Common antibiotics for cats and their uses

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and viral infections that your cat may have developed for various reasons. Antibiotics work by both killing off bacteria and preventing them from spreading.

👉 It’s important to note that to give your cat an antibiotic, it must be prescribed by your veterinarian. If you suspect your cat has an infection, you should take them in right away for a diagnosis. 

Medications prescribed by your veterinarian may be covered by pet insurance. Check out our guide on the best pet insurance to find the right fit for you and your cat!

If your vet thinks your cat’s infection won’t clear up by itself, they’re probably going to prescribe an antibiotic. Without antibiotics, some infections can get worse. Here are some common causes of cat infection:

• Skin infection. Cats can develop skin infections that require the use of antibiotics. The types of infections include things like pyoderma or secondary infection caused by ringworm.
• Upper respiratory infection. If your cat can’t stop sneezing or has a runny nose or eyes, they might have an upper respiratory infection. These infections can be easily treated by antibiotics.
• Urinary tract infection. If you notice blood around your cat’s litter box, they could have a UTI. UTIs are infections that affect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys of cats. While there are some natural remedies to treat UTIs in cats, they’re most effectively treated with antibiotics.
• Gastrointestinal upset. Is your cat having tummy troubles? Diarrhea in cats may be caused by an underlying infection that antibiotics can treat.
• Surgery. After cats have surgery, they might groom or lick their open wounds to soothe any pain or discomfort. This, however, can cause damage to any stitches they may have and consequential infection. 

The type of antibiotic your cat needs to clear up their infection depends on what kind of bacteria their body is working to fight off. There are plenty of common antibiotics for cats that your vet may prescribe.

Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is used to treat skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. It’s available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms. Vets tend to use potentiated amoxicillin like Clavamox to make them broader spectrum.

Cephalexin. This antibiotic effectively treats skin infections, like pyoderma, in cats. It’s usually given as an oral antibiotic.  Vets tend to use third-generation cephalosporins for their increased effectiveness.

Clindamycin. Clindamycin is especially effective at treating wounds that might develop into infections or dental disease that causes oral infections. It’s also typically given to cats orally, but something to note is its sour taste. Try disguising the medication in your cat’s food if they’re picky about taking it.

Doxycycline. Doxycycline has a range of uses. In cats, it’s used to treat upper respiratory pathogens. This medication is usually given in a liquid form.

Enrofloxacin. Used for a range of infections, this antibiotic is known for its ability to combat infections that can be especially hard to treat. Most commonly, it’s used to treat severe UTIs and skin infections. Typically administered in pill or liquid form, it’s best to feed it to your cat on an empty stomach to avoid unwanted side effects.

Gentamicin. This is a particularly powerful antibiotic, and it’s often prescribed for cats by vets when other medications don’t seem to be working to rid of an infection. It’s not a medication that you should expect to give your cat at home — it’s usually administered at the hospital via an injection. This medication shouldn’t be given to animals with certain diseases (notably kidney disease).

Metronidazole. This is the antibiotic that will commonly be prescribed to clear up your cat’s tummy troubles or diarrhea. You can give it to your cat by tablet or liquid, or your vet can administer it via an infusion.

Orbifloxacin. Administered by liquid, this antibiotic may be used to treat kidney and prostate infections (as well as UTIs and skin infections). It’s commonly fed on an empty stomach, though if your cat is sick after taking it, you can give them a small amount of food.

It’s normal for your cat to experience some side effects when they’re taking certain antibiotics. Some side effects are nothing to worry about, while others may be more severe reactions due to allergy.

Minor side effects of antibiotics in cats

Minor side effects of antibiotics include:

• Minor hives and rashes
• Digestive problems like stomach irritation
•  Vomiting and diarrhea

Severe reactions of antibiotics in cats

Your cat may have a more severe reaction to antibiotics in rare cases. If they’re allergic to the medication, have an underlying condition, or if it interacts poorly with another medication, reactions may occur. Lastly, sensitive immune systems can react badly to an antibiotic. Severe side effects of antibiotics include:

• Excessive itching or swelling
• Repeated bouts of diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Dehydration
• Difficulty or inability to breathe
• Fever

👉 If your cat shows any of the above symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. 

You may be wondering if there are more natural remedies you can use to treat your cat’s infection. While the following suggestions aren’t always the most effective on their own, they can be used to help soothe and treat an infection.

Manuka honey. It’s not typically recommended to feed your cat certain types of honey, however, one of the exceptions is manuka honey for its medicinal qualities. It has antibacterial properties and may sometimes be suggested for wound management to avoid infection and to help granulation tissue form. 

Juniper berry. Juniper berries are specifically known for their ability to help combat UTIs in cats. They increase blood flow to the kidneys and increase urination, thus helping your cat to flush out the infection. Use it with caution because it can cause some GI upset for cats.

Diet change. Diet is one of the most powerful ways you can enhance your cat’s health.  Specific diets can be tailored to promote a cat’s immune system, and the best food regimen looks a little different for every cat.  Vets say a healthy diet is the best suggestion for boosting immunity. A well-balanced meal plan from one of the big three companies (Purina, Science Diet, Royal Canin) and sometimes omega 3 supplements can help keep a cat healthy.

👉 As always, you should double-check with your vet on how and if you should use these natural remedies to soothe your cat’s infection.

Sometimes, there’s not much you can do if your cat develops an infection. It happens. There are some preventative steps you can take, however. Notably, make sure your cat is up to date on their vaccinations and ensure that their diet regimen is both healthy and regular. In general, if you suspect your cat has an infection, you should get them to the vet as soon as possible to get them started on their treatment.