Antibiotics for a UTI in Cats

There are many common ailments that can affect the common domestic cat. One of these is a urinary tract infection, or simply UTI. Urinary tract infections are extremely common, and in may areas they are the No. 1 reason pet owners take their cats to the veterinarian. It is important to treat a UTI as soon as possible, and there are several common antibiotics used for this.

  1. Enrofloxacin (Baytril)

    • Enrofloxacin is a multi-purpose antibiotic that is widely used to treat many common infections, especially urinary tract infections. Enrofloxacin is usually known by its trade name, Baytril, and is manufactured by Bayer Animal Health. Baytril is available in tablets in 22.7mg, 68mg and 136mg, and is also available in injectable form. Oral Baytril is normally given twice daily, with dosing for cats not to exceed 5mg per kg of body weight each day. Side effects can include lameness, diarrhea, seizures, and in rare instances, blindness.

    Cephalexin

    • Cephalexin is another antibiotic used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections in cats. Cephalexin works by preventing bacteria from building protective cell walls, which causes instability and death of the bacteria. Cephalexin is normally given in 250mg or 500mg capsules or tablets, although an oral suspension is also occasionally used. Normal dosing for cats is 10mg to 15mg per pound of body weight, given every eight to ten hours. Few side effects are normally associated with Cephalexin, with the most common being vomiting and diarrhea.

    Amoxicillin + Clavulanate (Clavamox)

    • Clavamox is widely used to treat a large array of infections in both dogs and cats, including urinary tract infections and bladder infections. Clavamox is a combination of amoxicillin, which is the actual antibiotic that kills the bacteria, and clavulanate, which prevents the bacteria from resisting the effects of the antibiotic. The combined effects of these two drugs ensures that Clavamox is more effective than other singular forms of antibiotics. Clavamox is available in tablet form, and a liquid oral suspension. Normal dosing for cats is 5mg to 12mg per pound of body weight, given two or three times per day. The most common side effects of Clavamox including vomiting and diarrhea.