Furosemide for Cat
Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Furosemide is used in cat for CHF when IV not available, Acute CHF (emergency), CHF, pleural effusion, Pleural effusion (chronic management). Routes documented in cat: IM, IV, PO, SC. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 5 cited dose rules for Furosemide in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Lasix, Salix
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 1–4 mg/kg | q6-8h | Until stabilized | CHF when IV not available | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| IV | 1–4 mg/kg | q1-4h | Emergency | Acute CHF (emergency) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12-24h | Chronic; lowest effective dose | CHF, pleural effusion | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12-24h | Chronic | Pleural effusion (chronic management) | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| SC | 1–2 mg/kg | q12-24h | Chronic | CHF maintenance | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
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.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter (NKCC2) in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, producing potent diuresis.
Side effects & warnings
Monitor electrolytes (hypokalemia, hyponatremia). Ototoxicity at high IV doses. Dehydration risk. May worsen renal azotemia. Adjust dose based on clinical response.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cat may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Cardiovascular drugs with cat dosing
Furosemide dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Furosemide 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.