What pills to give a cat? - briefly
When it comes to administering medication to cats, always consult your veterinarian first. Commonly prescribed pills for cats include antibiotics like amoxicillin or clavulanic acid for infections, and pain relievers such as buprenorphine or gabapentin for managing discomfort.
What pills to give a cat? - in detail
When it comes to administering medication to cats, it's crucial to be informed and cautious. Cats are sensitive creatures, and many human medications can be toxic to them. Below is a detailed guide on what pills to give a cat safely:
Firstly, always consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your cat. They can provide personalized advice based on your cat's health history and current condition. Here are some common scenarios where you might need to administer pills to your cat:
Parasite Control: Fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites can be a nuisance for cats. Common medications include:
- Praziquantel: Effective against tapeworms.
- Pyrantel Pamoate: Useful against roundworms and hookworms.
- Selamectin (Revolution): A topical treatment that prevents heartworm disease, controls fleas, and treats and controls ear mites and sarcoptic mange.
- Ivermectin: Effective against heartworms, but use with caution as high doses can be toxic to cats.
Pain Management: Cats can experience pain from various conditions such as arthritis or post-surgery. Common medications include:
- Meloxicam (Metacam): A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation.
- Gabapentin: Often used to manage chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain.
- Buprenorphine: An opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain.
Antibiotics: Cats may need antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
- Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid (Clavulox): Broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against many types of bacteria.
- Doxycycline: Effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including those caused by tick bites.
Allergy Relief: Cats can suffer from allergies too. Antihistamines are often prescribed:
- Fexofenadine (Allegra): A non-drowsy antihistamine used for allergy relief.
- Loratadine (Claritin): Another non-drowsy option for allergies.
Thyroid Support: Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats. Medications include:
- Methimazole (Tapazole): Used to manage hyperthyroidism by reducing thyroid hormone production.
Heart Health: Cats with heart conditions may require medication:
- Benazepril HCl (Fortekor): An ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
- Diltiazem (Cardizem): A calcium channel blocker used to manage high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.
Administering Pills: When giving pills to your cat, follow these steps:
- Prepare the pill: Ensure it's the correct medication and dose.
- Position your cat: Hold them securely but gently on your lap or a table.
- Open their mouth: Gently tilt their head upwards and use your thumb to press down on their lower jaw, opening the mouth.
- Insert the pill: Place the pill at the back of their tongue using the index finger of your other hand.
- Close their mouth: Release their lower jaw and gently blow into their nose to encourage them to swallow.
- Reassure your cat: Offer a treat or praise to reassure them after administration.
Safety Tips:
- Never give human medication to your cat without veterinary approval.
- Store all medications out of reach of pets.
- Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your vet.
- Monitor your cat for any adverse reactions and contact your vet if you notice anything unusual.
By being well-informed and cautious, you can safely administer pills to your cat when necessary, ensuring their health and wellbeing.