Antibiotics for Cats: A Guide

Throughout your cat’s life, it’s likely they’ll be prescribed antibiotics at some point to help them feel better. Let’s explore what cat antibiotics are, the costs, why cats may need them, possible side effects, and how cat insurance can help you with the vet bill.

What Are Cat Antibiotics?

Cat antibiotics are common medications prescribed by a vet when a cat has a bacterial infection. Antibiotics don’t protect against parasitic, viral, or fungal infections.¹ Many times, cats will be given antibiotics when they’re sick, recovering from surgery, or have an injury to treat or prevent bacterial infections.

Certain bacteria can be harder to treat or have become resistant to antibiotics. A small selection of different antibiotics can be used in these cases, but they often come with more intense side effects.¹

How do cat antibiotics work?

Antibiotics work by either killing bacteria or stopping their growth and reproduction. Vets perform diagnostic tests to determine which bacteria are causing the infection, then prescribe the right antibiotic and dosage to target that bacteria.^1,2

How Much Do Cat Antibiotics Cost?

If you fill your cat’s antibiotic prescription at the vet, you can expect it to cost between $30 – $300 for one round of treatment. The exact price depends on the antibiotics prescribed and the dosage needed. Filling the prescription through an online pharmacy could decrease this price by about 30% – 60%, but you’ll need to wait for the prescription to be shipped to you.³

Does pet insurance cover cat antibiotics?

Yes, MetLife Pet Insurance plans can typically provide coverage for cat antibiotics as long as they’re not treating a pre-existing condition or prescribed during a waiting period. If you’ve met your deductible and haven’t yet reached your annual limit, you could get reimbursed for covered pet prescriptions like antibiotics — with reimbursement rate options up to 90%.⁴

Why Might Cats Need Antibiotics?

Cats might be prescribed antibiotics for a variety of reasons. Some of these include:²

• Skin, eye, ear, teeth, and bone infections
• Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary/reproductive system infections
• Pneumonia
• Wounds or abscesses
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Tick-borne diseases

Depending on your cat’s symptoms, antibiotics can be essential in helping them feel better.

What Antibiotics Are Safe for Cats?

Depending on the bacterial infection being treated, some common antibiotics for cats include:²

• Amoxicillin
• Cephalexin
• Clindamycin
• Doxycycline
• Metronidazole

Human antibiotics aren’t safe for cats, and while dogs and cats may be able to take some of the same antibiotics, the wrong dosage and type could hurt your cat instead of help.²

What topical antibiotics are safe for cats?

While topical antibiotics — like the triple antibiotic ointment Neosporin^®5 — may be OK for humans, it’s not considered safe to use on cats or other pets. A great solution is to find cat-safe, over-the-counter (OTC) topical antibiotics and keep them in a pet first aid kit. That way, if your cat gets a minor scrape, cut, or skin irritation, you’ll have a safe alternative on hand.⁶

Side Effects of Antibiotics in Cats

Like many prescriptions, antibiotics can cause side effects in cats. Gastrointestinal upsets like diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite can be common, and if the medicine is bitter, cats may foam at the mouth or drool due to the taste. Some more severe side effects may include allergic reactions or reactions at an injection site. Prolonged antibiotic use could lead to digestive, kidney, and liver issues.²

In the rare case your cat experiences poisoning from a toxic dose of antibiotics, signs to look for include:⁷

• Severe gastrointestinal upset or nausea
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Teeth discoloration
• Liver or kidney failure

If you notice your cat displaying signs of discomfort or illness after giving them antibiotics, it’s highly recommended to contact your vet or bring them to an animal hospital for treatment as soon as possible.

Cat Antibiotic FAQs

What forms do cat antibiotics come in?

Cat antibiotics can come in the following forms:²

• Tablets
• Capsules
• Liquid
• Injection

Most true antibiotics require a veterinarian’s prescription. Topical OTC antibiotic products don’t treat systemic bacterial infections; they just lessen the amount of bacteria and microorganisms found on the skin’s surface.⁶

Can I get antibiotics for my cat without seeing a vet?

Because treating bacterial infections requires a proper veterinary diagnosis, it’s not advised to give cats antibiotics without seeing a vet first. The specific antibiotic, dosage, and length of time to give medicine depends on your cat’s unique situation and condition. Vets also advise against giving previously prescribed cat antibiotics if you have any left over.^2,6

You might be able to use OTC topical antibiotics — like ointments, sprays, wipes, or gels — on minor skin issues, but even then, a call to your vet can be a good idea to protect your cat’s overall health.⁶

What’s the strongest natural antibiotic for cats?

In addition to prescribed antibiotics, some natural remedies — like calendula and herbal antiseptic rinses — can help with healing minor skin issues, but they’re not a replacement. These natural alternatives tend to only work on the surface, so they’re not always helpful for systemic or severe bacterial infections.⁶

MetLife Pet Insurance Can Help You Cover Cat Antibiotics

Cat antibiotics are prescribed for various reasons — and they can be a life-saving measure in your vet’s treatment plan when your cat is sick or hurt. To help ease the burden of vet bills, a MetLife Pet policy can help you cover costs for prescribed medication, like antibiotics.

Cal, a Bengal cat from Michigan, was having some litter box problems. His family took him to the vet, where he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI). The antibiotics prescribed to Cal cost around $315, and his family was reimbursed over $275 through their cat insurance policy.⁸

When it comes time to pay the vet bill, rest a little easier knowing you may be able to save some money on your cat’s care. Enroll in a MetLife Pet Insurance policy and choose the customization options that work best for you. Start with a free, personalized quote today.