⚠️ Prescription Antibiotic - Veterinary Authorization Required
Cephalexin is a prescription antibiotic that MUST be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian. This calculator is for educational purposes only. Never administer cephalexin without veterinary authorization. Improper antibiotic use can lead to treatment failure, antibiotic resistance, and serious health complications. Only use under direct veterinary supervision with proper diagnosis.
Cephalexin For Cats Dosage Calculator
Calculate cephalexin dosage for cats based on veterinary prescribing guidelines. This antibiotic calculator uses standard feline cephalexin dosing protocols (15-35 mg/kg) to help understand proper dosing for bacterial infections including skin infections, urinary tract infections, and soft tissue infections.
Calculate Cephalexin Dosage
Infection Type
⚠️ Your veterinarian determines the appropriate infection type and dosing
Cat's Weight
Average cat: 8-12 lbs
Average cat: 3.5-5.5 kg
Cephalexin Formulation
Common formulations available for cats
Veterinary Dosing Formulas
Cephalexin Dose Calculations
1. Standard Dose (General Infections):
\( \text{Dose (mg)} = \text{Cat Weight (kg)} \times 15\text{-}35 \text{ mg/kg} \)
Standard veterinary range: 15-35 mg per kilogram every 12 hours. Most commonly prescribed at 22-30 mg/kg.
2. Skin & Soft Tissue Infections:
\( \text{Dose (mg)} = \text{Cat Weight (kg)} \times 22\text{-}35 \text{ mg/kg} \)
Higher doses for skin infections, wounds, abscesses. Administered every 12 hours for 7-21 days.
3. Urinary Tract Infections:
\( \text{Dose (mg)} = \text{Cat Weight (kg)} \times 12\text{-}25 \text{ mg/kg} \)
Lower doses adequate for UTIs due to high urinary concentration. Every 12 hours for 7-14 days.
4. Capsule Calculation:
\( \text{Capsules} = \frac{\text{Dose (mg)}}{\text{Capsule Strength (mg)}} \)
For 250 mg or 500 mg capsules. Most cats need partial capsules - contents can be mixed with food.
5. Liquid Suspension Volume:
\( \text{Volume (mL)} = \frac{\text{Dose (mg)} \times 5 \text{ mL}}{\text{Concentration (mg)}} \)
For 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL suspensions. Shake well before each use. Refrigerate after reconstitution.
Cephalexin Dosage Chart for Cats
⚠️ Doses shown are per administration (every 12 hours). Your veterinarian will prescribe the specific dose based on infection type and severity.
Safety Information & Side Effects
❌ Contraindications:
- Known penicillin/cephalosporin allergy
- Severe kidney disease
- History of antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Pregnant cats (use cautiously)
- Very young kittens (under 8 weeks)
⚠️ Common Side Effects:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling (if bitter taste)
- Lethargy
- Allergic reactions (rare)
✓ Important Guidelines:
- Complete full antibiotic course
- Give with food to reduce GI upset
- Store at room temperature
- Refrigerate liquid after reconstitution
- Shake liquid suspension well
- Monitor for improvement and side effects
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct cephalexin dosage for cats?
The standard cephalexin dosage for cats is 15-35 mg/kg (7-16 mg/lb) every 12 hours. Most commonly, veterinarians prescribe 22-30 mg/kg twice daily. For a 5 kg (11 lb) cat, this equals 110-150 mg per dose. The specific dose depends on infection type, severity, and your cat's overall health. Always follow your veterinarian's prescribed dosage exactly.
How often should I give my cat cephalexin?
Cephalexin for cats is typically given every 12 hours (twice daily), though some veterinarians prescribe every 8 hours (three times daily) for severe infections. Administer at consistent times - for example, 8 AM and 8 PM. Maintain this schedule throughout the entire treatment course, which typically lasts 7-28 days depending on the infection being treated.
Can I give my cat human cephalexin?
Yes, human cephalexin is the same medication prescribed for cats. However, you must have a veterinary prescription - never use leftover human antibiotics without veterinary authorization. The dosing is different for cats than humans, and proper diagnosis is essential before antibiotic use. Using human prescriptions without vet oversight can lead to improper dosing, treatment failure, or antibiotic resistance.
How do I administer cephalexin capsules to my cat?
For whole capsules: place the capsule at the back of the tongue and gently stroke throat to encourage swallowing. For partial doses: open the capsule and mix contents with a small amount of wet food, tuna juice, or meat baby food. Ensure your cat eats the entire mixture. Liquid suspension is often easier - use an oral syringe to squirt into the side of the mouth. Always give with food to reduce stomach upset.
What happens if I miss a dose of cephalexin?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless it's close to the next scheduled dose. If less than 4 hours remain before the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never double up doses. Missing multiple doses can reduce treatment effectiveness and promote antibiotic resistance. Set phone reminders to help maintain the dosing schedule throughout treatment.
How long does it take for cephalexin to work in cats?
You should see improvement within 48-72 hours of starting cephalexin. However, complete the full course even if symptoms resolve earlier - typically 7-14 days for UTIs, 7-21 days for skin infections, and up to 28 days for severe infections. Stopping early can cause infection recurrence and antibiotic resistance. If no improvement occurs after 3-4 days, contact your veterinarian for reevaluation.
How to Safely Administer Cephalexin to Cats
- Obtain Veterinary Prescription: Cephalexin requires proper diagnosis and prescription from a licensed veterinarian. Your vet will perform necessary tests to confirm bacterial infection.
- Calculate Correct Dose: Use your cat's accurate weight to determine the proper dose based on your veterinarian's prescribed mg/kg amount (typically 22-30 mg/kg).
- Prepare the Medication: For capsules, open and mix contents with food if needed. For liquid, shake bottle thoroughly and measure dose using oral syringe or dosing device.
- Administer with Food: Give cephalexin with a small amount of food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. This also helps mask the bitter taste and ensures compliance.
- Maintain Consistent Schedule: Give doses at the same times daily (every 12 hours). Set reminders to ensure you don't miss doses throughout the treatment period.
- Complete Full Course: Continue treatment for the entire prescribed duration even if symptoms improve. Stopping early can lead to recurrence and antibiotic resistance. Follow up with your vet as instructed.