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My cat has a fever and won't eat. Can I give antibiotics without food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 7.7 lbs

Hi. I took my cat to the vet. She has been vomitting. Vet said she has fever. She gave us antibiotics. It's coamoxiclav. I forgot to ask if cat should eat first before the intake. Im home but could not reach the doctor's number given to me. My kitty won't eat. May I still administer the med?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 4th, 2017

Hello. Thank you for reaching out to Pet Coach. I am not familar with the antibiotic that you specifically have mentioned. However, in the US we do use something that sounds similar, called Clavamox. Either way, all antibiotics should be given with food if at all possible to avoid upset stomach.
Many cats have a reduced appetite when they have a fever, so it is not surprising that Haro Kitaru is not eating on her own. I am very sorry that she is feeling ill and has a fever.
If you are able to give her a small amount of chicken or turkey baby food before administering the antibiotic that would be best. This will reduce the chance of causing an upset stomach. Or you can offer her canned tuna or chicken as well.
Best of luck with your kitty. I hope she is feeling better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
I'm sorry Haro Kitaru has been so ill lately! Yes you can give it to her without food, but keep in mind that some animals do vomit after receiving this medication due to stomach irritation. I would see if she will eat some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) before giving her this medication.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 22nd, 2017
Poor girl. I am unsurewhat her undelrying disorder is; however her very best option here is to be hospitalized and given nutrients and her medicaitons by injection. Also Amoxicillin oral should always given with food, because giving this on an empty stomach (the milk is helpful but not enough) will lead to further lack of appetite and upset stomach. Which is why giving her medicaitons as an injectable is ideal for a cat that is refusing to eat.
As an alternative you can also see if the vet will give her a vitamin injection and subcutaneous fluids to help boost her energy. The vet can also prescribe an appetite stimulant to help entice her to eat. And as an alternative to givign her Amoxicillin in an empty stomach, your vet can give her an injectable antibiotic called Convenia, which will work for 2 weeks after just 1 injection. Force feeding her slightly warmed cans of baby food or a liquid pet diet such as Recovery liquid using a syringe or small turkey vaster is also helpful. I hope this helps to get Blacky back to good health. Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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