Cat antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed veterinary medicines. They are used to treat bacterial infections in cats, and typically require a prescription and authorization by a veterinarian. Antibiotics function by attacking the bacterial infection at the source, either by killing the bacteria or limiting its ability to reproduce. Because a good number of feline ailments are related to bacterial infections, antibiotics are widespread and cover a variety of different conditions and ailments. As a result, there are a large number of different types of antibiotics themselves. Increasingly, more pet owners are turning to natural antibiotics as a way of reducing their cat's infections.
Natural vs. Prescription Antibiotics
Prescription antibiotics have a number of benefits for cats. They are clinically-tested, FDA-approved drugs that are generally highly effective against bacterial infections. There is a wide variety of antibiotic medicine to choose from, with certain drugs tailoring more toward particular types of infection. They also are relatively cheap compared with many other veterinary medicines.
Natural antibiotics, on the other hand, are generally not approved by the FDA and may not be proven to be effective at reducing infections caused by bacteria. Like prescription antibiotics, there are a wide variety of different herbs and natural compounds that have antibiotic properties. They have the additional benefit of being cheaper and more readily accessible than prescription antibiotics, as they do not require a trip to a veterinarian's office in order to purchase.
Concerns Regarding Antibiotics
Many people turn to natural antibiotics as an alternative to prescription drugs because of the side effects associated with standard veterinary antibiotics. Drugs like amoxicillin come with a host of potential side effects, including gastrointestinal upset, fever, yeast infections and allergic reaction. Additionally, bacteria can become resistant to these medicines if they are used improperly, limiting the overall effectiveness of the drug.
Natural antibiotics are generally considered safe for use in pets. However, not all natural compounds are healthy for your cat, and some may cause effects that are equally or more harmful to your pet than those brought on by prescription drugs. The key to treating your pet with natural medicines, therefore, is to conduct extensive research into the condition that he suffers from and the potential treatments. Be aware of any short- or long-term side effects associated with the natural medicine, and consult with a specialist before beginning treatment.
While many people opt for natural antibiotics as a way of avoiding a trip to the vet's office, you should always have a veterinarian examine your cat when you notice any signs of physical harm or other symptoms. A number of very serious medical conditions have symptoms that closely resemble those of a bacterial infection. In these cases, treating your pet with natural antibiotics may not be adequate to address his condition, and the time that you spend treating the wrong ailment may result in irreversible damage to your cat's health and even death. Always have your pet inspected by a veterinarian if he appears to be sick.