What is Clavamox for Cats?

Source: © Shutterstock

Cat lovers fuss and care over their kitties in much the same way that parents care for their children. Our pets come to depend on us to provide for their every need. That includes making decisions about their health. When a cat is feeling under the weather or showing signs of sickness, we take them to the animal clinic to see a healthcare provider for a medical checkup. If your vet prescribes a drug called Clavamox, you can assume that your cat has some type of bacterial infection. While most vets will take the time to explain the condition and tell you about the treatment, this doesn’t always happen. If your pet has been given a prescription for Clavamox, and you have questions about its safety, effectiveness, and if it is the best choice, you’re asking the right questions. Here is everything that is currently known about Clavamox.

What is Clavamox?

Clavamox is a brand name for a drug called amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium. This drug is also sold under another brand name Augmentin. Clavamox is a strong antibiotic that combats bacterial infections. Zoetis US explains that it is a synthetic type of potentiated penicillin. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the properties of amoxicillin, that maximizes its effectiveness with the addition of Clavulanate potassium to inhibit microbial activity against numerous Gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It is no different than when your doctor prescribes a round of antibiotics to treat a common bacterial infection such as strep, or bronchitis in humans.

What is Clavamox used for in cats?

Clavamox is prescribed to treat dogs and cats diagnosed with bacterial infections. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions including urinary tract infections, and skin infections in cats. If your cat has been tested and found to have a bacterial infection of any type, this medication has a range of capabilities for curing most types of bacterial infections. Clavamox has been prescribed for more than thirty years.

How does Clavamox work in cats?

Clavamox goes to the source of the problem, where bacteria lurk, infecting soft tissues. It is a systemic antibiotic that is given orally. The medication attacks bacteria from within your cat’s system and kills it directly. Whether your cat has a skin infection in his ear or on his leg or a urinary tract infection that is in his bladder and kidneys, Clavomax runs through his system and rids his body of the problem by attacking the bacteria that is making him sick. Bacteria are had to kill because they are protected by an enzyme that prevents anything from penetrating the cell wall. Clavulanic acid prevents the enzyme from doing its job, allowing the amoxicillin to disrupt the integrity of the cell wall. When the cell wall of the bacteria is compromised, it begins to swell until it ruptures. this, in turn, kills the bacteria. This is the complex process that allows Clavamox to work to help your cat recover from a bacterial infection. This antibiotic works with your cat’s immune system to eradicate the invading bacteria and clear the infection.

Is Clavamox safe for cats?

Pet MD  confirms that Clavamox is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in dogs and cats. It is considered to be safe for the treatment of certain bacterial infections. Pubmed further explains that Clavamox is a drug that has undergone clinical testing to verify its safety and effectiveness for use in cats. One study showed that both intravenous and oral administration were equally safe for cats, with the effects solid in killing certain strains of bacteria with no adverse effects to cats. Multiple clinical research studies suggest that Clavamox is safe for use in cats and dogs, however, caution must be exercised when using it with pregnant or nursing cats. It is unknown how Clavamox affects developing kittens in the womb or those that are still in the developmental stages of infancy.

What are the side effects of Clavamox?

All medications come with risks. There is always a chance that your pet will have an allergy to one or more of the ingredients of a medication. Clavamox is no exception. Although rare, it can happen. If your cat has difficulty breathing, breaks out in hives, or begins scratching his skin more than usual, he may be allergic to Clavamox. In some extreme cases, the face can swell, or a cat may experience seizures. Again, these cases are rare, but they can happen with any medication. The most common side effects reported for cats taking Clavamox are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some pets may have sensitive digestive systems. Using this medication may cause various degrees of gastrointestinal upset. The symptoms, if any, may be mild to severe. They may go away during treatment. Try giving this medication with food to help prevent the stomach from becoming irritated. If the symptoms are severe or persist, contact the prescribing physician to discuss what you should do. The vet may advise you to continue treatment and monitor your cat or may prescribe a different antibiotic with fewer side effects. In most cases, these symptoms do not cause permanent damage.

Is monitoring necessary?

As with any medication, it’s wise to monitor your pet for the first few days after first treating with Clavamox. Medical testing is not necessary, but you should watch for signs of allergic reaction. Your pet should also start to show signs of improvement after three days of treatment. If you notice any unusual symptoms that cause feelings of concern, don’t hesitate to contact your pet’s healthcare provider.

Can you get Clavamox without a prescription?

