Clavamox is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group. It’s commonly prescribed for cats in cases of bite wounds infections, upper respiratory infections, teeth infections, skin infections, and bladder infections.
However, some cats are allergic to penicillin and display severe allergic symptoms to it. Luckily, Clavamox has many alternatives that work just as effectively.
In this article, we’ll mention five effective Clavamox alternatives for cats. We’ll talk about their uses, safety profile, side effects, contraindications, and when you should ask your vet to consider it for your cat.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Five Clavamox Alternatives for Cats
- Clindamycin hydrochloride for respiratory tract and skin infections
- Doxycycline for respiratory tract and bladder infections
- Enrofloxacin for bladder and skin infections
- Cephalosporins for GIT and skin infections
- Supplements to strengthen the immune system
Clindamycin Hydrochloride
Clindamycin Hydrochloride is an antibiotic used to treat several infections. It’s prescribed for cats to treat respiratory tract and skin infections.
Clindamycin is usually manufactured in liquid form, but sometimes you can find it in the form of capsules. It’s recommended to mix the drug within the meal as it has a bitter taste. Some of the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and skin rash.
More severe side effects include stomach pain and a decreased urine output. In case of bloody diarrhea, you should immediately stop using the medication and consult your vet.
You should avoid giving the medication to your cat as a dry pill, as it can injure its esophagus. This could result in esophagitis.
Related: What Can I Use Instead of Metacam for Cats?
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is an antibiotic drug that effectively treats cats with bladder infections, respiratory infections, GIT infections, and mouth infections. It comes in the form of capsules.
Several side effects are common after taking the medication. They include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Less common side effects include lethargy and hyperthermia. You should stop the medication immediately if bloody diarrhea is present.
Doxycycline is FDA-approved for dogs but not for cats. This doesn’t mean the drug isn’t used off-label for a wide range of infections. There are, after all, several reputable studies that demonstrate its effectiveness.
Doxycycline can interact with some drugs and lose its potency. If your cat is taking vitamins, it might be a good idea to stop taking them or avoid doxycycline altogether. Consult with your vet to determine the best treatment plan for your cat.
Enrofloxacin
Enrofloxacin is an antibacterial drug that’s prescribed for cats to treat skin and bladder infections. In fact, it’s considered a highly effective alternative to Clavamox.
The drug is known for its use in various cases and has shown promising results on cats. It should be given orally to your cat. Enrofloxacin is considered safe and has shown mild side effects on the digestive system. However, it’s crucial to consult your vet before initiating new treatment plans for your cat.
Common side effects are vomiting, reduced appetite, nervousness, confusion, and depression. If your cat is still in the growing phase, it’s better to avoid enrofloxacin as it has been proven to damage the cartilages of animals. Other severe side effects are uncoordinated walking and eye damage.
This medication should not be taken by cats allergic to enrofloxacin, cats that suffer from dehydration, or cats that suffer from liver diseases.
Related: The Best Alternatives to Plavix for Cats
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are antibiotics that are usually prescribed for cats suffering from urinary tract or skin infections. Depending on the type of infection, cephalosporins can be taken orally or through an injection. Cephalosporins are widely used as an alternative for cats that are allergic to penicillins.
For simpler urinary tract and skin infections, cephalosporins should be taken orally. Conversely, your cat should take the medication through an injection if it’s something severe, like a life-threatening respiratory infection, as injected antibiotics reach their target much faster than those taken orally.
Cephalosporins can also treat infections that are resistant to penicillin, making it a great alternative for Clavamox.
Common side effects include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset. Less common side effects include watery diarrhea, fever, and decreased appetite.
Some of the common side effects can be prevented by taking probiotics, which help in adding good bacteria to the stomach.
Cephalosporins can interact with lots of other medications, including supplements and vitamins. So, it’s essential to take your vet’s opinion before giving your cat a course of cephalosporins.
Supplements
Supplements can sometimes be used as an alternative to Clavamox, especially for cats allergic to all antibiotics. They’re often prescribed for a cat to boost its immune system. In fact, supplements are required by the cat’s body to build a strong, well-functioning immune system.
Strengthening the immune system can be helpful in treating simpler infections all around the cat’s body, as a better functioning immune system increases the white blood cell count.
For example, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are proven to improve your cat’s immune system effectively. In addition, most cat foods contain more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which is why some vets recommend supplementation.
Probiotics are also highly effective as they introduce good bacteria to the stomach, helping fight urinary tract infections.
General vitamins are also considered beneficial in building your cat’s immunity. However, they’re present in most cat foods and shouldn’t be taken as a supplement alone.
Even though most supplements can be efficient for cats, some can be extremely harmful. For example, calcium can cause toxicity if given in excess, and vitamin C increases acidic urine, which results in crystals blocking the urinary tract.
It’s crucial to take your vet’s opinion about supplements that your cat may need to develop immunity. It’s also important to discuss whether these particular supplements can harm your cat or not.
Related: The Best Sub Q Fluids Alternatives for Your Cats
Conclusion
To sum it up, Clavamox has several alternatives that work just as well. In fact, some other options show better results than Clavamox in some instances. You’ll need to walk your vet through every medication your cat takes and ensure it’s safe.
This information should never be used as a substitute for your vet’s opinion. Individual cases can vary due to many factors, and the vet’s judgment remains the ideal treatment plan.
I’ve been living with cats since 2008 and I can confidently say I have more feline friends than humans lol. I currently live with 5 cats in different life stages; two of them are less than one year old, one is 2-ish years old and the oldest two are 9-ish years old. I’ve developed a strong bond with cats over the years and I’m eager to share my experience through this blog. You can learn more about my cats here.