Antibiotics for cats are medications that destroy pathogenic bacteria. Medicines can be natural or synthetic. During the period of taking an antibacterial drug, the animal’s body is cleansed of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and protozoa. This category of medications can be used both for therapy and for prevention purposes. Below you can find the most effective antibacterial agents used by veterinarians.
Is it possible to give antibiotics to cats?
It is possible to give antibiotics to cats, since the animal’s immunity cannot always cope with infections.
If a pet feels unwell due to an infectious disease and refuses food and water, it needs help in the form of antibiotics that can suppress the activity of pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotics for cats are used in the following cases:
- the presence of purulent wounds;
- the occurrence and progression of infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, digestive and urinary systems;
- the presence of symptoms of eye and ear diseases of bacterial etiology;
- Antibiotics may also be used to prevent infection after surgery.
What is an antibiotic and how does it work?
Antibiotics are substances that have a damaging or destructive effect on bacteria.
Each group of antibiotics has its own “methods of influence” on bacteria. Some cause the destruction of the membranes that protect the bacterium; some disrupt bacterial metabolism. Since the structure of a bacterial cell and a cell of a human or animal body is very different, antibiotics exhibit their destructive effect only in relation to bacteria. For example, an antibiotic that disrupts protein synthesis in a bacterial cell will not be able to disrupt it in an animal cell.
Side effects after using antibiotics for cats
The following side effects often occur as a result of the use of antibiotics:
- Reactions associated with individual sensitivity. They arise due to the entry of certain substances into the body and do not depend on the amount of medication administered or eaten. The severity of the lesions ranges from mild skin changes and vomiting to anaphylactic shock and death of the pet.
- Direct toxic reactions, depending on the amount of the drug administered or consumed and the duration of the treatment or prophylactic course. These side effects include damage to the kidneys, liver and other internal organs.
- Reactions associated with the biological effect of the medications used. This group of side effects includes the development of dysbacteriosis, diarrhea, impaired vitamin metabolism, and suppressed immunity.
Why did the doctor prescribe an antibiotic to my animal?
- We list the cases in which the doctor may prescribe antibacterial therapy:
- Infectious diseases caused by bacteria. For example, a disease such as leptospirosis is caused by the bacterium Leptospira. An animal suffering from leptospirosis cannot be cured unless an antibiotic is used that kills leptospira.
- Any diseases accompanied by inflammation: cystitis, enteritis, cholangitis, otitis media, tracheitis - the list goes on and on.
- Bacteria can either cause inflammation themselves or complicate the course of other diseases.
- For example, with viral enteritis, the cause of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is viruses. However, due to the disruption of the natural protective barriers of the intestine, favorable conditions are created for the development of bacteria. This complicates the course of the disease and requires the inclusion of antibiotics in therapy.
- Oncological diseases also often require the inclusion of antibacterial drugs in therapy, since tumor-altered tissues create favorable conditions for the development of bacteria.
- Antibiotic therapy for injuries and surgical interventions.
- The skin protects the body from the penetration of bacteria. When it is damaged - cuts, bites - bacteria from the skin and environment enter the wound. In this case, the help of antibiotics is again needed.
- Antibiotics are not always used during surgical operations. If there is no inflammatory focus in the body, the operation is planned (for example, castration) and is performed in a sterile operating room, observing aseptic rules; antibiotics are not used at all or are used once before surgery.
This is just a short list of situations in which a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to an animal.
In any case, if you do not understand why the doctor prescribed an antibiotic, or you think that using an antibiotic if your animal is ill is unnecessary or harmful, do not stop the antibiotic yourself, discuss this with your doctor. Perhaps by canceling the antibiotic, you are complicating the course of your animal’s disease, or significantly slowing down recovery!
Contraindications for the use of antibiotics for cats
Antibiotics cannot be used if the animal is allergic to the components included in the composition. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with other contraindications by reading the instructions for use. Each medicine has its own characteristics.
