What This Calculator Does
This tool estimates the cephalexin dose for a cat based on its body weight. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly prescribed by veterinarians for skin, soft-tissue, and urinary tract infections. A widely cited feline dosing rate is around 22 mg/kg given every 12 hours, though your veterinarian may choose a different rate or frequency depending on the infection, the cat's kidney function, and the specific product. This calculator is for educational reference only and does not replace veterinary advice.
How To Use It
Enter your cat's weight and choose kilograms or pounds. The default dose rate of 22 mg/kg reflects a common recommendation, but you can adjust it to match your vet's instructions. Pick how many doses are given per day (twice daily is typical). The calculator returns the amount per dose and the total milligrams per day.
The Formula Explained
The math is straightforward: $$\text{Dose (mg)} = \text{Weight (kg)} \times \text{mg/kg}$$ If you entered pounds, the weight is first converted to kilograms (\(1\ \text{lb} = 0.45359237\ \text{kg}\)). The total daily dose is simply the per-dose amount multiplied by the number of doses per day.
Worked Example
For a 4.5 kg cat at 22 mg/kg: $$4.5 \times 22 = 99 \text{ mg per dose}$$ Given twice daily, the total daily dose is $$99 \times 2 = 198 \text{ mg/day}$$ The calculator would display 99 mg per dose and 198 mg/day.
FAQ
How often is cephalexin given to cats? Most feline protocols use every 12 hours (twice daily), but some use every 8 or 24 hours — follow your vet's directions.
Can I round the dose to a tablet size? Never adjust the dose yourself. Your vet will select an appropriate tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid concentration.
Is this calculator a substitute for a vet? No. Antibiotic choice, dose, and duration must be set by a licensed veterinarian who has examined your cat.
