Keeping your cat healthy is essential to his well-being. Part of keeping your furry friend well is providing him with antibiotics if he ends up with a bacterial or fungal infection. In order to ensure that your cat gets the proper care, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Here is everything you need to know about antibiotics for cats so you are prepared for your appointment.
When are Antibiotics for Cats Prescribed?
Antibiotics are prescribed by your veterinarian based on the kind of bacterial or fungal infection that your cat has. They are usually prescribed during a veterinary appointment after your vet has a chance to run tests to determine the source of your cat’s problems.
Antibiotics are most commonly prescribed for eye infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections. They can be administered to your cat in the form of a pill or ointment, depending on the infection and your cat’s specific needs. Typically, ointments are used for eye and skin infections. Urinary tract infections and respiratory infections usually require pills. Unfortunately, many cats have problems swallowing pills, so some veterinarians may suggest an injection instead.
Types of Antibiotics for Cats
- Amoxicillin is one of the most common antibiotics for cats because it effectively treats a wide variety of bacterial infections.
- Cephalexin is a popular choice when treating skin infections.
- Clindamycin treats oral infections and abscessed teeth.
- Baytril is used to treat urinary tract infections.
- Clavamox is often prescribed for respiratory infections.
Giving Your Cat an Antibiotic
If your cat is prescribed an ointment, make sure that you clean the affected area first. In many cases, this simply means wiping the area with a damp washrag. Make sure your cat is fully restrained. If he is struggling, get someone to help you. Then, very carefully squeeze the prescribed amount of ointment onto the affected area.
When it comes to antibiotic pills, things can get tricky. Cats will not swallow the pill on its own, so you’ll have to trick your kitty into thinking it’s a treat. Place the pill in a bit of cheese and feed it to your cat. If the pill is too big, cut it in half and place each half in its own piece of cheese.
Possible Side Effects
No matter what kind of medication you give your cat, it is important to understand that it may cause some side effects. Possible side effects pertaining to antibiotics for cats include rashes, fever, lethargy, and diarrhea. However, most side effects are only temporary and the benefits of the medication far outweigh the negative side effects that your cat may experience. In addition, not all cats experience these side effects, and many cats experience no side effects whatsoever.
Identifying a possible bacterial or fungal infection early is key to helping your kitty recover quickly with the help of an antibiotic. No matter what the symptoms, if your cat exhibits any change in behavior, make sure you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so the problem can be diagnosed early. Your veterinarian can also provide you with more information about specific antibiotics for cats and treatments.