Amoxicillin is given to cats in various forms like capsules, injections, and liquid, and for various reasons. Read this article to know more about its uses.
Amoxicillin is a bacteriolytic broad spectrum penicillin antibiotic that is used for treating bacterial infections that are suspected to be caused by micro-organisms. As far as humans are concerned, it is one of the popularly chosen antibiotics as it is quickly absorbed in the body system and causes positive effects as well. Typically, amoxicillin is used in humans to cure a variety of health conditions from cystic acne to various other infections like throat infection, urinary tact infection, bronchitis, gonorrhea, and many others.
Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for cats and dogs as they also have similar health problems. Many results of amoxicillin for dogs have shown positive effects in evading bacterial infections and evoking further study pointing towards the usage of the same for cats. This has proven effective and essential for overall cat health, only when given in the appropriate dosage.
Uses
There are a few human drugs that are used for cats and the biggest example could be human amoxicillin. It is used in the same way in cats as it is used in humans. Several health conditions in cats that are treated using amoxicillin include urinary tract infection, infections caused by susceptible bacteria, old wounds, injuries, bladder infections, skin infections, tooth abscesses, etc.
Many other cat diseases that can be treated by using amoxicillin include pneumonia, mouth infection, parasitic infections like mites and ringworm, and bone infections that are not responding to any other treatment. There are chances that the vet may prescribe some other drug for more positive effects on the cat’s health. Clavulanate can be such a probable drug that can be used along with amoxicillin.
Dosage
Availability of amoxicillin is varied and so is the dosage. Tablets are available in 100 mg to 400 mg formulations and capsules are available in formulations of 250 mg to 500 mg. Liquid is available in a 50 ml formulation. Recommended dosage for cats may vary as per each individual feline, but the typical equation of amoxicillin is 5 mg to 10 mg per pound of the weight of the cat. This dosage must be repeated only after 12 hours to 24 hours. Nevertheless, it is always best to check with the veterinarian before administering it.
Side Effects
Antibiotics, for humans as well as cats, must only be given when the health condition or disease in not responding to any other drug. As antibiotics are strong and have an immediate effect, the dosage for cats must be accurate and with prior consultation with the vet. Cases of overdose can result in severe side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, skin allergies, loss of appetite, fever, chills, palpitation, lack of coordination, etc. These side effects are seen with oral or liquid amoxicillin. Thus, never try giving amoxicillin to your cat without consulting the vet.
