Antibiotics for cats are medications that are specifically formulated for use in felines. There are different types of antibiotics that are available commercially but only a few that are ideal for cat eye infections. These infections arise when the cat suffers from an upper respiratory tract infection, eye ulcers, lesions or conditions like conjunctivitis.
Before the vet prescribes any medication for the infection, diagnostic tests will be carried out to identify the type of bacteria that are present.
Cat Eye Infections
Some eye infections accompany underlying illnesses. These infections give your pet a lot of discomfort and most pets will show signs like watery eyes, thick eye discharge, redness and inflammation of the eyes, and itchiness of the eyes. You should watch for these symptoms and start treatment at the earliest in order to prevent complications or severe eye conditions.
It’s best to avoid purchasing any over the counter eye medications to cure eye infections as some medicines may not agree with your pet.
Commercially Available Antibiotics for Cats Eyes Include:
- Neo Poly Dex Opthalmic
- Terramycin Opthalmic Ointment
- B.N.P Triple Antibiotic Opthalmic Ointment
- Gentamicin Sulfate Opthalmic Solution
Neo Poly Dex Opthalmic
This medication is ideal for cats that suffer from eye inflammation and swelling caused by bacterial infections. It contains the active ingredients Neomycin, Dexamethasone ophthalmic and Polymyxin B sulfates. Since it’s a prescription medication, it should be used only according to the vet’s instructions. As a general guideline you should use administer one drop every 2 hours or 4 hours. If you have to use the ointment, you will have to apply the medication every 12 hours.
If you need to use any other eye medication to cure the infection, you must keep the vet informed about the same in order to prevent any drug interactions.
Terramycin Opthalmic Ointment
Terramycin is used to treat cats suffering from pink eye, inflammation of the cornea and eyelids, and corneal ulcers. Although it’s available as an over the counter medication in most states in the US, it’s sold as a prescription drug in California. The general dosage guideline is an application of the ointment either twice or four times a day.
When you’re treating your pet for an eye infection you must make sure that you wash your hands before and after administering the medication. You should also prevent the tube from coming in contact with the cat’s infected eyes.
B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Opthalmic Ointment
This medication contains active ingredients like Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B Sulfate and Bacitracin Zinc and it’s approved for use in animals by the FDA. Although it is effective, some pets may not recover quickly and such pets will require other medications. You will have to apply the ointment 3 times a day or according to the vet’s instructions.
You must avoid overdosing your pet as it could lead to certain side effects. Since the medication has antibiotic properties, it’s not ideal for use along with other eye ointments. Also inform the vet about any side effects that arise as you may have to discontinue use of this ointment.
Gentamicin Sulfate Opthalmic Solution
This medication effectively treats bacterial eye infections but it’s not ideal for use in cats suffering from fungal infections or viral infections. The solution should be administered and stored exactly according to the instructions that are listed on the package. If you’re in doubt about the dosage and administration it’s best to clarify the same with the vet.
Eye infections should be diagnosed and treated promptly. You should also clean the cat’s eye discharge frequently and dispose of used towels in an appropriate manner to avoid recurring eye infections.