When your cat isn’t feeling well, it can tug at your heartstrings in a way nothing else can. Nausea in cats isn’t just unpleasant for them—it can leave you worried and unsure what to do next.
You care deeply about your pet’s well-being, and when something seems off, you want to help them feel better as quickly as possible. Luckily, there are effective anti-nausea medications for cats that can bring much-needed relief.
Whether your feline friend is dealing with a mild tummy upset or nausea from a more serious condition, understanding the causes, signs and treatment options can help you take the right steps to restore their comfort.
Nausea in cats can be triggered by a wide variety of issues. Some causes are mild and temporary, while others are more serious and may require immediate veterinary attention.
It’s important to remember that nausea itself isn’t a disease; it’s a symptom of something else. That’s why identifying and addressing the underlying cause is so important for your cat’s overall health.
Milder causes of nausea can include:
More serious reasons for nausea can include:
Vomiting is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think of nausea, but cats can show many other signs of feeling queasy.
Cats often show discomfort in very subtle ways, which can make nausea tricky to recognize. Knowing the signs can help you spot an issue early.
Common signs include:
If your cat’s symptoms are minor and improve within a day or so, the issue may not be serious. Still, it’s a good idea to let your veterinarian know what’s going on.
If your cat has been vomiting occasionally for less than 24 hours and shows no other concerning signs, your veterinarian may recommend simple supportive care. Often this includes withholding food for about 24 hours to give their digestive system a chance to rest, then gradually reintroducing small, bland meals as your cat improves.
Seek immediate help for your cat if any of these scenarios happen:
Antiemetics are medications designed to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. They can make a world of difference in your cat’s comfort and recovery. Your veterinarian may prescribe an antiemetic for cats in situations such as:
At Mixlab, we offer a variety of prescription antiemetics for cats to address nausea from various causes. There are also over-the-counter options that may help.
Always use medications under veterinary supervision. Since every cat is unique, the best treatment depends on your cat’s specific condition, health, and needs.
This is a commonly prescribed medication that treats vomiting and motion sickness. It may also provide mild pain control in certain cases. Maropitant is available from Mixlab as capsules, tablets, oral liquids, transdermal gels and chew treats.
Ondansetron is usually prescribed for cats with severe or persistent nausea, especially those with chronic conditions like kidney disease. It can also be given before anesthesia to prevent post-surgical nausea. Veterinarians sometimes combine it with other medications for stronger results. It is available from Mixlab as capsules, tablets, oral liquids, transdermal gels and chew treats.
This antiemetic for cats works by increasing the movement of the stomach and small intestine, reducing reflux and vomiting. It can be useful for both short-term and ongoing conditions that affect motility. Metoclopramide is available from Mixlab as capsules, tablets, oral liquids, transdermal gels and chew treats.
While prescription antiemetics for cats are typically the most effective, some over-the-counter options may be suitable in milder cases under veterinary guidance.
You might recognize some of these brand names from your own medicine cabinet, but it’s critical to remember that cats are not small humans.
The medications and dosages that are safe for people can be very different, and giving your cat human-strength products without veterinary guidance can be dangerous. Always consult your veterinarian before using any medication.
This is an antihistamine that can help with allergic reactions, motion sickness and vomiting. Diphenhydramine also has mild calming, sedative effects.
Dimenhydrinate is another antihistamine commonly used for motion sickness. It can be particularly helpful for cats who struggle during car rides or other kinds of travel. While sometimes prescribed, these antihistamines are less reliable for cats than prescription options and should only be used under direct veterinary instruction.
Similarly, meclizine is an antihistamine often used for motion sickness prevention and treatment in cats.
Anti-nausea medication for cats can be a powerful tool, but it’s not the only way to support your cat when they’re feeling nauseous.
These actions can make a big difference:
Cats thrive on routine. Keeping their diet, environment and social interactions consistent can help reduce stress-related nausea.
Regular brushing helps reduce hairball formation. This is especially important for long-haired breeds.
Your home may contain everyday items that can be harmful if your cat gets into them. Many common houseplants—such as lilies, poinsettias and aloe—are toxic to cats. Even certain foods left on counters or in the trash, like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate, can be dangerous if eaten. Small toys, especially those with string, may seem fun to bat around but can quickly become hazardous if swallowed.
As mentioned before, sometimes a short break from food can help settle the stomach. You should always check with your veterinarian before limiting your cat’s food in any way.
Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, so keeping your cat hydrated is especially important. Always provide your cat with fresh water. Water should only ever be withheld if your veterinarian is providing fluids under the skin or directly into the bloodstream. Removing water access at home can actually worsen dehydration and other complications. A small amount of low-sodium chicken broth (without onion or garlic) can also be soothing and hydrating.
Stick to a diet recommended by your veterinarian and avoid making frequent changes. When nausea strikes, your veterinarian may suggest offering a bland, easily digested diet in small meals. Sometimes this means a prescription diet designed specifically for sensitive stomachs; in other cases, your veterinarian might recommend a simple home-cooked option.
Keep your cat up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention. Cats who stay indoors are generally at lower risk of picking up illnesses since they’re less likely to come into contact with stray or feral animals that may carry contagious diseases.
Cats are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment or routine can easily trigger stress. Try to avoid sudden changes in their feeding schedule, litter box setup, or living space. Loud noises, unfamiliar visitors, or disruptions can also unsettle them. Providing safe hiding spots, cozy resting areas, and consistent daily interactions can go a long way.
If your cat is prone to motion sickness, it’s best to limit car trips to those that are truly necessary, like veterinary visits. When travel can’t be avoided, try to make the experience as calm as possible: keep your cat in a well-ventilated carrier, safely cover the carrier with a light blanket to reduce visual stimulation and avoid feeding them a large meal right before leaving. For longer journeys, ask your veterinarian whether an antiemetic for cats could make the trip easier on your furry family member.
If your veterinarian prescribes an antiemetic for your cat, Mixlab makes it easy to get what you need. We carry some of the most effective commercial and compounded anti-nausea medications for cats, all held to the highest quality standards.
We can customize medications into forms and flavors your cat will actually enjoy, whether that’s a tasty chew, an easy-to-give liquid or a gentle transdermal gel. Best of all, we offer free, next-day shipping straight to your doorstep.
Simply submit your prescription online or contact us for help. At Mixlab, we’re not just filling prescriptions—we’re helping you bring comfort back to your best friend.