How to Treat Cat Acne With Keflex

Cat acne is a common feline disease that can be controlled, but seldom cured, by three to six weeks of Keflex (cephalexin), in combination with antibacterial cleansing and application of topical ointments. If your cat̵7;s chin or bottom lip appears dirty, the ̶0;dirt̶1; is probably blackheads, the first indication that your cat might have feline acne. Take the cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible for an examination and recommended treatment.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Syringe or dropper
  • Meat baby food or tuna
  • Antiseptic topical ointment
  • Antibacterial soap
Show More

Instructions

  1. Keflex in Pill Form

    • 1

      If you have to medicate your cat alone, comfort her while you sit together in a quiet room with the door closed.

    • 2

      Cradle her under one arm.

    • 3

      With the opposite hand, carefully press the sides of her mouth with your thumb and forefinger.

    • 4

      Tilt your cat̵7;s head up slightly.

    • 5

      Drop the pill into the back of her throat, and quickly shut your cat̵7;s mouth. Beware of being scratched or bitten.

    • 6

      Hold your cat̵7;s mouth closed until the pill is swallowed. Do not block your cat̵7;s nose.

    • 7

      Blowing toward your cat̵7; nose and mouth might cause her to swallow.

    • 8

      Some cats throw up pills, so if you find a wet pill on the floor, start over.

    • 9

      As an alternative, try hiding the pill inside a piece of meat or crush it into smaller pieces and mix with meat-flavored baby food or tuna.

    Keflex as Oral Suspension Liquid

    • 10

      Use the dosage-marked dropper or syringe that comes with the prescription.

    • 11

      If you are doing this alone, use one hand to hold the cat by the scruff of the neck.

    • 12

      With the other hand, place the syringe on either side of the cat's mouth, in the very back, between his upper and lower teeth.

    • 13

      Squirt the contents into the cat's mouth. Many cats struggle and foam after you give them something they don't like the taste of.

    • 14

      Blow gently at the cat̵7;s face to make him swallow.

    • 15

      You can use a towel to wrap the cat tightly with just his head sticking out, as an alternative to the scruff-of-the-neck method.

    • 16

      After each dose, refrigerate liquid Keflex, which is only viable for two weeks.