Find typical dosage ranges for common feline medications. Enter weight to see reference doses — but always confirm with your veterinarian.
Enter weight to see reference dosages
| Medication | Type / Use | Typical Dosage Range | Frequency | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meloxicam (Metacam) | Pain / Inflammation (NSAID) | 0.03 mg/kg (single injection only) | Once (injection) | ⚠️ Oral use in cats is controversial and can cause kidney failure. Only FDA-approved as a single injection. |
| Buprenorphine | Pain relief (opioid) | 0.01–0.02 mg/kg | Every 6–12 hours | Controlled substance. Given under the tongue (sublingual) or by injection. |
| Gabapentin | Pain / Anxiety / Seizures | 5–10 mg/kg | Every 8–12 hours | Commonly used for chronic pain and vet visit anxiety. Sedation side effect is normal at higher doses. |
| Amitriptyline | Anxiety / Behavioral / Pain | 2–5 mg/cat | Every 24 hours | TCA antidepressant used off-label for behavioral issues in cats. |
| Famotidine (Pepcid AC) | Stomach acid reducer | 0.25–0.5 mg/kg | Every 12–24 hours | Safe OTC option for nausea/upset stomach. Use plain formulation, not flavored. |
| Benzimidazole dewormers | Intestinal parasites | 50 mg/kg (varies by product) | Single dose, repeat in 2 weeks | Panacur, Drontal etc. Always use cat-specific products, never dog dewormers. |
NEVER give human medications to cats without veterinary approval. Cats metabolize drugs differently than humans. Many safe human medicines are toxic to cats (acetaminophen/Tylenol is fatal even in tiny doses). Even "safe" drugs like aspirin have vastly different effective doses in cats and can easily cause overdose.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Bring the medication packaging with you so they know exactly what was given. Time is critical — don't wait to see if symptoms appear. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply).
Very few OTC medications are safe for cats. Famotidine (Pepcid AC, unflavored) at low doses is generally considered safe for occasional upset stomach. But even this should be confirmed with your vet first. When in doubt, call before giving anything.
Always use the provided measuring syringe or dropper — never kitchen spoons. Draw up slightly more than needed, tap out air bubbles, then push the plunger to the exact line. If your cat resists oral medication, ask your vet about compounded transdermal gels that absorb through the skin inside the ear.