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Struggling to pill cat for diarrhea. Can Flagyl be given once daily?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 3 months old | 13 lbs

My cat (6.8 kg) has diarrhea, and the vet prescribed 1/2 Flagyl 250 every 12h (no specific diagnostic was made). It's been very hard to follow this protocol because the cat is very stubborn when taking pills (spits them and panics) and the only person in the house who can do it is me. However, due to my work shifts, I can only give him one of the doses. I read online that this dosage (1/2 pill) can be given just once daily and it's still effective for GI upset, but wanted to confirm this.Thanks!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Paula Simons

Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

Veterinarian

Published on September 21st, 2021

Metronidazole is a drug that is best given every 12 hours to be effective and that is what is stated by research performed on how it works in the body. If pilling him is too difficult you can try a liquid formulation or even consider not using it at all and trialing a probiotic or bland diet.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Published on December 19th, 2018

    Flagyl (metronidazole) is safe and effective if given twice daily at intervals of 12 hours not exceeding dosage of 15mg/kg. Otherwise it can become toxic or ineffective. A bland diet (boiled white fish and rice) could be useful as well to solidify feces.

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