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PetDosageChart

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.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. This information is sourced from veterinary drug references including Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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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

Related Medications for Cats

Antibiotic (Penicillin)

Amoxil

Amoxicillin

For bacterial infections

View dosage chart
Nitroimidazole Antibiotic / Antiprotozoal

Flagyl

Metronidazole

For Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

View dosage chart
First-Generation Cephalosporin Antibiotic

Keflex

Cephalexin

For Skin and soft tissue infections

View dosage chart
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic

Baytril

Enrofloxacin

For bacterial infections

View dosage chart

Sources & References

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Doxycycline.

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.

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