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Cats can get ill just like any other living being. With any luck, your cat will never suffer a serious health problem in their life. However, it is likely at some point that some injury or illness may befall your cat, and you may wonder if it’s safe to give your pet human antibiotics. It all depends on the situation and the reasoning for said antibiotics. You should never give your pet antibiotics that are lying around the house to try to cure an ailment without the guidance of a veterinarian. That said, below is information about human antibiotics for cats as well as a list of human antibiotics commonly prescribed to cats and what you should know about them.
What to Do Before Giving Your Cat Antibiotics of Any Kind
It is extremely important to contact a veterinarian and ask for guidance before deciding to give your cat any antibiotics. Even if there is a consensus that a human antibiotic is safe for cats, you should still seek to get a prescription from a veterinarian and avoid giving your kitty any of your own antibiotics. You may also want to seek out natural treatment options to see if they work. Even then, it is a good idea to check with a vet to see what natural treatments are appropriate.
Amoxicillin for Humans and Cats
This antibiotic is prescribed to humans to help fight off bacterial infections and bacteria growths that are threatening to become infections. This type of antibiotic might be prescribed to those who have pneumonia, a nose and ear infection, tonsilitis, or a urinary tract infection. Amoxicillin is also prescribed for cats when situations like skin rashes, respiratory infections, and urinary tract problems arise.
Cephalexin for Humans and Cats
Most notably prescribed for respiratory problems like pneumonia, cephalexin is a powerful drug that fights off harmful bacteria within the body. Other reasons that a person might be prescribed this drug include ear and skin infections and genital disorders. Veterinarians may recommend the use of cephalexin for a cat for problems such as susceptible skin infections and urinary tract infections.
Metronidazole for Humans and Cats
This type of medication is prescribed to kill bad bacteria and to fight off the infestation of parasites and can help treat GI ulcers. This medication can be prescribed for cats with inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea (though one common side effect is diarrhea). Metronidazole should never be used to treat pregnant cats, as the drug can enter the cat’s milk and harm the kittens.
Final Comments
Cats are typically healthy animals when left to their own devices and are offered a healthy diet and active way of life. However, some ailments might come into play, particularly ones caused by bacteria. There are antibiotics that you can offer your kitty to make them feel better after contracting a bacterial infection. Hopefully, you now understand which human antibiotics are safe for your cat and when they should be offered. Even so, you should always consult with a veterinarian before offering your cat medications of any kind.
Featured Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio, Shutterstock