Contraindications for cats that the most commonly used drugs have:
- Convenia – periods of pregnancy and feeding of kittens, age less than 8 weeks;
- Sinulox – hypersensitivity to β-lactam antibiotics;
- Amoxicillin – neonatal period, severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys;
- Baytril - nerve damage, manifested by convulsions, significant disturbances in the development of cartilage tissue, age less than 2 months;
- Cobactan – hypersensitivity to β-lactam antibiotics;
- Ronaxan - periods of pregnancy, feeding kittens and dental development, severe disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
- Ceftriaxone – hypersensitivity to cephalosporins, renal or liver failure;
- Tylosin – hypersensitivity to the main component;
- Tsiprovet - drops are not prescribed to kittens under 7 days old, tablets and solution are not recommended for pregnant, lactating cats and kittens under 1 year of age;
- Amoxiclav – hypersensitivity to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid.
Isn't the dose too high?
Antibiotic dosages may differ between humans and animals. This is due to the metabolic characteristics of animals. Therefore, it is quite possible that a medium-sized dog will be prescribed a “human” dose of an antibacterial drug. In addition, for certain diseases the dose can be reduced or, conversely, increased.
If you feel that your pet has been prescribed too much or too little of an antibiotic, discuss this issue with your doctor. You should not increase or decrease the amount of the prescribed drug on your own. This may reduce the effect of treatment or even complicate the disease.
Use of human antibiotics for cats
Veterinary drugs are preferable. However, if necessary, human medications can also be used. A cat can be given an antibiotic intended for humans, but only when it is not possible to go to a veterinary clinic and when the animal quickly weakens and begins to refuse food.
The following human antibiotics can be given to cats: Penicillin, Ampicillin, Oxacillin, Chlortetracycline, Doxycycline, Aquatil, Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Amikacin, Levomycetin, Levonisol, Syntomycin, Iruksol.
Before starting treatment, it is recommended to read the instructions. It indicates the active substance and its quantity in capsule, solution and other dosage forms. Next, you need to find how many mg or ml of active substance are needed per 1 kg of human body weight. This information may be indicated in the instructions or in special reference books. To find out how much of the drug a cat needs, you need to multiply the found dosage by the pet’s weight.
For example, there is an antibiotic in tablets containing 100 mg of active ingredient. The instructions indicate the dosage - 5 mg/kg per 1 dose. If a cat weighs 4 kg, then he will need 20 mg of the drug, i.e. 1/5 of the tablet. If a kitten needs an antibiotic, then you should look in the instructions or reference book for the dosage suitable for children and, based on it, make a calculation.
Is it possible to take antibiotics for several months?
You can if necessary. Depending on the disease, the duration of antibiotic treatment can vary - from several DAYS to several MONTHS.
The doctor will tell you how long antibiotics will need to be used if your animal is ill, and what parameters he will use to decide whether to continue or stop antibiotic therapy. For example, chronic cystitis requires long-term use of antibiotics. At the same time, a urine test is done every few weeks to determine when the drug can be stopped.
The important fact is that the animal may no longer have clinical symptoms of the disease; to the owner it seems completely healthy. However, if the drug is stopped prematurely, before the tests return to normal, a recurrence (resumption) of the disease is possible. Relapses may be more difficult to treat. Long-term use of antibiotics is also indicated for bacterial skin infections.
TOP 10 best veterinary antibiotics for cats
There are several antibacterial drugs that are most commonly used in the field of veterinary medicine. You should not choose a medicine from this list on your own. Only doctors can make the right choice. To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, specialists carry out the necessary tests, identify pathogens, and select antibiotics that are sensitive to the detected microorganisms. The age and weight of the animal and the presence of concomitant diseases are also taken into account.
Cats can be given both veterinary and human antibiotics: Convenia, Sinulox, Amoxicillin, Baytril, Cobactan, Ronaxan, Ceftriaxone, Tylosin, Ciprovet, Amoxilav.
Antibiotics should be given to your cat according to the instructions for the specific drug. Average time: 5-10 days.
Antibiotics in tablet form are given to cats along with food or orally, placed on the root of the animal's tongue.