Clavamox is a prescription-only medication. You cannot legally purchase this drug without one. Some online providers offer online veterinary services that may issue prescriptions for Clavamox. It is better to take your cat to a local clinic where he will receive a physical examination. He will also get the appropriate tests. These are necessary for an accurate diagnosis of his medical condition. It’s essential to remember that Clavamox only works with certain bacterial infections. It’s unwise to take a shotgun approach when treating a sick cat. You could do your beloved pet more harm than good when making uneducated guesses about his health. Nor can an online practitioner make an accurate diagnosis without running urine or other tests. When buying Clavamox, you should only deal with reputable pet pharmacies. Some manufacturers create knock-off versions of brand-name drugs. They offer them at discounted prices, but the ingredients are often questionable. They’re not always safe to give to your pets. Be vigilant and do your research to confirm that you’re dealing with a solid company and getting the real thing when buying online. You may be safer in finding a local vendor to purchase this product.

Can Clavamox interact adversely with other medications?

You should tell your cat’s healthcare provider about all medications your pet is taking. This also goes for vitamins, supplements, and any herbal supplements you give him. Clavamox may interact adversely with some other medicines including, types of penicillin, Tetracyclin, Erythromycin, Antacids, and Chloramphenicol. Use caution when you give this medication to pregnant or nursing cats.

How do you give Clavamox to cats?

Clavamox comes in two formats. It is available in chewable tablets and liquid drops. This medication is easy to administer to cats with either type of dispensement. The liquid version comes with a dropper that helps you measure the dosage accurately. The slender tube fits into the cat’s mouth to help prevent bites. All you must do is squeeze the bulb to propel the medication past the tongue. Your cat instinctively swallows the liquid medicine. The tablets come in chewable form with a pleasant flavor. The shape and flavor encourage cats to eat them without prompting. If your cat refuses to eat the tablet, you can easily hide it in food. Both options offer stress-free methods for delivering each dose. It’s easier on pet owners and the cats that may be resistant to taking medications. The tablets have a tasty pork-liver flavor that most cats find attractive. Your cat will feel better about taking his medicine. In the same regard, you’ll feel better about giving it to him.

What is the dosage for Clavamox?

Clavamox for cats should be given in dosages determined by 62.5 mg or 1 mL of liquid, or 1 chewable tablet of 62.5 mg. Your vet may change the amounts, depending on your cat’s size, age, and health. Doses are given every 12 hours for a duration between five to seven days for most infections. Vets have prescribed treatment plans for cats from ten to fourteen days, or until the symptoms have subsided for forty-eight hours. If you miss a dose, you should give the medication as soon as you realize that you forgot to give him his medicine. Do not give your cat two dosages of Clavamox that are close together.

When is Clavamox the right choice for my cat?

Your professional animal health care provider is the best judge of when Clavamox is the best treatment option. Your vet will examine your cat, run necessary tests to determine which type of bacteria is causing the infection, then recommend the antibiotic that works the best for treatment. Some antibiotics are only effective in treating specific bacterial infections. Clavamox is broad-spectrum and treats most effectively. As a layperson, your knowledge of your cat’s health history and sensitivity to medicines may be helpful for the healthcare worker helping your cat. Share all information you know about any problems your cat has had, if any, with other medications.

How long does it take for Clavamox to start working?

As pet owners, we can become anxious to see our pet’s suffering end so he will be more like his old self. Most medications take a few days to do their work. Although they begin working immediately in most cases, you might not see signs that the infection is leaving for up to three days. If your cat does not show signs of improvement in three days you should contact the doctor. Your cat may have a different bacteria or a mix of bacteria. He may need to discontinue Clavamox and use another antibiotic to cure the condition. If your vet tells you to bring the cat in, more testing may be necessary to find the best treatment option. It is worth noting that most pets that receive this medication respond favorably.

Final thoughts

Clavamox is an antibiotic that goes directly to the source of your cat’s infection. It kills many kinds of bacteria by weakening their defenses and causing them to self-destruct. Clavamox is like any other medication. There is always a risk of allergic reactions. Some adverse reactions may happen, but incidences of life-threatening reactions are rare. It is safe for treating infections in felines. This drug has been in use to treat humans, dogs, and cats for more than three decades. Clavamox gained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in cats. Clavamox is an effective treatment for soft tissue bacterial infections and urinary tract infections in cats. If your vet prescribes Clavamox for your cat, it is the standard line of defense for common bacterial infections. It’s wise to know which medications your vet prescribes for your pets, along with the potential benefits and risks. Our research about Clavomax shows there are risks and benefits. In most cases, the benefits outweigh the minimal risks. We found no warnings about the effectiveness or safety of this medication.