Please help - F/U question in regards to cat having upper respiratory infection symptoms

Question

I posted a question yesterday in regards to a cute little cat that came to my doorstep. After wonderful answers, I concluded it has an upper respiratory infection.

I called a local vet who spoke to me for 5 minutes. I described the cat's symptoms, and she agreed that most likely it's an upper respiratory infection. She said that usually she prescribes Amoxicillin (the same EXACT pink Amoxicillin that is prescibed to humans). She said usually it's 1cc (or 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds). I tried to ask her further questions (like dosage strength), but she didn't want to answer them and told me that I had to come in for appointment.

Here is my question. My little baby sister has been prescribed Amoxicillin (i dunno what strength it is) for ear infection (it is the pink solution). Can I just mix few teaspoons of that in some cat food for few days (like 7 days straight)? I hope I have the right dosage, but figure if it is safe enough for baby, it'll be safe for little cat. Or if you guys had cats who were prescribed Amoxicillin, do oyu mind telling me what was the dosage strength provided? I just need some guidance b/c I can't afford to pay 50 dollars for a vet appointment, nor do I want to give it to a pound and risk having the poor cat put to sleep.

Thank you in advance :-) You guys are all very kind.

Answer 1

The pediatric amoxy is really what is used for cats - but there are two major issues here.  One - your baby sister should NOT have any antibiotics left, those bottles given are the right size to dose a child with no leftovers.  Two - once mixed, the amoxy has a shelf life of 10 days - after that it loses it's strength and is no good.  Mixing medicine flavored for humans in with cat food generally will get you nothing other than wasting both medicine and the cat food - a cat will smell/taste it and probably won't eat it.  

There is nothing you can give for a viral infection - that's the same as in humans, a virus needs to run it's course.  Vets generally need to examine the cat in order to make their best judgment call over whether antibiotics would benefit the cat or not, just like when the doctor makes us come in to the office before they prescribe antibiotics for us.  

Try calling some of your local shelters - some of them have vets on staff, and will see the public at a much-reduced price.

Answer 2

I would take the cat in...

along with the meds for your sister...

She can tell you ...yes this can be used for the cat...or not

I wouldn't try to diagnose it myself,

Upper respiratory infection is serious...

get the right thing for your cat FIRST... then try the other

REMEMBER ASPRIN KILLS CATS.  So if this product has some asprin in it for pain for your sis it could be fatal.  

Answer 3

The "infection" is most commonly viral and the amoxycillin has no effect on that.  Vets give it to prevent the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia for the kitten.

So giving your sister's medication is not going to have an effect at all.  If you are serious about helping this cat don't "play" vet - you need to be prepared to spend the money to have its overall health evaluated and follow any treatment plan the vet might have for it.

Vets have college degrees, plus four years of veterinary school including training with more experienced vets and then years of practice in their profession.

Answer 4

You should never give a cat any human medication without the vet's approval! If you do go ahead and give it to him and it's too much, you could kill the cat! It would be best to surrender the cat to a no-kill shelter if you cannot afford to take him to the vet!  

Answer 5

Homemade vetting usually ends up making things worse and making the illness more expensive to treat.  A viral infection has to run it's course. Your vet would probably give you some eye salve to go along with the antibiotics.  I will tell you I rescued some kittens last week who were sick with infections so severe some had gone blind and one had lost it's eye. Infections in kittens are serious and can be devastating if not handled properly. If you don't like that vet, go to another one but don't let your kitten's health and well being go just because of it.