When a pet parent sees their furry friend suddenly become lethargic and sleepy after being administered antibiotics, they are bound to worry. It is natural for cats to be quite active and energetic, so it can be perplexing when they become sluggish following medication. So, do antibiotics make cats sleepy? Let’s explore the possible connection between antibiotic use and fatigue in felines.
What are Antibiotics?
Before jumping into whether or not antibiotics can make cats tired or sluggish, let’s first clarify exactly what these drugs are. Broadly speaking, antibiotics refer to medications used to fight bacteria which causes infections in humans and animals alike. Unlike some other medications, they cannot be used to treat viruses like the common cold or flu-like symptoms. Furthermore, although there are many different types of antibiotics with diverse properties, all of them work by either killing bacteria (bactericidal) or inhibiting bacterial growth (bacteriostatic).
Can Antibiotics Make My Cat Tired?
Now that we have discussed what antibiotics consist of and why they are needed, let us get back to the original question: Can they actually make your feline friend feel drowsy? According to veterinary experts, the answer is yes, but not on an individual basis. The main reason why cats may feel extra fatigued after taking their dose of antibiotics is due to an increased sensitivity level towards the side effects of such drugs. In other words, regardless of how alert your cat was pre-medication, she may still suffer from excessive drowsiness as a side effect from taking antibiotics due to her heightened sensitivity level toward said drug(s). This might also explain why some cats remain unaffected by a particular antibiotic but then become whiny and sluggish when given another type.
Moreover, research has proven that certain types of anti-infective medications usually tend to have sedative properties, which further contribute towards making cats excessively tired after taking them—even if this isn’t an intended effect! Common culprits include ampicillin and macrolides like clarithromycin, both of which have been known to cause extreme sleepiness in felines more often than not.
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Signs Your Cat Is Sluggish Due To Medication
One thing worth noting here is that while drug-induced sleepiness generally shouldn’t last longer than 12 hours post administration, it would still be wise for pet parents to keep track of their kitty’s behavior during this time frame just incase things take a turn for the worse! Here’s what you should look out for:
• Unusually shallow breathing
• An increase in body temperature
• An overall decrease in reaction timeframe (e.g., responding slower than usual upon calling their name)
• Lackluster fur coat
• Not eating/drinking despite being hungry/thirsty
How To Keep Your Cat Awake After Taking Antibiotics
Now that we know about how antibiotics can potentially make your cat extra slow during short bursts, let us discuss ways on how pet parents can help improve energy levels post medication intake:
1) Provide Plenty Of Support –
When treating your feline with anti-infectives it is important that you provide her with plenty of mental stimulation alongside ample physical contact such as cuddles & massages! This will help her stay attentive rather than falling asleep mid-way through her treatment course thus allowing her body more time recuperate effectively too! Plus it’ll also go along way in raising your bond as well which always benefits.
2) Introduce Mental Stimulation –
Activities, like playing with toys and providing your cat with plenty of grooming sessions and/or interactive games, will really help to keep her awake and alert. Furthermore, this type of engagement also helps boost endorphins which naturally serves as energy-saving agents!
3) Cut Back On Carbs –
In general, try and stick to meal plans that consist mainly of proteins—these are more difficult for cats to process thus ensuring that your pet remains active for longer period of time; plus it also helps reduce the risk of weight gain post recovery too.
4) Keep An Eye On Activity Levels –
A key part of monitoring the progress of your cat’s treatment course is being aware of how much energy she has even when not on medication; this way you can spot potential signs of fatigue early on which will allow you ample time to readjust accordingly before things become worse.
5) Speak To Your Vet –
If all else fails and you still feel concerned about your cat’s unusual sleepiness following her course or antibiotics, then don’t hesitate to speak to a veterinary expert who’ll be able to provide tailored advice according to your kitty’s individual needs.
Conclusion
Although antibiotics do have the potential to make cats sleepy due to their sedative properties, pet parents should not panic as long as they take necessary measures such as providing mental stimulation and keeping a close eye on how active their furry friend is post-medication intake. Since each animal reacts differently towards certain anti-infective drugs, it is best if pet parents consult a qualified vet before administering any antibiotic in order to ensure optimal health outcomes in the long run!
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