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L-Carnitine for Cat

Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg

L-Carnitine is used in cat for Hepatic lipidosis (adjunctive), Hepatic lipidosis. Routes documented in cat: PO. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for L-Carnitine in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Trade names: Carnitor

Dose ranges

RouteDoseFrequencyDurationIndicationEvidenceSource
PO250–500 mg per catq24hUntil resolutionHepatic lipidosis (adjunctive)ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
PO250–500 mg per catq24hUntil resolutionHepatic lipidosisModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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Mechanism of action

Essential for transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. Required for myocardial energy metabolism.

Side effects & warnings

Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially Boxers, Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels) and hepatic lipidosis in cats. Very safe. GI upset at high doses. Expensive at therapeutic doses.

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 Supplement drugs with cat dosing

L-Carnitine dosing in other species

Why a species-specific page? L-Carnitine 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.