Cephalexin is an antibiotic that the vet can prescribe to treat some of our cat's diseases caused by bacteria. As it is an antibiotic, it is very important to remember that this type of medicine should only be used with a veterinary prescription. Otherwise, we run the risk of generating resistance, which makes it increasingly difficult to fight bacteria.
In this article on our site we will explain the use of cephalexin for cats, approximate dosage, possible side effects and much more.
What is cephalexin for cats?
Cephalexin is an antibiotic, which means it is active against bacteria. It belongs to the group of first-generation cephalosporins and is derived from Cephalosporium acremonium. Specifically, it acts on the bacterial wall. It alters its construction, making it unstable until it eventually breaks. It is rapidly absorbed and eliminated through the renal system, excreting in the urine.
We find cephalexin for cats in oral suspension, for administration as syrup, and also informat tablets , which can be chewable or flavoured. There is also a presentation injectable intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
What is cephalexin for cats used for?
As it is an antibiotic, it is used to combat bacteria sensitive to its action, such as Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, some strains of Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Salmonella spp, Corynebacterium spp, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium spp, Actinomyces spp or Streptococcus spp.
Although cephalexin works against a lot of bacteria, it doesn't work against all of them. That is why you only have to use it with a veterinary prescription and never give it on your own just because it seems to us that the cat has an infection. In fact, as it is an active antibiotic against specific bacteria, the ideal would be to perform a culture to find out exactly which bacteria are infecting the cat. It is mainly used for bacterial infections produced in the skin or soft tissues, such as wounds or abscesses, and for respiratory infections, such as bronchopneumonia, ear or genitourinary.
Dosage of cephalexin for cats
Doses of cephalexin for cats, as well as the frequency or duration of treatment, can only be established by the veterinarian, since depends on several factors, such as the weight of the cat, the disease to be cured or the presentation of the chosen drug.
As an example, for a skin infection, if a 15% cephalexin oral suspension is used, the professional will prescribe between 0.1-0.2 ml for each kg of body weight cat twice a day. Keep in mind that treatments with cephalexin can be long. We are talking about several weeks. That is why it is important to follow the instructions of the veterinarian and never stop the treatment before time, even if it seems that the symptoms have subsided.
Finally, cephalexin can be given with food, making it easier for many cats to ingest without having to struggle with it. Likewise, some specimens tolerate better the administration of chewable or flavored tablets, which can also be crushed and added to the food, if necessary. Don't miss our Tips for giving a cat a pill.
Contraindications of cephalexin for cats
These are the contraindications to take into account before administering cephalexin to a cat, whether in syrup, tablet or injectable format:
- Cephalexin has a nephrotoxic effect, so it is not recommended to administer it to cats suffering from serious kidney problems or that have suffered from any episode of kidney disease. When eliminated by the kidneys, in cats with impaired kidney function it could accumulate in the body. For this reason, cefalexin should be avoided, giving reduced doses or at longer intervals.
- As a precaution, it is not recommended to give cephalexin to pregnant cats, although no fetal malformations have been described, or during lactation period.
- Kittens less than 9-10 weeks old should also not be treated with cephalexin.
- If the cat is consuming some other drug and the veterinarian is unaware of it, it must be reported to avoid possible unwanted reactions.
- Of course, do not give cephalexin to a cat that has previously shown a hypersensitivity reaction to that substance.
In any case, contraindications do not imply that the cat cannot use cephalexin, but rather that the veterinarian will have to assess the risks and benefits of administering it or not.
Side Effects of Cephalexin for Cats
Occasionally, after the administration of cephalexin, some adverse effects may occur, usually transient, of little severity, which resolve spontaneously without having to stop treatment and which can be reduced by giving the drug together with food. The most common, although not the only ones, affect the digestive system These are the most common:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as gastritis.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting. Along with diarrhoea, it is the most frequently detected sign in cats.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargy.
- Jaundice, which is a yellowish discoloration of the mucous membranes.
- If injected, there may be a reaction at the injection site. It usually disappears spontaneously in a short period of time.
When any of these symptoms appear, we should contact the veterinarian to decide if it is necessary to modify or change the treatment. Finally, cephalexin is a safe drug, which means that, even if the dose is exceeded, it is difficult for intoxication to occur. In any case, the symptoms would be those already mentioned as adverse effects.
