Injectable Antibiotics for Cats

An antibiotic is a drug normally used to treat infection by preventing bacterial growth. There are many antibiotics on the market for cats, some of which are available in a liquid, injectable form. Injectable antibiotics enter the bloodstream quicker than those administered orally, and as a result, their effects can lead to quicker recovery time for the cat.

  1. Enrofloxacin (Baytril)

    • Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It is normally called by its trade name, Baytril, manufactured by Bayer. It is often used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, wound infections, and skin infections. It is not effective when used against viruses or molds. Injectable dosing for cats should not exceed 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, with each milliliter of injectable Baytril containing 22.7 mg of the drug. Some common side effects include diarrhea and swollen joints. In rare instances, Baytril has caused blindness in cats.

    Cefazolin

    • Cefazolin is another antibiotic used to treat many common infections such as wound infections, skin infections, bone infections, bladder infections, and pneumonia. The drug works by preventing the bacteria from building adequate cell walls, which cause instability and death. Cefazolin is available in 250 mg, 500 mg and 1 g concentrations, with normal dosing range being 5 mg to 15 mg per pound of body weight. Cefazolin is given every 6 to 8 hours, and the injection may be intravenous, or intramuscular. Side effects are not widely reported, with the most common complaint being mild vomiting.

    Gentamicin (Gentocin)

    • Gentamicin is another injectable antibiotic safe for use in cats, though it works in a slightly different manner than other antibiotics. Instead of preventing cell wall formulation of bacteria, Gentamicin works by inhibiting protein synthesis and growth of the bacteria. The drug is commonly used to treat blood infections, bladder infections, ear canal infections, as well as skin and sinus infections. Gentamicin is commonly known in the veterinary field as Gentocin, and is manufactured by Schering. Some serious side effects can result from gentamicin use, including hearing loss, muscle paralysis, and kidney damage. Blood tests are normally run before administering gentamicin to ensure the cat's kidneys are healthy. Gentamicin comes in a 100 mg/mL solution, and dosing for cats is 3 mg to 4 mg per pound of body weight, given once per day. Gentamicin injections may be intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous (beneath the skin).