Please note: This calculator is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice and must not be relied upon as the sole basis for medical decisions. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

What This Calculator Does

This tool estimates the appropriate Cephalexin dosage for cats based on your input parameters. It is designed for educational and planning purposes, and supports both tablet and liquid suspension dosage formats.

Input Parameters

• Weight: Your cat’s body weight
• Unit: Select between kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs)
• Dose Base: The prescribed dosage in mg per kg body weight (commonly between 10–35 mg/kg)

Output

• Total Dosage: The total amount of Cephalexin in milligrams per dose
• Tablets Required: Estimated tablet size (typically 250 mg or 500 mg per tablet)
• Liquid Suspension Volume: Estimated volume in milliliters (assuming a standard 250 mg/5 mL concentration)

Calculation Method

The dosage is calculated as follows:

Total Dose (mg) = Body Weight (kg) × Dose Base (mg/kg)

For users who input weight in pounds, the weight is first converted to kilograms:

Weight (kg) = Weight (lbs) ÷ 2.20462

The calculator then estimates the equivalent number of tablets and the liquid dose using common formulations. These outputs are rounded for clarity, but real prescriptions may require exact pharmacist preparation.

Veterinary Recommended Dosage

According to veterinary guidelines, Cephalexin for cats is generally prescribed at a dose of 10–25 mg/kg every 12 hours (i.e., twice daily). Some conditions may require up to 30–35 mg/kg under close veterinary supervision.

Common Indications

• Skin and soft tissue infections (wounds, abscesses)
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Bone and joint infections (in select cases)

Precautions and Risk Warnings

Use with caution in cats that:

• Have kidney disease or renal insufficiency
• Have known allergies to cephalosporins or penicillin antibiotics
• Are pregnant or nursing, unless directed by a vet
• Are very young (under 8 weeks) or elderly

Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea) or behavioral changes. Some cats may show hypersensitivity reactions.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

• If your cat exhibits allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, hives, breathing difficulty)
• If symptoms persist beyond a few days of treatment
• If your cat refuses food, vomits repeatedly, or becomes lethargic
• If you are unsure about the correct dosage or duration of therapy

Always store Cephalexin at the temperature recommended on the label, and complete the full course unless instructed otherwise.