Antibiotics are injected into the cat subcutaneously at the withers or intramuscularly.
Cats with colds can be given antibiotics: Azithromycin, Amoxiclav, Amoxicillin, Gentamicin.
Convention for cats
Convenia is part of the group of third-generation cephalosporins and has a prolonged effect. It is sold in powder form. The packaging contains bottles not only with this product, but also with a diluent. The active substance in the composition is cefovecin.
Convenia is intended for the treatment of various pathological processes caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Indications for use of Convenia:
- skin diseases;
- soft tissue damage;
- kidney and bladder diseases.
Cefovecin in 852 mg packaging is dissolved in 10 ml of diluent, in 340 mg packaging - in 4 ml of diluent. The prepared drug is administered once subcutaneously into the withers at the rate of 1 ml (80 mg of cefovecin) per 10 kg of cat weight. If necessary, the injection is given again after a 2-week period. The treatment course should contain no more than 4 subcutaneous injections.
The convention is not recommended to be combined:
- with furosemide;
- ketoconazole;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- drugs that have a high level of binding to plasma proteins.
Sinulox for cats
Sinulox refers to penicillins in combinations. It is produced in tablet dosage form. The composition contains 2 active ingredients – amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Indications for use in cats: treatment of skin and respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, enteritis, prevention of infection after sterilization.
Sinulox is given to the pet by hand or mixed with food for 5–7 days. The dose for one dose is 12.5 mg per 1 kg of cat weight. Frequency of use – 2 times a day.
For example, if the Sinulox package contains 50 mg tablets, the dosage for one dose depending on the weight of the animal will be as follows:
- up to 2 kg – ½ tablet;
- from 3 to 5 kg – 1 tablet;
- from 6 to 9 kg – 2 tablets.
It is not recommended to give cats bacteriostatic antibiotics at the same time with Synulox.
Amoxicillin for cats
Injectable amoxicillin is an antibiotic related to penicillins. It is available in the form of a suspension for injection under the skin or into muscles. The main component is amoxicillin trihydrate.
Indications for use include various infections:
- stomach and intestines;
- organs of the respiratory system;
- joints;
- urinary system;
- skin and soft tissues.
The recommended dosage for injection under the skin or muscle is 1 ml per 10 kg of pet weight. The maximum volume of medication for administration in one place is no more than 5 ml for a cat. Amoxicillin injection is given once. If the effect is insufficient, the suspension is re-administered 2 days after the first injection.
Amoxicillin should not be used simultaneously with a number of antibiotics - penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, bacteriostatic agents, thiamphenicol, chloramphenicol. It is also not recommended to mix this medicine and other medications in one syringe.
Baytril for cats
Baytril for a wide spectrum of action is produced in the form of a solution with a concentration of 2.5%. The active substance is enrofloxacin.
The use of Baytril is recommended:
- with intestinal inflammation;
- urolithiasis;
- infectious diseases of the respiratory and urinary systems;
- septicemia;
- salmonellosis;
- colibacillosis;
- streptococcosis;
- various mixed infections.
Baytril solution is intended for injection under the skin. Dosage for an adult cat is 0.2 ml of antibiotic with a concentration of 2.5% per 1 kg of animal weight once a day. Do not inject more than 2.5 ml into one place, as the pet may feel severe pain. The recommended duration of the treatment course is from 3 to 10 days.
Baytril cannot be used simultaneously with antibiotics related to macrolides and tetracyclines. Also, you should not combine the solution with chloramphenicol. During treatment with Baytril, it is undesirable to give Theophylline and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cobactan for cats
Cobactan is a potent medication classified as a cephalosporin. It is available in the form of an injection suspension. The active substance in the composition is cefkinoma sulfate.
Cobactan labeled 2.5% was originally developed for the treatment of diseases of bacterial etiology in pigs and cattle, but later the suspension was additionally prescribed to small pets.
