Cats are wonderful pets. They are quiet and affectionate, especially when they want something from you. Cats are popular pets and are affectionate, intelligent, and independent. Cats are very clean animals. They like to keep themselves clean by licking their fur and bathing in the sink or bathtub. Although they are easy to care for, they must be kept indoors because they cannot handle the cold or predators.
Cat owners know that cats are hearty, independent creatures. But sometimes, even their best-laid plans can backfire. As a cat owner, you must keep these six medications on hand to help your pet in an emergency.
1. Antibiotic Ointment
Antibiotic ointment is a must-have for cats, as it is used to treat cuts and wounds and helps prevent the development of infections. If your cat has a severe bacterial skin infection, there can be little cuts and wounds on the skin.
However, if they are infected, there can be a big problem. A triple antibiotic ointment for cats will come in handy in this condition. This antibiotic ointment has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Triple Antibiotic Ointment helps in reducing the redness, swelling, and itching that may be present on the cuts. In addition, the cat will feel relieved and happy after you treat it with this ointment.
2. Laxatives
Laxatives are a medication used to induce bowel movements by irritating the colon’s lining. They are used to treat constipation, but they should not be administered for more than two weeks, or you risk damaging your cat’s digestive system. Laxatives are administered in tablet form, but liquid versions are also available in the market.
Laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines, softening stool, and making it easier for your cat to pass stool. When trying out this type of treatment, you must consult with your vet first so they can recommend an appropriate dosage based on your cat’s needs and medical history.
3. Epi-Pens
Epi-Pens treat anaphylactic allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can cause death if not treated immediately. It usually occurs within minutes of exposure to the allergen but can also happen up to two hours after exposure.
The most common causes of anaphylaxis include insect stings and bites, food poisoning, contamination such as nuts, certain medications, and latex materials such as balloons or gloves.
When cats have a sudden allergic reaction, they need a medical emergency. According to the American Pet Products Association, the basic annual expense of surgical vet visits and routine vet visits for cats in the US was $201 million and $ 178 million, respectively, in 2021-2022. These expenses do not include the emergency visit due to anaphylactic allergic reactions.
4. Anti-Vomiting Medications
If your cat is a vomit-prone kitty, you may not be surprised to learn that vomiting is one of the most common reasons cats are brought to the veterinarian. Vomiting can be triggered by many things, including eating something that doesn’t agree with them or because they have an underlying medical condition. The bottom line is that if your cat is vomiting, it’s important to take them in for a checkup.
5. Anti-Diarrhea Medications
The symptoms of diarrhea in cats are:
- The cat is either straining to go or has been going frequently and producing little or no urine.
- The cat’s stools are loose, watery, and unformed.
How to treat diarrhea in cats?
Use the anti-diarrhea medication your veterinarian recommends for your specific brand of cat food. Some people also use over-the-counter diarrhea medications like Immodium A-D, Pepto Bismol, and Kaopectate. However, these medications should not be used unless a veterinarian recommends them because some contain ingredients that can harm cats if given too much.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications are used to decrease pain, swelling, and fever. Some common anti-inflammatory medications include:
- Tylenol, Motrin, and Advil: These medications can be given to cats experiencing pain or fever associated with the flu.
- Rimadyl (carprofen): It is often used to control pain associated with other injuries and surgery in dogs and cats. This medication should be given once daily to cats for up to five days after an injury or painful condition occurs.
- Meloxicam: another NSAID that can be given orally every 12 hours for up to 14 days following an injury or painful condition in animals.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any type of medication to your cat because some drugs can cause more harm than good if given incorrectly.
If your cat is suffering from a chronic condition and needs these medications regularly, it’s important to discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your veterinarian. According to Zippia, currently, there are around 47,693 veterinarians available in the United States. Therefore, you must ensure that your cat gets the best care possible.
Conclusion
You don’t want to be caught without these medications when your cat needs them. Thus, ensure you stock up on them to always have them on hand. In addition, these drugs help prevent vomiting due to motion sickness, allergies, and other common health problems in cats.
However, these medicines should only be used under veterinary supervision because they can cause serious side effects, including drowsiness and loss of coordination. The most important thing to remember about your cat’s health is that prevention is always better than cure.
