Medication Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Convenia for Cats
Convenia is a single antibiotic injection that lasts up to 14 days — eliminating the need for daily pill administration in cats with skin infections, urinary tract infections, or wounds.
What Convenia is used for in cats
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Wounds and abscesses
- Urinary tract infections
How it works
Cefovecin works like other cephalosporins (disrupting bacterial cell walls) but with a slow-release injectable formulation that maintains effective levels for 14 days.
Available formulations
Injectable solution (vet-administered)
Side effects to know
Common side effects
- • Injection site reactions (rare)
- • Mild lethargy
These usually resolve on their own. If they persist past the first few doses, ask your vet.
Call your vet immediately if you see
- ⚠ Severe allergic reaction (especially if penicillin-allergic)
- ⚠ Severe injection site reaction
Drug interactions
- • Other beta-lactam antibiotics
When not to use
- • Documented penicillin or cephalosporin allergy
Monitoring during treatment
Because it lasts 14 days, any side effects also last 14 days — there's no way to stop it once given. Discuss this with your vet.
Need a Convenia refill?
RexVet is the first 501(c)(3) non-profit online vet service in the U.S. Talk to a licensed veterinarian by video, get your cats's Convenia prescription, and have it shipped through RexVetRx — all for $64.99 per visit.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Convenia for Cats
Frequently asked questions
Why use Convenia instead of pills?
Cats are notoriously difficult to pill. Convenia eliminates 14 days of daily medication struggles in a single injection. Particularly useful for skin and wound infections where compliance is a problem.
How long does Convenia last?
Therapeutic levels last 14 days in most cats. Some traces remain longer (up to 65 days), which is why some vets are cautious about repeated use.
Can RexVet prescribe Convenia?
Convenia must be administered by a vet (injectable). RexVet can recommend Convenia and refer to an in-person clinic for the injection.
Is Convenia safe?
Generally yes, but because the effect can't be reversed, vets typically use it for cats where pilling has failed or specific cases warrant it. Some vets prefer oral antibiotics with shorter half-lives.
What if my cat has a bad reaction to Convenia?
Severe reactions are rare. Mild reactions (mild lethargy, GI signs) sometimes occur but typically resolve. Contact your vet immediately for any serious reaction.
Medical review by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet. Licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
Last fact-checked: 2026-05-19
Sources
This page is an educational reference and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before starting, changing, or stopping medication for your pet.