Clomipramine for Cats: Calm Feline Fears and Manage Behavioral Problems

Just like some people, some cats have anxiety, which can affect how they behave. It can lead to aggression, house soiling, or obsessive-compulsive disorders. Not to mention, anxiety can seriously impact a cat’s well-being.

Fortunately, there are solutions for cat anxiety. Along with behavioral modification and environmental enrichment, medication can help. One such medication is clomipramine.

Clomipramine for cats at a glance

What is clomipramine for cats, and what is it used for?

In cats, clomipramine is prescribed for fear-related conditions, including:

• Anxiety

• House soiling and litter box problems

• Urine marking

• Aggression toward people or other animals

• Feline hyperesthesia syndrome

• Feline symmetrical alopecia

• Compulsive disorders such as fabric chewing

Clomipramine and other mood medications are often used alongside training and environmental modification. Many behavioral disorders in cats are rooted in boredom and stress. So, for best results, work with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to help your cat feel better. 

Clomipramine is used off-label in cats, meaning it is not approved by the FDA for cats. Off-label prescribing is common in veterinary medicine. But it’s important that medications are used off-label under the supervision of a veterinarian. Prescribing instructions for cats and humans are very different. And antidepressant medications like clomipramine can be toxic to cats at the wrong dosage. 

How does clomipramine work for cats?

Clomipramine belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. These antidepressants work by blocking neurons from reabsorbing serotonin and norepinephrine. This increases concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine help improve mood and lower pain sensations in cats. 

What is the dosage of clomipramine for cats, and how is it given?

Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate dosage of clomipramine for your cat. The dosage will depend on what condition you’re treating and other factors. Your cat will take the medication either once or twice a day.

In general, veterinarians start with the lowest dosage possible. They may then increase the dosage if needed. It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after starting the medication to see improvement in your cat.

Clomipramine is available for cats in several forms, including:

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Oral liquid

• Transdermal gel or lotion, which is rubbed into the inside of a cat’s ears

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Signs of cat anxiety: Do you know all the signs your cat may be stressed or anxious? Brush up with this list of common symptoms of cat anxiety.

• Other anxiety treatment options: Clomipramine isn’t the only medication for managing feline fears. Read about other common anxiety medications for cats.

• Human medications for pets: Your cat can take some of the same medications as humans. Here’s how to fill one of these prescriptions for your pet.

Clomipramine can be given with or without food. If your cat experiences nausea or vomiting after taking the medication, try giving it with food.

What should you do if your cat misses a dose of clomipramine?

If you forget to give your cat a dose of clomipramine, give them the medication as soon as you remember. Then, resume your cat’s regular medication schedule. 

If it is close to the time that your cat’s next dose is due, skip the dose you missed. Give the next dose at the regular time, and then go back to their regular schedule. 

Never double up on doses to make up for a missed one. This can result in an overdose of clomipramine, which will harm your cat.

What are the common side effects of clomipramine in cats?

The most common side effects of clomipramine in cats include:

• Low energy

• Reduced appetite

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Holding in their pee

• Weight gain

If you notice these side effects in your cat, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Do not suddenly stop giving your cat clomipramine. If your cat needs to stop taking clomipramine, taper off the medication over several days. Your veterinarian will provide you with a safe schedule to do this. Any adverse effects should wear off in a few days. But it may take longer if your cat has kidney disease.

What are the most serious risks of clomipramine for cats?

Clompiramine can cause cats to have an irregular heartbeat or changes in their blood pressure. In particular, clomipramine can cause a cat’s blood pressure to drop. This leads to a cat feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

Tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome in some cats. Serotonin syndrome is caused by an excess of serotonin in a cat’s system. This can cause the following symptoms:

• Aggression, hyperactivity, or otherwise abnormal behavior

• Fast heartbeat

• Fever

• Tremors or seizures

• Abnormal bleeding or bruising

• Coma

Clomipramine overdose in cats

Overdose is also a serious risk of clomipramine for cats. This is why it’s important to consult with a veterinarian about your cat’s prescription. An overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant like clomipramine can lead to:

• Disorientation

• Seizures

• Vomiting

• High blood pressure

• Heart rate that’s too fast

• Constipation

• Dilated pupils

If you notice these side effects in your cat, stop giving them clomipramine. Immediately call your veterinarian, a local emergency clinic, or a pet poison hotline for advice. An estimated 7% of pets who receive an overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant die.

Which cats shouldn’t take clomipramine?

Clomipramine shouldn’t be given to cats with any of the following conditions:

• Constipation

• Difficulty urinating

• Heart disease

• Liver disease

• Glaucoma

• History of seizures

• Diabetes

• Dry eye 

• Hyperthyroidism

• Adrenal disorders

Does clomipramine interact with other cat medications?

Clomipramine interacts with many medications, including:

• Other tricyclic antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as sertraline

• Phenobarbital

• Heart medications

• Azole antifungals, such as fluconazole

• Albuterol

• Cisapride

• Cimetidine

• Sedatives

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as meloxicam

• Opioids

• Tramadol

• Ondansetron

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your cat takes before they are prescribed clomipramine.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ

Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, is a well-known international influencer in the veterinary and animal healthcare spaces. She has 16 years of experience in private practice and more than 15 years experience in veterinary media work.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts