Prescription Antibiotics for Cats and What They Treat
When your cat gets an infection, it’s likely their treatment will include prescription antibiotics. The type of medication will depend on the type of illness and the overall health of your pet. Because there are so many different causes of an infection, it’s best to consult your pet’s veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. They will prescribe the right prescription antibiotics for cats and give you specific dosage instructions.
Keep reading to get a better understanding of the antibiotics available and what each of them treats.
Amoxicillin: A good all-around antibiotic, amoxicillin for cats works to stop bacterial growth and is typically used to treat a variety of infections. It’s available in capsule form and is administered orally. Amoxicillin for cats can also be given with food and comes in multiple dosage forms for fussier pets.
Cephalexin: A prescription antibiotic, cephalexin capsules are used for specific bacterial infections, including skin wounds and abscesses, and cat UTI treatment. Cephalexin for cats is available in both capsule and liquid form and is administered orally. It may be given with a small amount of food.
Clindamycin: An antibiotic used for deep skin and mouth infections, including dental and bone bacterial ailments, clindamycin also treats some protozoan infections. Clindamycin for cats is available in capsule or tablet form and is given orally. If you are using the tablet or capsule forms, ensure your pet has some water to wash it down, or it could cause damage to their esophagus.
Doxycycline: Used specifically to combat diseases spread by ticks, doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic that treats infections including Lyme disease, salmon poisoning, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Doxycycline for cats is available in both capsule and tablet forms and is administered orally. It may be given with food and cats should have at least a teaspoon of water.
Metronidazole: Another prescription antibiotic, metronidazole is used as an antiprotozoal medication for infections, including intestinal parasites and diarrheal diseases. Metronidazole for cats is available in tablet form in two strengths and is administered orally.
Orbax: A prescription antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections in your pet’s skin, soft tissue, and urinary tract. Orbax for cats is available in tablet form and administered orally. It may be given with water, but should NOT be given with food or supplements.
More detailed information about these antibiotics for cats – including administration, side effects, and additional points to bring up with your veterinarian – can be found by clicking on the individual antibiotics pages.