When your cat develops an infection—whether it’s a skin wound, a respiratory illness or a urinary tract issue—your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic.
Antibiotics for cats play a critical role in fighting bacterial infections and preventing complications, but they must be used responsibly to keep your cat safe and avoid antibiotic resistance.
This guide explains what antibiotics are used for in cats, which medications veterinarians commonly prescribe, what side effects to watch for and how compounded antibiotics can make treatment easier for both you and your cat.
Antibiotics for cats are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral or fungal diseases. Your veterinarian will diagnose the infection and determine which class of antibiotic is most appropriate based on the location of the infection, your cat’s medical history and sometimes diagnostic testing like cultures or sensitivity tests.
Because cats metabolize medications differently from humans and dogs, they require species-appropriate dosing and veterinary oversight.
Antibiotics for cats are powerful tools, but they must be used exactly as prescribed. Giving the wrong dose, stopping treatment too early or using an inappropriate antibiotic can worsen the infection or create drug-resistant bacteria.
Pet parents should always:
If your cat struggles to take pills, compounding can make antibiotic treatment much easier. Mixlab can compound many antibiotics for cats into flavored liquids, soft chews, capsules or transdermal creams depending on the drug’s properties and your veterinarian’s guidance.
Below is an overview of some of the most common antibiotics for cats. Only a veterinarian can determine the correct antibiotic and dose for your cat.
Amoxicillin–clavulanate is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic that treats common bacterial infections in cats by disrupting bacterial cell wall formation.
When combined with clavulanic acid (as in Clavamox), the medication becomes effective against a broader range of bacteria, including some that produce enzymes designed to resist antibiotics. This combination makes it a common first-line choice for many soft tissue, dental and UTIs in cats.
Used for:
Compounding forms available:
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic commonly used in cats to treat respiratory and tick-borne bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
It’s particularly effective against respiratory pathogens, tick-borne organisms and certain intracellular bacteria. Because doxycycline can irritate the feline esophagus, veterinarians often prefer compounded liquid or capsule forms to improve safety and comfort.
Used for:
Compounding forms available:
Azithromycin is a long-acting macrolide antibiotic that concentrates in tissues and is used in cats for certain respiratory and atypical bacterial infections.
It concentrates well in tissues and has a long half-life in cats, allowing for less frequent dosing. This makes it useful for respiratory infections and certain atypical bacterial infections where prolonged antimicrobial activity is beneficial.
Used for:
Compounding forms available:
Metronidazole is an antimicrobial medication used in cats to treat anaerobic bacterial and gastrointestinal infections by disrupting bacterial DNA synthesis.
In cats, it’s most often used for gastrointestinal infections and inflammatory bowel conditions involving bacterial imbalance. Because the medication is extremely bitter, compounding into flavored formulations can significantly improve compliance.
Used for:
Compounding forms available:
Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin and soft tissue infections in cats by targeting bacterial cell walls.
It is commonly prescribed for skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria. While effective, it can upset the stomach in some cats and compounded versions may help make dosing easier and more tolerable.
Used for:
Compounding forms available:
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic prescribed for cats to treat dental, bone and anaerobic bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial protein production.
In feline medicine, it’s frequently used for dental infections, abscesses and bone infections. Because it can cause gastrointestinal upset, dosing accuracy and formulation play an important role in tolerability.
Used for:
Compounding forms available:
Side effects of antibiotics for cats may include:
Side effects vary depending on the medication, dose and individual sensitivity. If your cat refuses medication due to taste or texture, a compounded version can dramatically improve success.
Yes—in many cases, they do.
Many cats struggle with antibiotics because they:
Mixlab can work with your veterinarian to compound antibiotics into:
Compounding improves compliance, reduces stress and ensures accurate dosing—especially for hard-to-medicate cats.
There is no single “best” antibiotic. The most effective medication depends on the type of bacteria, the location of the infection, your cat’s medical history and sometimes culture results.
Veterinarians commonly use amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline, azithromycin, clindamycin or cephalexin, depending on the diagnosis. Only a veterinarian can choose the correct antibiotic.
No. Antibiotics require a veterinary prescription because using the wrong drug or the wrong dose can harm your cat or create antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
If you suspect an infection, your cat must be examined by a veterinarian for diagnosis and a safe treatment plan.
No. Never give a cat human antibiotics unless a veterinarian explicitly instructs you to.
Many human medications are unsafe in cats, can cause toxic reactions or are dosed differently based on feline metabolism. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication.
No. Amoxicillin is a prescription-only antibiotic. If your cat needs treatment, your veterinarian will determine the correct drug and dose and Mixlab can compound it into a form your cat will take willingly.
There are no safe over-the-counter antibiotics for cats. Infections require professional diagnosis, because the wrong treatment can make the condition worse.
If you think your cat has an infection, schedule a veterinary exam promptly.
Stopping treatment early, even if your cat looks better, can allow bacteria to regrow or become resistant.
Always complete the full course unless your veterinarian instructs otherwise.
Antibiotics for cats are essential tools for treating bacterial infections, from skin wounds to UTIs and respiratory illnesses. But they must be used responsibly, prescribed appropriately and given in correct formulations.
Whether your cat needs amoxicillin, doxycycline, clindamycin or another antibiotic, Mixlab can compound medications into flavored liquids, chews, capsules or transdermal creams to make treatment easier and more successful.
With fast compounding and next-day shipping straight to your doorstep, Mixlab makes getting the right antibiotic treatment simple and stress-free. You can submit your cat’s prescription online, ask your veterinarian to prescribe through Mixlab, or reach out to our team with any questions along the way.