Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Famciclovir is used in cat for FHV-1 infections, FHV-1 ophthalmologic (keratitis), FHV-1 dermatitis. Routes documented in cat: PO. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 3 cited dose rules for Famciclovir in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Famvir
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 40–90 mg/kg | q8-12h | 7-21 days | FHV-1 infections | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 90 mg/kg | q8h | 14-21 days | FHV-1 ophthalmologic (keratitis) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 62.5–125 mg per cat | q12h | 14-21 days | FHV-1 dermatitis | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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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.
Prodrug of penciclovir. Inhibits viral DNA polymerase in herpesvirus. Used for feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) infections.
First-line antiviral for FHV-1 in cats. Higher doses needed in cats (90mg/kg) due to lower conversion to penciclovir. Well tolerated. May cause GI upset.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cat may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Famciclovir pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cat — 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.