Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Etomidate is dosed at 1–3 mg/kg IV Single dose IV to effect in cats, per Berry SH. Chapter 15: Injectable Anesthetics. In: Grimm KA, Lamont LA, Tranquilli WJ, Greene SA, Robertson SA, eds. Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. 5th ed. Wiley Blackwell; 2015:277-296. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.519 (2026-08-01).. Etomidate is used in cats for Induction of anesthesia (cardiovascularly compromised patients). Routes documented in cats: IV. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Etomidate in cats, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Amidate
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 1–3 mg/kg | Single dose IV to effect | Ultra-short acting | Induction of anesthesia (cardiovascularly compromised patients) | Moderate | Berry SH. Chapter 15: Injectable Anesthetics. In: Grimm KA, Lamont LA, Tranquilli WJ, Greene SA, Robertson SA, eds. Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. 5th ed. Wiley Blackwell; 2015:277-296. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.519 (2026-08-01). |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your cat's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity producing rapid onset, ultra-short acting anesthesia. Minimal cardiovascular effects.
Causes adrenocortical suppression (single dose suppresses cortisol 2-6 hrs). Pain and myoclonus on injection. Propylene glycol vehicle may cause hemolysis. Reserve for cardiovascularly compromised patients.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cats may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Etomidate dose range in cats, with cited source references: IV 1–3 mg/kg Single dose IV to effect. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Etomidate in cats: IV.
Cited course lengths for Etomidate in cats include: Ultra-short acting. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Etomidate is indicated in cats for: Induction of anesthesia (cardiovascularly compromised patients).
These are general warnings for Etomidate across species; consult the cat dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Causes adrenocortical suppression (single dose suppresses cortisol 2-6 hrs). Pain and myoclonus on injection. Propylene glycol vehicle may cause hemolysis. Reserve for cardiovascularly compromised patients.
Why a species-specific page? Etomidate pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cats — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.