In the event that you believe your cat is ill, a veterinarian may prescribe medication. If a bacterial infection is the source of the disease, cats may need to take antibiotics! When given appropriately and in accordance with your veterinarian's instructions, cats can safely use antibiotics. If there are any side effects, they are usually mild. Here is everything you should know about cat antibiotics.
What exactly are antibiotics?
What exactly are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a crucial class of medication that serve to treat bacterial infections in animals and people. Bacteria are eliminated and their spread is stopped by antibiotics. Since antibiotics are ineffective against certain infections, they might not be required in every medical situation. There are several ways that doctors can prescribe antibiotics for cats: tablets, creams, injections, and liquid drops.
Is my cat in need of antibiotics?
If your cat has a bacterial infection that the vet believes is unlikely to go away on its own, or if the vet believes it could spread to other animals, the vet will prescribe antibiotics. Bacterial infections can worsen and cause consequences if left untreated.
How do you administer antibiotics to your cat?
Your veterinarian will provide you with instructions on how to administer antibiotics to your cat. These will be shown on the packaging as well. Even if your cat appears better before then, it's crucial to administer the entire course of antibiotics.
1: Taking antibiotics
Keep in mind that your cat can be in pain prior to the medication taking effect. If you have someone to help you or a pleasant treat nearby, giving your cat medication could be less stressful.
2: Liquids or tablets
Consult your veterinarian to find out if your cat's prescription may be crushed before giving it to them. Many tablets can be broken and hidden in a delicious treat, such as pate and a piece of tuna. Our best recommendation is to quickly offer a reward, then a second treat that has the tablet inside, and then another treat. It is necessary to give some medications on an empty stomach since they cannot be crushed. You will have to personally deliver the tablet in this situation. To make this process simpler, you can use pill poppers for cats.
3: Drops, sprays, and creams
Often, giving drops is most comfortable when your cat is perched on your lap. Applying these could require assistance from someone else, so make sure you have some delectable treats ready to give your cat afterward. Wearing an Elizabethan collar will stop the cat from licking cream. Or use the cream right before giving your cat a meal. Then their dinner will provide a delightful diversion.
4: Via injections or a drip
Your veterinarian would always handle this choice. Your veterinarian could ask for a follow-up appointment in some situations, but not in others. Therefore, consult your veterinarian if your cat's condition is still not better once the antibiotic treatment has ended.
What are the antibiotic side effects on cats?
Antibiotic side effects are possible for certain cats. Although they are uncommon, adverse effects to be aware of include: appetite loss, fatigue, or sluggishness; vomiting; nausea; and diarrhoea.
If you are worried about any negative effects your cat may be experiencing, speak with your veterinarian. Until your veterinarian instructs you otherwise, you shouldn't stop providing antibiotics because doing so could halt the infection from healing.
What happens if I neglect to give the cat its medication?
Administer your cat's dose of antibiotics as soon as you can remember when you forgot to administer them, and then carry on with the regimen as usual. However, avoid the antibiotics you missed if their next dose is almost due, and never take two doses to make up for a missing one. For more guidance, speak with a vet.
What would happen if I unintentionally gave my cat two doses of antibiotics?
Your cat may become ill if you unintentionally give them more antibiotics than the vet has advised. Although it's uncommon for a second antibiotic dose to have a major negative effect, it's advisable to consult your veterinarian just to be safe.
Why do veterinarians only prescribe a certain quantity of antibiotics?
The global issue of antibiotics becoming less effective is quite important. It is referred to as antibiotic resistance. This indicates that bacteria have had time to adapt and have grown stronger, making it more challenging to eradicate them with antibiotics. It is partially caused by people overusing antibiotics.
Future issues for humans and animals will arise from the continued abuse of antibiotics, as their effectiveness will decline. Therefore, bacterial infection therapy would get harder. Your veterinarian will have carefully considered whether and to what extent your pet requires antibiotics to heal.
Related Post: