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 cat's chin or bottom lip appears dirty, the "dirt" 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.
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Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Syringe or dropper
- Meat baby food or tuna
- Antiseptic topical ointment
- Antibacterial soap
Instructions
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Keflex in Pill Form
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If you have to medicate your cat alone, comfort her while you sit together in a quiet room with the door closed.
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Cradle her under one arm.
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With the opposite hand, carefully press the sides of her mouth with your thumb and forefinger.
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Tilt your cat's head up slightly.
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Drop the pill into the back of her throat, and quickly shut your cat's mouth. Beware of being scratched or bitten.
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Hold your cat's mouth closed until the pill is swallowed. Do not block your cat's nose.
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Blowing toward your cat' nose and mouth might cause her to swallow.
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Some cats throw up pills, so if you find a wet pill on the floor, start over.
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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
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Use the dosage-marked dropper or syringe that comes with the prescription.
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If you are doing this alone, use one hand to hold the cat by the scruff of the neck.
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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.
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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.
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Blow gently at the cat's face to make him swallow.
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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.
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After each dose, refrigerate liquid Keflex, which is only viable for two weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
It usually is easier to give a cat medication in liquid form rather than in tablet or capsule form.
Use the whole prescription, even if your pet seems better.
Do not mix medication in water. Because most cats don't drink all the water, your cat probably won't get the proper dosage. Pills make water taste strange, and the cat might stop drinking and become dehydrated.
Prevention of feline acne involves good hygiene and regular grooming. Keep the cat's fur clipped around affected area. After meals, gently wash around cat's lips and chin with antibacterial soap and warm water; apply a mild antiseptic topical ointment daily and feed in stainless steel or ceramic bowls.
Nausea may occur, but this problem might be solved by giving the medication with food.
If your cat develops a fever, inform your veterinarian so she can prescribe a different antibiotic.
According to Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, Educational Director of Veterinary Partner.com, you should "stop giving keflex or cephalexin and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of an allergic reaction."
