Most of us cat parents will have taken antibiotics at some point in our lives to help treat various conditions and illnesses, and cats are no different.
If your cat is prescribed antibiotics, it’s usually because they’re suffering from a particularly persistent and/or virulent bacterial infection. This can be a worrying time for cat parents, as no one likes seeing their cat suffering from illness, in particular an illness that’s so serious it requires antibiotics to help clear it up.
So to help clear muddy waters and explain more about the wide range of antibiotics available specifically for felines, we’ve put together this article to help decipher what’s key when it comes to antibiotics for cats.
When does a cat need antibiotics?
Just like with humans, if a cat’s suffering from a medical issue that could potentially lead to, or has already caused, a bacterial infection, antibiotics might be required to help treat the problem by targeting the bacteria responsible.
Health problems that can lead to your vet prescribing antibiotics for your cat include urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin issues, respiratory problems, dental issues or complications following surgery.
How do you give your cat antibiotics?
There are a number of ways you can give your cat antibiotics: in tablet form, liquid form/drops, creams or sprays, and injections (often through a drip). How you give them to your cat will depend on what’s prescribed by your vet.
If you’re struggling to give your cat antibiotics in pill-form, read our tips on how to give your cat a pill.
Are there any side effects?
Antibiotics are generally safe for cats as long as they’re administered properly and the correct dosage is given.
Inevitably, though, some cats will suffer from side effects when taking antibiotics. Most are minor and nothing to worry about, for example, skin irritation, GI problems or vomiting. More serious reactions can include severe diarrhea or vomiting, dehydration, problems breathing or a fever.
If your cat experiences any of these, or if you have any concerns at all about negative side effects, see your vet immediately.
What antibiotics are available for cats?
There’s a wide range of antibiotics available for cats, and the ones prescribed will depend on which bacteria requires treatment.
It’s important to note that although some antibiotics are used for treating infections in humans, you should never give your cat antibiotics that have been prescribed to you or anyone else in your house. Only give them antibiotics that have been prescribed by a vet.
Some of the most common include:
- Amoxicillin A penicillin-type antibiotic, Amoxicillin is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from skin problems to UTIs. It’s available in tablet, capsule and liquid form.
- Doxycycline Usually prescribed in liquid form, this common antibiotic is often used to treat respiratory infections and eye infections, as well as other conditions including heartworm disease.
- Clindamycin An antibiotic that’s sometimes used for tooth infections or wounds that have become infected.
- Cephalexin Usually prescribed as an oral antibiotic, Cephalexin is used for skin infections such as abscesses or wounds, as well as conditions such as UTIs and soft tissue or bone infections.
- Enrofloxacin A robust antibiotic sometimes prescribed for hard-to-treat infections, including severe UTIs and skin infections.
- Metronidazole Often used to fight GI problems such as diarrhea or dental problems, and can be used to treat protozoal infections such as Giardia.
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