Respiratory Antibiotics for Cats

A variety of antibiotics can be used for cats with respiratory problems. These antibiotics will kill harmful bacteria or prevent them from reproducing. If the cat has a viral infection, however, antibiotics will not help, and could actually cause more harm than good.

  1. Antibiotics

    • Cat antibiotics function similarly to human antibiotics. They kill or prevent reproduction of harmful bacteria. Although the bacteria will continue to grow, antibiotics can reduce or eliminate infections.

    Zythromycin

    • Zythromycin is used to treat various cat respiratory issues. It can treat smaller respiratory problems and can even help with staff and strep. It is one of the most common cat antibiotics.

    Doxycycline

    • Doxycycline is a medication in the tetracycline family. Antibiotics such as doxycycline can help heal the bacterial portion of upper respiratory infections. Viral portions are harder to cure.

    Other Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics such as Clavamox, Baytril, Chloromycetin, Kanamycin, Cephalasporine, Antirobe, Cephalothin, Trimeth-sulfa, Primaxin and Gentamicin should be considered if the cat has kennel cough, a common respiratory disease in multiple cat households or kennels.

    Viruses

    • Many upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. These infections, therefore, could not be treated with antibiotics. Use of unneeded antibiotics could lead to allergies and other issues, according to Vetinfo.com.