We routinely keep many over the counter medications around the house for treating such things as headaches, stuffy noses, pain and diarrhea.  It may be tempting to give your cat some of your medicine, believing that if it helps you feel better, it should certainly help your cat too. 

This story will change your mind!  A lady had her kitten declawed at a local veterinarian.  She was sent home with antibiotics and pain relievers.  While trying to medicate the kitten with the pain medicine, it spilled all over the floor.  The well meaning lady worried that the kitten would suffer, so she decided to share some of her own prescription medication that she had been given for back pain.   Breaking off a tiny little piece, she thought to be a sufficient amount for a kitten, was just enough to cause a toxic reaction.  After the lady neglected to tell the veterinarian what she had given the kitten, it died hours later at the hospital.  Be honest!  Give the veterinarian all details of any possible causes of your pet’s illness that you can think of.  Certainly let them know if you have “self medicated” your cat!  There may have been a way to save this kitten’s life.

Unfortunately, our cat’s metabolism and organs function a little differently than ours, and medications that can improve our symptoms can be toxic to your cat.  Human medications come in human-sized doses.  Just because your cat may take the same antibiotic (“the pink stuff”) as your child, this does not mean that they can take all of the same medications.  For example, one of the most common mistakes is the human fever reducer/pain reliever Tylenol (acetaminophen). This is often used in a liquid form for young children, making it easier to administer to a cat.  Adults with good intentions will think that if it is safe to give their baby a dose of the aspirin free pain/fever reducer, it should help their kitty.  Unfortunately, a small amount given to your cat can be lethal. 

If you feel that your cat has digested medication and needs treatment, or if you have any other medial related questions about your feline friend, please call The Cat’s Meow at (843) 839-1999.  The Cat’s Meow, located at 1141 Highway 544 in Myrtle Beach, has an experienced staff of veterinarians and vet technicians that work to better your cat’s health.  

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The Cat’s Meow, located at 1141 Highway 544 in Myrtle Beach, has an experienced staff of veterinarians and vet technicians that work to better your cat’s health.