Clindamycin for cats is a prescription medication that is used to treat a variety of feline infections. The medication comes in different brand names, including Antirobe® and ClinDrops®.
Clindamycin dosage for cats varies depending on the size and weight of your cat and the type of infection being treated.
For every feline owner Knowing about the safe dosage, benefits, possible side effects, and safe ways of administration of any veterinary medicine is essential to avoid any toxic effects.
This blog post will cover everything you need to know about giving clindamycin to cats, its safe form and dosage, including how much and how often to give it.
We’ll also discuss the benefits of the medicine, its potential side effects, and when it’s not recommended.
Is Clindamycin safe for cats?
Yes, clindamycin is safe FDA-approved antibiotic medication used to treat many felines’ bacterial infections such as skin infections such as wounds and abscesses (Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus, intermedius, Streptococcus spp), Deep wounds and infections (caused by Clostridium perfringens and Bacteroides fragilis), Dental infections (caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococcus spp, Clostridium perfringens and Bacteroides fragilis).
However, like all medications, there are potential side effects. The most common side effects reported in Cats are vomiting and diarrhea.
Clindamycin For Cats Uses
Clindamycin is commonly used for the treatment of anaerobic, streptococcal, and staphylococcal infections.
Clindamycin can be used to treat a number of different feline infections, including:
1. Bacterial skin infections
2. Wound infections
3. Dental infections
4. Tooth abscesses
5. Oral cavity infections
6. Pneumonia
7. Bone infections
Clindamycin Dosage for Cats
The safe and recommended Clindamycin dosage for cats is 10-30 mg/kg or 5-15 mg/lb (1 mL/5 lb) once daily. In severe infection, the dose can be increased with your veterinarian’s advice only. The medicine comes in capsules of 25 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg and 25 mg/ml Clindamycin Hydrochloride Oral Drops.
The dose of any medication, including clindamycin, may vary from pet to pet.
According to the vet, the ideal form of clindamycin for a feline is Clindamycin hydrochloride oral droops instead of capsules and tablets.
Remember that the clindamycin should be administered to your feline friend with the veterinarian’s advice only. Self-medication may harm more than benefit.
Dosage Calculator
Clindamycin Dosage Chart for Cats
| Cat Weight kg | Weight lbs | Clindamycin Dosage ( 10-30 mg/kg or 5-15 mg/lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 4 lbs | 20 mg |
| 4 kg | 9 lbs | 40 mg |
| 6 kg | 13 lbs | 60 mg |
| 8 kg | 18 lbs | 80 mg |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 100 mg |
| 12 kg | 26 lbs | 120 mg |
| 14 kg | 30 lbs | 140 mg |
| 16 kg | 35 lbs | 160 mg |
Clindamycin 25 mg/ml Oral Drops Dosage Chart For cats
| Cat Weight #kg | Weight #lbs | Clindamycin Oral Drops ( 1 mL/5 lbs, once every 24 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kg | 4 lbs | 1 ml |
| 4 kg | 9 lbs | 1.8 ml |
| 6 kg | 13 lbs | 2.5 ml |
| 8 kg | 18 lbs | 3 ml |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 4.2 ml |
| 12 kg | 26 lbs | 5 ml |
| 14 kg | 30 lbs | 6 ml |
| 16 kg | 35 lbs | 7 ml |
The above Clindamycin Hydrochloride dosage chart for a feline is based on the brand ANTIROBE® and ClinDrops®.
If you are using another brand of medication, make sure to see the dosing instruction or confirm with your veterinarian first to avoid complications.
Remember that Clindamycin Hydrochloride should not be dosed for more than 3-4 days for the treatment of acute infections. However, for other treatments, the duration of the treatment is 14 days.
If you don’t observe any improvement in the treatment, make sure to contact your veterinarian.
How Clindamycin work?
Clindamycin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as lincosamides. These antibiotics work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing the bacteria from growing and reproducing.
Clindamycin is effective against a wide variety of bacteria, including staphylococci, streptococci, anaerobic bacteria, and some protozoans.
Can Cats Take Clindamycin Capsules and Tablets?
It is good to avoid giving your cat Clindamycin capsules and Tablets because the dose of these forms of the medication is hard to manage for your feline friend and can cause toxic effects and other issues such as choking hazards and mouth foaming. You can also not able to divide the Clindamycin capsules according to your kitty size.
For cats, the best form of clindamycin is liquid oral drops which can be easily and safely administrated to your cat.
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How to Give Clindamycin to Cats?
1) Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure that the medication is mixed evenly.
2) Draw up the correct amount of medication in an oral syringe.
3) Open your cat’s mouth and place the syringe tip at the back of their throat.
4) Gently push on the plunger to release the medication.
5) Allow your cat to swallow and then close its mouth.
6) Rub their throat gently to help them swallow.
7) Some cats may not like the taste of clindamycin, so you may need to give it to them with a treat or piece of food.
8) You should give clindamycin to your cat at approximately the same time each day to maintain an even level of medication in their system.
9) Never give the dry pill to your kitty without food as it may upset their stomach and can cause choking hazards and throat injury.
Possible Side Effects of Clindamycin in Cats
The most common side effects of clindamycin in cats are gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea, loss of appetite, and Weight loss. If your cat experiences vomiting or diarrhea while taking this medication, contact your veterinarian.
How long does it take for clindamycin to work in cats?
It typically takes 3-5 days for clindamycin to start working against an infection. However, some infections may respond more quickly, and others may take longer to respond.
Be sure to give the medication as directed by your veterinarian and finish the treatment even if your cat seems to be feeling better.
Can you open Clindamycin capsules for cats?
No, do not open clindamycin capsules for cats. The medicine inside the capsule can be very bitter and may cause stomach upset if not taken as directed. Capsules are coated and designed to work properly and to reach their efficient location.
Can I give my cat clindamycin 300 mg?
No, clindamycin 300 mg is not recommended for cats. The safe and recommended Clindamycin dosage for cats is 10-30 mg/kg or 5-15 mg/lb once daily. In severe infection, the dose can be increased with your veterinarian’s advice only.
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