Cobactan is recommended to be used only if other antibiotics for cats have not had the desired effect. The medicine is administered intramuscularly once a day for 2–5 days. The approximate amount of antibiotic is 0.5 ml per 5 kg of weight of an adult cat. The exact dose suitable for your pet must be determined by your doctor.
Cobactan should not be combined with drugs that have a bacteriostatic effect. Otherwise, you may encounter a decrease in the bactericidal activity of the antibiotic used.
Ronaxan for cats
Ronaxan belongs to the group of tetracyclines. This drug is commercially available in tablet dosage form. The active ingredient in the composition is doxycycline.
The tablets effectively weaken and destroy various gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, as well as chlamydia, rickettsia, spirochetes and mycoplasmas. In this regard, the antibiotic has a wide range of uses. Veterinarians prescribe Ronaxan for purulent wounds, colds, rhinitis, tonsillitis, and bronchopneumonia in cats. The product can also cope with cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, and endometritis.
Method of administration: orally, placed on the root of the animal’s tongue. Ronaxan can also be given to your cat with her usual food. Dose – 10 mg per 1 kg of pet’s weight. Duration of treatment is from 3 to 5 days for acute forms of the disease and from 8 to 10 days for chronic forms.
Drugs with which Ronaxan is not recommended to be used simultaneously:
- bactericidal antibiotics of the cephalosporin and penicillin groups;
- barbiturates;
- phenytoin;
- medicines and feed additives containing salts of aluminum, iron, magnesium, calcium.
Ceftriaxone for cats
Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin. It contains the active ingredient of the same name. Ceftriaxone is available in the form of a powder for the preparation of a solution and is intended for intramuscular administration.
Indications for use: treatment of various infectious diseases. The dose and method of dilution must be determined by a doctor.
Example use of ceftriaxone (if the cat weighs 3.5 kg):
- take a bottle with 500 mg of Ceftriaxone;
- dilute the medicine using 2 ml of saline;
- draw 0.75 ml of Ceftriaxone and 0.25 ml of Ledocaine 2% into the syringe;
- give injections 2 times a day for 7–10 days.
Ceftriaxone is incompatible with bacteriostatic antibiotics. They reduce the bactericidal effect.
Tylosin for cats
Tylosin is an antibacterial drug from the macrolide group. Release form: solution for injection.
The active ingredient in the composition has the same name as the drug. The component weakens and causes the death of gram-positive microorganisms. It is also effective against some gram-negative bacteria.
Tylosin is prescribed for abscess, bronchopneumonia, and secondary infections that develop during viral diseases. When using the solution, it is recommended to pay attention to the concentration of the active substance. Tylosin 50 is administered intramuscularly at a dose of 0.1–0.2 ml per 1 kg of cat weight, and Tylosin 200 – 0.025–0.05 ml.
The medication cannot be used simultaneously with clindamycin, chloramphenicol, tiamulin, lincomycin. Also, you should not combine Tylosin with cephalosporins and penicillins.
Ciprovet for cats
Ciprovet is an antibiotic for veterinary use. One of the dosage forms is tablets. They are prescribed for cystitis and other diseases of the urinary system, infections of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, joints, bones, skin and soft tissues. Dose – 1 tablet per 3 kg of cat’s weight. The medicine is given once a day for 3–5 days.
You should not combine bacteriostatic antibiotics, theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or medications with calcium, magnesium and aluminum cations with Ciprovet.
Amoxiclav for cats
Amoxiclav is a combination drug containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It has found application in the treatment and prevention of various bacterial infections.
The recommended dose is 12.5 mg per 1 kg of cat weight 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 7 days (can be adjusted by a doctor if necessary).
Features of calculating the dose of Amoxilav:
- First, you need to determine the basic single dose by multiplying 12.5 mg by the weight of the animal.
- Next you need to pay attention to the weight of the tablet. It can be 625 mg or 375 mg. The weight of the medicine must be divided by the base single dose. You will get a number that indicates how many parts the tablet should be divided into.
