and effective medication that can help to prevent and treat these conditions.