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Some human medicines are also effective for cats, however the dosages are usually lower due mostly to the smaller size of the animal. Note that these medications are not FDA approved for use in dogs or cats and should only be used under the guidance of your veterinarian. Call your vet to find exact dosage requirements for your pet and ensure the safety of administration.
Medications for Cats
| Medication | Use | Dosage | Method of Administration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A & D Ointment | Antibacterial ointment for scrapes and wounds | Apply a thin coating | Topical | 3 - 4 times a day for 7 - 10 days |
| Afrin Children’s Strength Nose Drops (0.25%) |
Nasal Decongestant | Drop in nostril | 1 drop in 1 nostril daily for up to 5 days, alternate nostrils each day. | |
| Anbesol | Topical anesthetic for mouth pain | Dab on liquid with cotton swab | Do not use more than once | |
| Aspirin (buffered; enteric coated) | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory | 81 mg (dose varies with the purpose of the medication) | With food | Every 3 days |
| Aveeno Oatmeal Medicated Bath | For soothing itchy skin | Use as a bath rinse | As often as 3 times per week | |
| Benadryl | Antihistamine | 1 mg per pound of body weight | Oral | Every 8 hours |
| Betadine Skin Cleanser | Antiseptic liquid soap for cleaning on or around wounds | Use full strength to wash the affected area | ||
| Betadine Solution | Antiseptic | Dilute to 0.2% (2ml to 2 quarts of water - or the color of weak tea) | Topical | As prescribed for cleaning the wound. |
| Bufferin | Pain reliever | DO NOT USE | ||
| Burow's Solution | Topical antiseptic | Moisten cotton ball and apply to wound | ||
| Caladryl | Soothing topical lotion for pain and itching | Paint on sore area | ||
| Charcoal (compressed activated charcoal) | Binds stomach poisons | 5g per 10 pounds of body weight | Oral | Keep at least 30 tablets available, give once and only under the direction of a veterinarian |
| Chlorhexidine Solution (Nolvasan, ect..) | Antiseptic | Dilute to 0.05% (25ml to 2 quarts, 1.9Liters water) | Topical | As prescribed for cleaning the wound |
| Cortaid | Anti-itch cream | Apply once or twice daily as needed | ||
| Desitin | Soothing ointment | Rub on affected area | ||
| Dramamine | For motion sickness | 12.5 mg | Oral | Every 8 hours |
| Ducolax | For constipation | 5 mg tablet or 1/2 suppository (10mg) | Oral | Once a day |
| Epsom Salts | Soothing soak for irritated, itchy skin | 1 cup per 2 gallons of water | Topical | Soak The affected area |
| Flatulex | For flatulence / gas | 25 mg | Oral | As needed, up to 3 times per day |
| Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) | Used to induce vomiting | 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight | Oral | You may repeat every 15-30 minutes (max 3 times) |
| Hypo Tears | Eye lubricant | Topical | Apply 4 - 12 times per day | |
| Iodine | Topical antiseptic | Paint on wound | ||
| Ipecac Syrup | Emetic to promote vomiting | DO NOT USE | ||
| Kaolin and pectin (beware - some formulations contain salicylates | For persistent diarrhea | 1/2 to 1ml per pound of body weight (or 1 - 2 teaspoons per 10 pounds) | Oral | Every 6 hours |
| Kayopectate | For diarrhea | 1/2 - 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds | Oral | Every 4-8 hours (1 day MAX) |
| Lanacane | Topical anesthetic | DO NOT USE | ||
| Massengill Disposable Douche | Odor neutralizer for skunk spray or body odor | Mix 2 oz per gal of water | Use a soak for 15 min, then bathe as usual | |
| Metamucil (unflavored) | For constipation or to add fiber to the diet | 1/2 teaspoon (small cat) 1 teaspoon (large cat) | Mix in with food | Once daily - for short term use, unless otherwise directed |
| Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Maalox | Antacid, laxative, gas | 2 - 4ml per pound of body weight | Oral | Every 12 - 24 hours |
| Mineral Oil | Lubricant, laxative | 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight | Add to food - do not give separately due to aspiration risk | Once or twice a week, only for 2 - 3 days |
| Triple Antibiotic Ointment | Antibiotic for preventing wound infection | Topical | Apply 3 - 4 times daily as needed | |
| Pedialyte or Gatorade | For dehydration | Mix 50/50 with water | Oral | Offer as much as the dog wants |
| Pepcid | Histamine blocker for antacid effect, and vomiting | .25 - .50 mg | Oral | Once a day |
| Pepto-Bismol | For Diarrhea | DO NOT USE | ||
| Preparation H | For a sore anal area | DO NOT USE | ||
| Prilosec (omeprazole) | Antacid, ulcer medication | DO NOT USE | ||
| Robitussin DM, Benylin Expectorant | Cough Suppressant | 0.50 - 1mg per pound of body weight (or 1/2 teaspoon per 10 pounds) | Oral | Every 6 hours |
| Solarcaine | Topical pain reliever and anesthetic | DO NOT USE | ||
| Tagamet (cimetidine) | Histamine blocker for antacid effect | DO NOT USE | DO NOT USE | DO NOT USE |
| Tylenol | Pain reliever | Ask your vet | Ask your vet | Ask your vet |
| Vicks VapoRub | For congestion | Topical | Smear a small amount on your pet's chin for easier breathing | |
| Witch hazel | Astringent / topical antiseptic | Dab on affected area | ||
| Zantac (ranitidine) | Histamine blocker for antacid effect | DO NOT USE |
