By Dr. Michelle Frye, DVM · Published 2026-05-01
TL;DR. Clindamycin (Antirobe, Clintabs) is a lincosamide antibiotic for dental and bone infections, deep bite wounds, and toxoplasmosis in cats. Dosed 5–11 mg/kg every 12 hours. Always chase with water or food — especially in cats — to prevent esophageal stricture. Never give to rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters.
The Cat-Bite Abscess That Showed Up at 9 P.M.
The cat came in for a fight wound. There was a small puncture three days ago that closed over and looked fine until this morning, when it became a fluctuant, painful, fever-producing abscess on her shoulder. We lanced it, flushed it, and sent her home on clindamycin — which is the antibiotic almost every cat-bite case in America gets. It's also the antibiotic owners are most likely to give wrong, in a way that can cost their cat their esophagus.
What Clindamycin Actually Does
Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that excels against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa. It penetrates beautifully into bone, abscesses, and dental tissue, which is why it dominates these specific clinical situations.
- Dose: 5–11 mg/kg orally every 12 hours.
- For dental and soft-tissue infection: 7–14 day course.
- For osteomyelitis or toxoplasmosis: 4–6 weeks or longer.
- Forms: capsules, tablets (Clintabs, Antirobe Aquadrops liquid), pharmacy-compounded liquids.
- Always followed by 6 mL of water or a small amount of food to clear the esophagus.
Things People Are Wrong About
Myth 1: "I can dry-pill the cat, she'll swallow." Don't. Like doxycycline, clindamycin causes esophageal strictures when tablets and capsules sit in the esophagus. Always follow with water from a syringe or a small treat. This is the single most preventable serious complication of feline antibiotic use.
Myth 2: "It's just for dental infections." Clindamycin is the workhorse for cat-bite abscesses, deep wounds, periodontal disease, dental abscesses, certain pyodermas, bone infections, and toxoplasmosis — not just teeth.
Myth 3: "My rabbit can take it because she has a dental infection." No. Clindamycin can be fatal in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, and horses by causing catastrophic disruption of gut flora. Never give it to these species.
Myth 4: "It tastes fine, I don't need to chase with water." The taste isn't the issue — the chemistry is. The capsule itself, sitting against esophageal mucosa, can cause a chemical burn.
When NOT to Use Clindamycin
Never in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, or horses (fatal flora disruption). Use cautiously in pets with significant liver or kidney disease. Avoid in pets with prior allergic reaction or severe colitis on previous courses. Always finish the prescribed course, even after the abscess looks resolved — under-treatment is the leading cause of recurrence.
What I Tell Owners After 30 Years
Clindamycin is the antibiotic I prescribe most for cat fights, dental infections, and the deep stuff that needs antibiotic that actually penetrates bone. The single thing I beg every cat owner: never put a clindamycin tablet in your cat and walk away. Wash it down. Pill-pocket treat. Bowl of broth. Syringe of water. Pick one. Esophageal strictures from lodged antibiotics are devastating, surgical, and entirely preventable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clindamycin used for in cats and dogs?
Common uses include cat-bite abscesses, dental infections, deep wound infections, bone and joint infections (osteomyelitis), pyoderma, and feline toxoplasmosis.
How long does clindamycin take to work?
Clinical improvement in soft-tissue infections is usually visible within 48–72 hours. The full prescribed course must still be completed.
How much clindamycin can I give my cat?
Typical feline dosing is 5–11 mg/kg orally every 12 hours, prescribed by your veterinarian based on your cat's weight and condition.
Why do I need to chase clindamycin with water?
Clindamycin tablets and capsules can lodge in the esophagus and cause chemical burns and strictures, especially in cats. Always follow each dose with at least 6 mL of water from a syringe or a small treat the cat must swallow.
Can rabbits take clindamycin?
No. Clindamycin can be fatal in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, and horses by causing catastrophic disruption of the gut flora.
What is the difference between Antirobe and Clintabs?
Both contain clindamycin hydrochloride. Antirobe is sold as capsules and a liquid (Aquadrops); Clintabs are flavored tablets. The active ingredient is the same.
What are the side effects of clindamycin?
Most common are vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Rare but serious effects include severe colitis, blood-cell changes, and esophageal injury when tablets are not chased with water.
Where can I buy clindamycin for my pet?
Clindamycin is prescription-only. Smarty Vets dispenses Antirobe, Clintabs, and pharmacy-compounded clindamycin from a licensed pharmacy.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any medication for your pet.