The information contained in this sticky is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace veterinary advice. The intention of this sticky is to open doors to understanding about the specific medical condition or topic, allowing for educated and on-going discussion with your vet.

Diabetic Cat Care Antibiotics (ABX) 101

There are many reasons your cat could need an antibiotic; in conjunction with surgery or for a urinary tract, bacterial or dental infection, to mention a few.  

If the vet offers you a syrup formulation for any medications, it is important to clarify with the vet the abx contains no syrups or sugars -  most liquid forms of antibiotics do contain sweeteners and are not appropriate for diabetic cats.

Prior to prescribing antibiotics, your vet should discuss with you what drugs they plan to use as some abx are bacteria specific.  If they haven’t discussed this with you, then please talk to them about this BEFORE administering any abx to your cat.  This is important as there are drugs that are best avoided, especially when it comes to FD cats. 

Most abx will affect BG.  Some affect BG more than others.  The links below provide information to find out more about various antibiotics available, as well as some of the contraindications for cats.

Antibiotic Choices for Cats  

CONVENIA is best avoided for a number of reasons - the most important being once it has been injected into your cat, it can't be taken back. Convenia exerts its antibacterial effects for approximately 1-2 weeks but stays in the body for over 2 months (65 days). If there are adverse reactions, it will take prolonged treatment to recover. Cats receiving Convenia have been known to develop anemia. The following adverse events were reported voluntarily during post-approval use of Convenia: death, tremors/ataxia, seizures, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), acute pulmonary edema, facial edema, injection site reactions (alopecia, scabs, necrosis, and erythema), hemolytic anemia, salivation, pruritus, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetance. Convenia is NOT an appropriate first-choice antibiotic for any dental issue since its spectrum of antibacterial activity is not targeted toward the bacterial species that normally live in the oral cavity. Have a discussion with your vet prior to administration of Convenia. 

Clavamox is a member of the penicillin family.  It is a broad spectrum abx and is used by many vets.  Most find Clavamox (the liquid form contains sugar) causes the BG to rise and also causes nausea.  Many use Pepcid AC (1/4 tablet BID) given 15 minutes before meals when giving their cats Clavamox.  It is a strong abx, usually given for 7 days and comes in either pill or liquid form.  A number of members have reported their cats have had serious reactions to Clavamox; if you notice any changes in your cat's appetite or behavior or notice signs of allergic reaction, speak with your vet or post on forum asap.

BAYTRIL is part of the enrofloxacin family and should not be administered to cats with known reactions to quilolones.  Baytril is a broad spectrum abx and commonly used for deep wounds, mouth/dental infections, upper respiratory and eye infections. Baytril comes in pills or in shot form, which remains in the system for approximately two weeks.  In rare instances, long term use can cause blindness in cats.  Dosage must not exceed 5 mg/kg of body weight per day in cats. Baytril is normally well tolerated with little affect on BG.  

Zenequin (aka marbofloxacin)  is used most often for soft tissue, skin and urinary tract infections. The most common adverse reactions observed during clinical studies were decreased activity, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.   

Orbax is also a member of the enrofloxacin family and because it is a faster acting abx, sometimes less is needed.  Orbax does not work as well when dealing with bite wounds or infections of the mouth.  Because of potentially smaller daily doses, Orbax is generally well tolerated in cats with little effect on BG.   

Prior to accepting ABX from your vet, ask to see the Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet to further understand what complications are possible.  When your vet sends you home with antibiotics, you should be provided clear instructions on proper administration, and an understanding of what signs to look for should your cat have an adverse reaction to the particular abx used.

When giving abx in pill form, most cats will accept the pills rolled in a small amount of wet cat food, or wrapped in a moistened piece of freeze-dried chicken.  Please do not "dry-pill" your cat.  Always follow any pills with syringed water to help wash the pill down.  Dr. Lisa has some great advice on how to pill your cat.


©  2009-2024  Diabetic Cat Care - DCC's information may be used on other websites (with restrictions), for more information read All Rights Reserved.