Despite the huge difference in size between you and your cat, there are certain human medicines that can be beneficial for your sick kitty.
Below is a list of some common stuff from your medicine cabinet that may be useful for your kitties. It is always best to check with your vet before giving your pet ANY human medicine.
PLEASE NOTE: This list is not intended to diagnose problems or be a substitute for proper veterinary care. If your pet has a serious health issue, please call your vet immediately.
- Anbesol: Can be used ONCE on your cat for mouth pain.
- Benadryl: Give one milligram per pound — a 10 pound cat can get 10 milligrams of Benadryl every six to eight hours for allergies.
- Calamine lotion: Paint on itchy/sore areas for relief.
- Cortaid/hydrocortisone cream: Apply up to twice per day to itchy areas.
- Dramamine: Give one quarter of a 50 milligram tablet — about 12 milligrams.
- Metamucil: Mix powder into food. Use a half teaspoon for a small cat and a whole teaspoon for a large cat.
- Neosporin/antibiotic ointment: Can be used up to four times daily on wounds to help prevent infection.
- Pedialyte/Gatorade: Dilute with equal amounts of water for treating dehydration.
- Vicks VapoRub: Dab onto your cat’s chin to help ease breathing. Use a small amount.
Please keep in mind that if you are planning to treat any of your cat’s problems with human medicine, you should give your veterinarian’s office a quick call first. Double check your pet’s weight so you can give the appropriate dose, and ask about interactions with any medicines your pet may already be taking.
If you need to chop a human-sized pill into cat-sized doses, you can try a pill cutter (available at your local drug store) or crush the pill into powder and divide it that way. Powder form may be easier, as you can sprinkle the dose onto a treat and watch it disappear without much struggle! Otherwise, you’ll run into a situation like Marjorie had with her cats.