Vibramycin (Doxycycline) Dosage for Cats

Antibiotic (Tetracycline) ⏱ Onset: 1-2 hours ⏳ Duration: 12-24 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

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Vibramycin Dosage Chart for Cats by Weight

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Weight	Low Dose	Standard Dose	Max Dose	Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg)	7mg	7mg	14mg	every 12-24 hours
4 lbs (1.8 kg)	9mg	9mg	18mg	every 12-24 hours
5 lbs (2.3 kg)	11.5mg	11.5mg	23mg (25mg tablet)	every 12-24 hours
6 lbs (2.7 kg)	13.5mg	13.5mg	27mg (25mg tablet)	every 12-24 hours
7 lbs (3.2 kg)	16mg	16mg	32mg	every 12-24 hours
8 lbs (3.6 kg)	18mg	18mg	36mg	every 12-24 hours
9 lbs (4.1 kg)	20.5mg (25mg tablet)	20.5mg (25mg tablet)	41mg	every 12-24 hours
10 lbs (4.5 kg)	22.5mg (25mg tablet)	22.5mg (25mg tablet)	45mg (2 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours
12 lbs (5.4 kg)	27mg (25mg tablet)	27mg (25mg tablet)	54mg (2 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours
14 lbs (6.3 kg)	31.5mg	31.5mg	63mg	every 12-24 hours
16 lbs (7.3 kg)	36.5mg	36.5mg	73mg (3 × 25mg)	every 12-24 hours
18 lbs (8.2 kg)	41mg	41mg	82mg	every 12-24 hours
20 lbs (9.1 kg)	45.5mg (2 × 25mg)	45.5mg (2 × 25mg)	91mg	every 12-24 hours
25 lbs (11.3 kg)	56.5mg	56.5mg	113mg	every 12-24 hours

What is Vibramycin (Doxycycline) used for in cats?

upper respiratory infections Mycoplasma Chlamydophila Bartonella tick-borne diseases

How to give Vibramycin to your cat

CRITICAL: Never dry-pill doxycycline to cats. Doxycycline tablets can lodge in the esophagus and cause severe esophageal strictures (narrowing) that require surgery. ALWAYS follow doxycycline with at least 6 ml of water by syringe or give with a large amount of wet food. A liquid compounded formulation is the safest option for cats.

Available Forms

tablet, capsule, liquid

Give with Food?

Yes — give with food

Side effects of Vibramycin in cats

Common side effects

nausea

vomiting

decreased appetite

esophageal irritation

Serious side effects

esophageal stricture
severe esophagitis
liver toxicity
tooth discoloration (kittens)

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs:

Difficulty swallowing, gagging, or excessive drooling (may indicate esophageal damage)
Refusal to eat (may indicate esophageal pain)
Vomiting after every dose
No improvement after 3-5 days
Regurgitation of food

Frequently Asked Questions

Is doxycycline safe for cats?

Doxycycline is safe and commonly prescribed for cats, BUT it must be given correctly. The critical safety rule is to NEVER give doxycycline as a dry pill — always follow with water (6+ ml) or give with wet food. Dry-pilling can cause esophageal strictures, a serious condition requiring surgery.

Why is doxycycline dangerous to dry-pill in cats?

Doxycycline is highly acidic and can cause severe chemical burns to the esophageal lining if it lodges there. Cats have a relatively narrow esophagus, and pills can easily get stuck. The resulting esophageal stricture can make it permanently difficult for the cat to swallow food.

How much doxycycline do I give my cat?

The standard dose is 5 mg per kilogram of body weight, given once or twice daily. For an average 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat, this is approximately 22-25 mg per dose. Ask your vet about compounded liquid formulations for easier and safer administration.

What does doxycycline treat in cats?

Doxycycline is the first-line treatment for many feline infections including Mycoplasma (a common cause of upper respiratory infections), Chlamydophila (causing conjunctivitis), Bartonella (cat scratch disease), and tick-borne diseases. It is also used for some skin and urinary tract infections.