Clopidogrel for Cats: A Medication That Can Help Treat Blood Clots

Some cats develop heart conditions that increase their risk of developing blood clots. Complications due to these blood clots can cause limb paralysis (especially of the hindlimbs), stroke, and serious lung conditions. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a medication that can be used to lower the risk of these complications in cats by preventing blood clotting.

In this article, we’ll review important information about clopidogrel for cats, including what the medication is, how it works, and what to expect during treatment. 

Clopidogrel for cats at a glance

What is clopidogrel for cats and how does it work?

Clopidogrel belongs to a class of medications called platelet inhibitors. Platelets are tiny blood cells that stick together to clot blood, which is useful if you have a wound. But clotting can be a problem if it happens inside the veins. Clopidogrel prevents blood clotting by keeping platelets from sticking together.

What is clopidogrel used for in cats?

Clopidogrel is a medication used to dissolve blood clots in cats with thromboembolic disease. When a piece of a clot breaks off, it is called an embolus. When the embolus floats downstream it can get stuck in narrow blood vessels. This cuts off oxygen to local tissues and causes tissue damage. Tissue damage from thromboembolic disease in cats can result in limb paralysis (especially hindlimb paralysis), difficulty breathing, brain injury, and other complications.

Clopidogrel is also used to prevent thromboembolic disease in cats that have been diagnosed with hypertrophic heart disease (HCM). Cats with HCM are at increased risk for blood clots because they have thickened heart walls. Thickened heart walls cause increased turbulence in the bloodstream, which causes blood clots to form. Clopidogrel lowers the likelihood that blood clots will occur in these cats. 

Clopidogrel may also be used to prevent blood clots in cats with other diseases that increase the risk of thromboembolism, such as: 

• Sepsis

• Heartworm disease

• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia

• Kidney disease

• Intestinal disease 

Clopidogrel is prescribed “off-label,” or “extra-label,” to cats. This means that clopidogrel has not been approved by the FDA for use in cats. However, the practice of prescribing clopidogrel to cats for thromboembolic disease is common in veterinary medicine. At an appropriate dosage and with guidance from a licensed veterinarian, it is considered safe to give clopidogrel to cats.

How is clopidogrel given to cats and what is the typical dosage?

Clopidogrel is given to cats orally in the form of tablets, compounded capsules, compounded chewable tablets, or a compounded oral flavored liquid. 

If your cat is prescribed clopidogrel tablets, try hiding the tablets inside a tasty treat, as the taste of the medication is very bitter. You can also place the tablets inside gelatin capsules (size 4 is usually good) to mask the bitterness. And always wash your hands after handling clopidogrel tablets. 

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

Clopidogrel for Dogs: This Medication Prevents Blood Clots

View more

Most compounded oral liquids, including clopidogrel, need to be shaken before use. Pay close attention so you measure the liquid doses accurately, and follow all instructions from your veterinarian carefully.

The standard dosage of clopidogrel for cats is 19 mg (¼ of a 75 mg tablet) by mouth every 24 hours. Your veterinarian will determine the safest and most effective dosage for your cat, however. 

What are common side effects of clopidogrel for cats?

Clopidogrel is generally well tolerated by most cats. The most common side effect of clopidogrel for cats is an upset stomach, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. 

Clopidogrel can be given to cats with or without food. If your cat experiences stomach upset after receiving clopidogrel, try giving them the medication with a treat or small meal. But if they have vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than a day, consult your veterinarian.

Since clopidogrel tablets have a very bitter taste, they may cause drooling in some cats. Hiding the medication in a treat or having the medication compounded into a chewable tablet, flavored liquid, or capsule can help. 

Any negative side effects related to clopidogrel should resolve within 24 to 48 hours after you stop giving your cat the medication. Though, it may take longer if your cat has liver or kidney disease. 

What are the most serious risks of clopidogrel for cats?

The most serious side effects of clopidogrel for cats are associated with uncontrolled bleeding, and can include: 

• Bruising or rash

• Bloody vomit or diarrhea

• Digested blood in the stool, which looks like coffee grounds

• Difficulty breathing

• Coughing up blood

• Anemia

• Wound that won’t stop bleeding

• Bleeding from gums

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, stop giving them clopidogrel and call your veterinarian or local emergency clinic for advice.

Clopidogrel should not be given to cats that have active internal or external bleeding. If possible, clopidogrel treatment should be stopped at least 7 days prior to surgery. Clopidogrel should be used with caution in pregnant or nursing cats. 

Does clopidogrel interact with any other cat medications?

Clopidogrel is known to interact with certain medications. It should be used with caution in cats that are prescribed any of the following medications:

• Aspirin

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Onsior (robenacoxib) or meloxicam

• Steroids

• Heparin

• Warfarin

• Calcium channel blockers

• Opioids

• Cyclosporine

• Azole antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole

• Rifampin

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Cimetidine

• Antacids

• Proton pump inhibitors

• Chloramphenicol

Make sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbs your cat receives before they are prescribed clopidogrel.

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

Clopidogrel is given to cats once a day. If you miss giving your cat a dose of clopidogrel, give them the medication as soon as you remember. Then, resume their regular medication schedule the next day.

 If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed one and instead give them their next dose of clopidogrel at the regularly scheduled time. 

Never give your cat two doses of clopidogrel at the same time to catch up for a missed one, or two doses closer than 12 hours apart. If in doubt, call your veterinarian for advice.

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