Amoxicillin for Cats

Amoxicillin for Cats: What You Need to Know

Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family. It is used to treat various bacterial infections in cats, such as skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and wound infections. Amoxicillin works by interfering with the cell wall of bacteria, causing them to die or stop growing.

However, amoxicillin is not effective against viral infections, fungal infections, or parasites. Therefore, it is important to consult your veterinarian before giving amoxicillin to your cat, and to follow their instructions on the dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.

In this article, we will answer some common questions about amoxicillin for cats, such as:

• How much amoxicillin should I give my cat?
• What are the side effects of amoxicillin for cats?
• What are the precautions and contraindications of amoxicillin for cats?
• How can I make amoxicillin more palatable for my cat?

How Much Amoxicillin Should I Give My Cat?

The dosage of amoxicillin for cats depends on several factors, such as the type and severity of infection, the weight and age of your cat, and their medical history. The general range of dosage is 5 to 10 mg per pound of body weight, given once or twice a day. However, your veterinarian may adjust the dosage based on your cat’s specific condition and response to treatment.

Amoxicillin is available in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquid, and injectable. The most common form for cats is the liquid suspension, which can be measured with a syringe or a dropper and given orally. Some cats may not like the taste of amoxicillin, so you can try mixing it with some wet food or tuna juice to make it more appealing.

It is very important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions on how much and how often to give amoxicillin to your cat, and to complete the full course of treatment, even if your cat seems to improve. Stopping the treatment too soon or skipping doses may lead to the infection coming back or becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

What Are the Side Effects of Amoxicillin for Cats?

Amoxicillin is generally safe and well-tolerated by most cats, but some cats may experience side effects, such as:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Allergic reactions

The most common side effects of amoxicillin for cats are vomiting and diarrhea, which are usually mild and temporary. These are caused by the disruption of the normal bacteria in the digestive tract, which help digest food and maintain a healthy balance. To prevent or reduce these side effects, you can give amoxicillin to your cat with some food, and make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

If your cat vomits or has diarrhea more than once, or if they show signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, or skin tenting, you should contact your veterinarian immediately, as they may need fluid therapy or other supportive care.

Some cats may also develop an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, which can be life-threatening. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Itching
• Shock

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should stop giving amoxicillin and seek emergency veterinary attention right away. Your veterinarian may administer antihistamines, steroids, or epinephrine to counteract the allergic reaction, and monitor your cat’s vital signs until they stabilize.

What Are the Precautions and Contraindications of Amoxicillin for Cats?

Amoxicillin is not suitable for all cats, and some cats may have a higher risk of developing side effects or complications from taking it. You should inform your veterinarian of any medical conditions or medications that your cat has, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of amoxicillin.

Some of the precautions and contraindications of amoxicillin for cats are:

• Allergy to penicillin or other antibiotics
• Kidney or liver disease
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Vaccination
• Drug interactions

If your cat is allergic to penicillin or other antibiotics, you should not give them amoxicillin, as they may have a severe allergic reaction. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different type of antibiotic that is more suitable for your cat.

If your cat has kidney or liver disease, you should use amoxicillin with caution, as it may accumulate in their system and cause toxicity. Your veterinarian may adjust the dosage or frequency of amoxicillin, or monitor your cat’s kidney and liver function during the treatment.

If your cat is pregnant or lactating, you should consult your veterinarian before giving them amoxicillin, as it may cross the placenta or pass into the milk and affect the fetus or the kittens. Amoxicillin is generally considered safe for pregnant and lactating cats, but it should be used only when the benefits outweigh the risks.

If your cat is due for a vaccination, you should wait until they finish the course of amoxicillin, as it may interfere with the immune response and reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. You should also avoid giving amoxicillin to your cat within two weeks of receiving a live vaccine, such as the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine.

Amoxicillin may interact with other drugs that your cat is taking, and cause adverse effects or reduce their effectiveness. Some of the drugs that may interact with amoxicillin are:

• Antacids
• Probenecid
• Allopurinol
• Methotrexate
• Warfarin

You should tell your veterinarian about any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies that your cat is taking, and follow their advice on how to avoid or manage any potential drug interactions.

How Can I Make Amoxicillin More Palatable for My Cat?

Some cats may not like the taste or smell of amoxicillin, and may refuse to take it or spit it out. This can make the treatment difficult and ineffective, and increase the risk of infection or resistance. To make amoxicillin more palatable for your cat, you can try the following tips:

• Use a flavored liquid suspension, such as fish or chicken, that your cat may find more appealing. You can ask your veterinarian or pharmacist if they have any flavored options available, or if they can compound a custom flavor for your cat.
• Mix the liquid suspension with some wet food or tuna juice, and offer it to your cat in a small bowl or on a spoon. Make sure your cat eats the entire dose, and do not mix it with too much food or liquid, as it may dilute the concentration of the antibiotic.
• Use a pill pocket, a soft treat that has a hole in the middle, where you can insert the tablet or capsule of amoxicillin. You can then give the pill pocket to your cat as a treat, and they may swallow it without noticing the pill inside. You can buy pill pockets at pet stores or online, or make your own with some cheese or peanut butter.
• Use a pill gun, a device that helps you insert the pill into your cat’s mouth. You can load the pill into the tip of the pill gun, and gently place it in the back of your cat’s mouth, behind their tongue. Then, press the plunger to release the pill, and hold your cat’s mouth closed until they swallow. You can reward your cat with some water or a treat after giving the pill.
• Use a transdermal gel, a form of amoxicillin that can be applied to the skin of your cat’s ear. The gel is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, bypassing the oral route. You can wear gloves and use a syringe or a finger to apply the gel to the inner part of your cat’s ear, and massage it gently. You can alternate the ears each time you give the dose, and avoid touching the gel with your bare hands. You can ask your veterinarian or pharmacist if they have any transdermal options available, or if they can compound a custom gel for your cat.