Can Cats Take Doxycycline? Understanding Its Uses and Benefits

The short answer? Yes, your cat can take doxycycline! When it comes to bacterial infections, this antibiotic effectively treats a wide range of illnesses. Veterinarians often prescribe this medication to get your cat on the road to recovery.

What is Doxycycline for Cats?

Doxycycline belongs to a class of antibiotics called tetracyclines. It is an effective treatment against a wide range of bacterial infections. Additionally, doxycycline can reduce inflammation associated with certain conditions. It’s commonly prescribed for cats suffering from respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), tick-borne diseases, acne, and other skin infections. Aside from cats, it’s also used in dogs, horses, small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Which Infections Does Doxycycline Treat?

Veterinarians trust doxycycline to treat various illnesses in cats. This versatile medication can help your cat recover from a variety of conditions, including:

• Respiratory Infections: Doxycycline effectively treats respiratory infections in cats caused by bacteria, such as Bordetella and Mycoplasma.
• Urinary Tract Infections: It combats UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria, helping alleviate discomfort and preventing complications.
• Tick-borne Diseases: The medication targets bacteria transmitted by ticks that cause Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF).
• Acne and Skin Infections: Doxycycline aids in controlling bacterial overgrowth on the skin, reducing inflammation associated with acne or other skin infections.
• Chlamydia spp. Infection: This medication eradicates harmful bacteria, resolving the infection and alleviating symptoms such as conjunctivitis, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
• Heartworm: While doxycycline doesn't directly kill adult heartworms, it is sometimes used as part of the treatment protocol for heartworm infection in cats due to its secondary effects on Wolbachia bacteria, which live with heartworms.

What are the Side Effects of Doxycycline for Cats?

While generally safe when used as prescribed, some cats may experience side effects. These side effects are typically mild but should be monitored closely.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Sunburn or hairless skin

If taking doxycycline gives your cat an upset stomach, try providing a small amount of food with their dose. You should consult your veterinarian if you notice blood in your cat’s vomit or diarrhea, though this is rare. More severe side effects include a significant decrease in energy levels, a fever, jaundice, seizures, a tender abdomen, swallowing issues, or behavioral changes. If your cat experiences severe or persistent side effects, consult your veterinarian right away.

Doxycycline should not be used in cats that are allergic to other tetracyclines. It should be used cautiously if your cat has existing liver problems, or if your cat is young and still developing its bones and teeth. Moreover, the use of doxycycline in pregnant or nursing cats is generally avoided unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It can potentially affect fetal development and may be excreted in milk, posing a risk to nursing kittens. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to pregnant or nursing cats.

Are There Alternatives to Doxycycline for Cats?

In cases where doxycycline isn’t suitable or tolerated, your veterinarian can prescribe other antibiotics. These alternatives vary depending on your cat’s specific condition.

Amoxicillin

This broad-spectrum antibiotic is also commonly used to treat bacterial infections in cats. It belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and is often used to treat respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections in cats.

Clindamycin 

This is another antibiotic frequently used to treat bacterial infections in cats, such as skin and soft tissue, dental, and respiratory infections. It is effective against certain types of bacteria that may be resistant to other antibiotics.

Azithromycin

This is a macrolide antibiotic that is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, particularly those caused by Mycoplasma and Chlamydia spp. It has a longer half-life than doxycycline, allowing for less frequent dosing.

Enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is often used to treat urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections in cats. Enrofloxacin should be used with caution in young animals due to the risk of cartilage damage.

Metronidazole

This is an antibiotic with antiprotozoal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, as well as protozoal infections such as giardiasis and trichomoniasis.

Cephalexin

Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that is typically used to treat skin infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections in cats. Cephalexin is usually well-tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal issues in some cats.

Dosage and Administration of Doxycycline for Cats

The dosage and duration of doxycycline treatment for cats vary depending on the condition being treated, the cat's weight, and the severity of the infection. You should always follow your  veterinarian's instructions precisely and complete the full course of medication.

It is typically administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules, which are commercially available. It can be given with or without food, but it should not be given at the same time as dairy products—such as treats that contain cheese or milk. It’s recommended to pair the tablet or capsule with a moist treat or a little bit of liquid to help your cat swallow it easily. 

Doxycycline may interact with certain medications, including antacids, iron supplements, or other antibiotics. Be sure to inform your veterinarian about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies your cat is currently receiving to avoid bad interactions.

If your cat refuses to take the medication, consult your veterinarian for alternative administration methods or formulations. Compounding pharmacies like Mixlab can help with compliance, compounding your pet’s medication into different forms and flavors that even the pickiest cat will take.

Personalized Compounding of Doxycycline for Cats from Mixlab

Understanding doxycycline is essential for cat owners to provide optimal care to their furry family members. By being informed about its benefits, side effects, proper administration, and alternatives, you can work closely with your veterinarian to maintain your cat's well-being. You can rely on Mixlab for commercially available options or customized compounding of doxycycline for cats and free next-day delivery. Whether your picky cat needs doxycycline in a scored tablet, capsule, otic, liquid or chew treat, we can help! Contact us to get started.