Amoxiclav can also be purchased in powder form for the preparation of an oral suspension. Packages may be labeled 312.5 mg/5 ml or 156.25 mg/5 ml. To calculate a single dose in ml, 12.5 mg should be multiplied by the weight of the animal and 5 ml. Then the resulting value must be divided by 312.5 or 156.25 (depending on what is indicated on the package).
Bacteriostatic antibiotics should not be combined with Amoxiclav.
About “strong” and “weak” antibiotics...
Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as a “strong” or “weak” antibiotic in medicine - there is the concept of a “spectrum of antimicrobial action”. This means that each antibiotic acts on a specific type, or types, of bacteria.
For example, some antibiotics act on many types of bacteria at once - these are broad-spectrum antibiotics, while others act on a specific type - these are narrow-spectrum antibiotics. In addition, different antibiotics have different abilities to penetrate the body's tissues - one antibiotic penetrates better into the urinary organs, another into the lungs, and so on.
Bacteria are capable of developing resistance to antibiotics, therefore, for example, the well-known penicillin is now practically not used - most bacteria have learned to fight it. Thus, the spectrum of its antimicrobial action is extremely narrow. However, there are improved penicillin derivatives that are still used successfully.
In addition, there are new groups of antibiotics that are very effective, and to which most bacteria have not yet developed resistance. These drugs are used only for severe infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. They are not used immediately for several reasons: in most cases there is no need for them - standard antibiotics are effective, their unreasonable use will lead to the rapid development of resistant bacteria and, in the end, such drugs are quite expensive.
To summarize, we can say that a “strong” antibiotic is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that penetrates well into the diseased organ. Thus, the same drug will be “strong” for one disease and “weak” for another - it all depends on how it penetrates a specific organ and acts on the bacteria living in this organ.
What drugs enhance the effect of antibiotics?
On the recommendation of a veterinarian, you can use Wobenzym, an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent. It increases the concentration of antibiotics in the source of inflammation and in the blood plasma and thereby increases the effectiveness of the drugs used. The approximate dose is ¼ tablet.
You can also improve the effectiveness of antibiotics with the help of Glycopene. This is a special veterinary immunomodulator. It strengthens the body's resistance. As a result, the animal recovers faster. Single dose – 1/4–1/2 tablet for a cat weighing 1–3 kg or 1/2–1 tablet for a cat weighing more than 3 kg.
Side effects, contraindications
The most common side effect of antibiotics is a disruption of the intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis). Drugs in this group have a detrimental effect not only on pathogenic, but also on beneficial microorganisms.
This side effect can be neutralized by the simultaneous intake of probiotics, which populate the intestines with the necessary microflora.
It is recommended to give them to the cat for another 2 weeks after completion of antibacterial treatment.
Other adverse reactions to taking antibacterial drugs may include:
- Allergy to the active substance or auxiliary component (rash, scratching on the skin, focal hair loss).
- Edema of an immunological nature.
- Spasms and convulsive contractions of muscles.
- Breathing disorders, up to suffocation.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain.
Be sure to read:
Why and how to inject Farmazin for cats: instructions and dosage 50-200
Antibiotics can affect the reproductive system , so at least 3 months should pass between the end of treatment and the mating of the cat. Otherwise, the offspring may be born with defects.
Antibiotics are used in the treatment of any infectious diseases.
If a cat has liver and kidney diseases, antibacterial drugs can cause their exacerbation.
In case of disturbances in the functioning of these excretory organs, taking the aminoglycoside monomycin is absolutely contraindicated, and in case of some skin diseases, bacteriostatic drugs such as chloramphenicol and syntomycin are prohibited.
The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding is also a contraindication to antibiotic therapy . Treatment of kittens should be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Can a cat treat a wound with iodine?
It is contraindicated to treat a purulent wound with iodine and brilliant green. If it does not fester, you can lubricate its edges with iodine without getting deep into the damage.
Before applying the medicine, it is necessary to clean the damaged area from hair and dirt. Dried pus can be softened using hydrogen peroxide (up to 3%), and the fur must be carefully cut off with scissors.
suitable for cleaning the injured surface .
