Cat Medication Dosage Calculator (Educational)

⚠️ Educational only - Always consult vet before giving medication

⚠️ CRITICAL: Educational Use Only

This calculator provides GENERAL dosage ranges for educational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

NEVER administer medication to your cat without explicit veterinary approval. Your vet must evaluate your cat's specific health status, potential drug interactions, contraindications, and determine the appropriate medication and dosage.

Incorrect medication or dosing can cause organ failure, toxicity, or death. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic.

Common Cat Medications

Our calculator includes typical dosage ranges for commonly prescribed cat medications. Remember that these are GENERAL guidelines - your vet may prescribe different doses based on your cat's individual needs.

Gabapentin (Anxiety & Pain)

For Anxiety/Travel: 50-100 mg/kg given 1-2 hours before travel or vet visit. Causes drowsiness.
For Pain: 5-10 mg/kg every 8-12 hours for chronic pain, arthritis, or neuropathic pain.
Wide margin of safety. Available as capsules or liquid.

Buprenorphine (Pain Relief)

Opioid pain medication: 0.01-0.03 mg/kg every 6-12 hours. Given under the tongue (sublingual) or by injection. Highly effective for moderate to severe pain. Prescription required.

Prednisolone (Anti-inflammatory)

Corticosteroid: 0.5-2 mg/kg once daily, usually tapered over time. Used for inflammation, allergies, IBD, asthma. Never stop abruptly - must be tapered gradually. Long-term use requires monitoring.

Amoxicillin (Antibiotic)

Broad-spectrum antibiotic: 10-20 mg/kg every 12 hours for 7-14 days. Complete full course even if cat seems better. Missing doses can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Medications That Are TOXIC to Cats

Many human medications are extremely dangerous to cats. NEVER give these to your cat:

  • Acetaminophen/Tylenol: Even a single regular-strength pill can be FATAL. Causes methemoglobinemia and liver failure.
  • Ibuprofen/Advil: Causes severe kidney damage and gastrointestinal ulcers.
  • Aspirin: Can cause fatal toxicity (though sometimes prescribed by vets in very specific doses).
  • Naproxen/Aleve: Extremely toxic, even worse than ibuprofen.
  • Cold/Flu medications: Often contain multiple toxic ingredients including acetaminophen and decongestants.

How to Give Medication to Cats

Pills/Tablets

  • Pill pockets: Special treats with hole to hide pill (most effective)
  • Crush and mix: Only if vet approves (some pills must be swallowed whole for timed release)
  • Pill popper: Plastic device that places pill at back of throat
  • Manual pilling: Tilt head back, open mouth, place pill far back on tongue, close mouth and gently stroke throat

Liquid Medications

  • Use oral syringe (no needle) provided by pharmacy
  • Aim syringe at side of mouth, between teeth and cheek
  • Give slowly to prevent choking - let cat swallow between squirts
  • Never squirt directly down throat (aspiration risk)

Transdermal (Ear) Gels

  • Some medications (methimazole, mirtazapine) available as ear gel
  • Apply to inside of ear flap - absorbed through skin
  • Much easier than pills for difficult cats
  • Wear gloves to avoid absorbing medication yourself

When to Call the Vet

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows any of these signs after medication:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea (especially if severe or bloody)
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat/drink
  • Lethargy, weakness, or inability to stand
  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  • Seizures, tremors, or twitching
  • Excessive drooling or foaming at mouth
  • Behavior changes (aggression, hiding, vocalization)
  • Collapse or unconsciousness

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