Can I give antibiotics to a nursing cat?

Question

Her kittens are like a week old. She's got a respiratory infection. I got the antibiotics last week from a vet because a stray cat outside had a respiratory infection. Is it safe to give a nursing cat antibiotics?

Answer 1

Baytril is not safe.  Clavamox and Amoxycilin are.  I'm not sure about Zithromax.

Answer 2

Before giving any medication to your nursing kitty, please check with your vet.  

One problem with giving medicine prescribed for another kitty...is most of the antibiotics I've seen for URI is a liquid with a dropper to administer..if this is what you have, the dropper and the medicine have been contaminated by using it with the outside kitty.  You do not want to cause any additional problems for your nursing momma.

Another problem with giving medicine prescribed for another kitty...medicine dose is prescribed by weight.  Your outside kitty and the nursing momma may not be the same weight.

One final thought, the vet may want to prescribe medication for the kittens too because of momma's URI.  Normally, nursing kittens will receive some immunities from momma.  Since momma is ill, the vet may want to take extra precautions.

Purrs to you, momma kitty and kittens.

Answer 3

You need to take her to the vet,as she may need a different antibiotic.Also,the kittens will probably get sick as well and need antibiotics,too. It all could have been prevented had you had the cat spayed and kept her indoors.

Answer 4

The vet will provide you with the meds and info you need to care for your cat...

Answer 5

There are unsafe antibiotics and safe antibiotics to give to nursing animals. I would recommend consulting your veterinarian before administering those antibiotics to her. Besides there is a good chance the kittens will come down with this URI and you will need to visit the vet anyhow because you may run into complications with kittens that young.

I would be concerned if you waited through the weekend for an answer. Kittens can get pneumonia in those small lungs and gentle immune systems real quick. You may have a fast growing problem brewing in your hands.

Answer 6

It depends on the antibiotic.  Some are safe for nursing moms, some are not.  And leftover antibiotics can be ineffective.  They are generally given in an amount to properly dose one cat, so "leftovers" wouldn't be enough for her regardless.  If they are the liquid kind, they also are only stable for 10 days.  After 10 days they should be discarded.  This is really a question best asked of a vet.

Answer 7

yes but double check with the vet first.

Answer 8

If the vet says so.