Over the counter antibiotics for cats typically target ailments common to felines such as furballs/hairballs, parasites, skin conditions, vomiting and retching, bites and wounds and constipation. Other more serious conditions such as cancer, anemia and liver disease should be treated under the care of a veterinarian.
Over the Counter Antibiotics
Over the counter antibiotics for common cat conditions should be purchased from a pet store or in the pet section at drugstores, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Giving your cat certain types of human medications such as Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol, and Advil can be toxic. If your vet prescribes over the counter medication, it will likely be one of the following depending on the condition:
- Kaopectate
- Dramamine
- Antibiotic Ointments
- Antibacterial Soap
- Aloe Vera
- Moisturizers
- Vaporizers
- Diphenhydramine
Your veterinarian will recommend a dosage amount based on your cats weight. For example, the typical dosage for kaopectate is one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight and roughly 12.5 milligrams of diphenhydramine is safe for cats.
When it comes to parasites in cats, the number of over the counter medications is endless. The type of medication will depend on the parasite (hookworm, tapeworm, roundworm) and the severity of the condition. Again, you should never attempt to treat your cats condition on your own. A veterinarian can make a formal diagnosis and recommended the best treatment path for your cat. Prescription medications are usually more effective, but if your veterinarian says it’s ok to use an over the counter treatment, he might recommend Drontal Feline, Heartgard Plus, Panacur, Revolution or HomeoPet Worm.
These medications may be purchased at pet stores, through online pet stores, or directly through the manufacturers.
Supplementing Over the Counter Antibiotics
There are a number of homeopathic remedies for feline conditions that can be used as a supplement to prescription or over the counter antibiotics. Garlic tablets are one of the most popular “cure-alls” for cats. Many pet owners believe that garlic tablets help fight infection when taken orally or applied to a wound in liquid form. Greenleaf tablets are believed to be efficient in removing toxins and evening primrose can assist with treating many skin and coat conditions. Milk thistle and probiotics help treat digestive disorders such as diarrhea, while liquid paraffin, olive oil and oats may help combat constipation.
For conditions such as external parasites, a number of essential oils are believed to be effective, but it is extremely important to consult with your veterinarian before using any of the remedies listed in this article. In large amounts, some herbs and oils may be toxic to your feline.
Several common natural parasite repellents are:
- almond oil
- amber
- American Pennyroyal (or “tickweed”)
- eucalyptus lavender
- lemon
- lemongrass
- rose
- geranium oil
- vinegar
Garlic pills also help repel external parasites.
The essential oils and substances mentioned above are unpleasant to the senses of external parasites, so they are likely to avoid an animal that smells or tastes like say, lemongrass or vinegar. These natural remedies should only be used as a supplement to other treatments, as suggested by your vet. Most homeopathic remedies only assist with treatment. They do not provide a cure for most cat conditions.