6 Amazing Natural Antibiotics For Cats
If you are searching for natural antibiotics for cats, then there is a wide array of remedies to choose from.
While most antibiotics must be prescribed by a vet, some topical remedies can fight infection if your cat has been wounded.
Antibiotics target bacteria and inhibit their ability to grow and spread. It is unsafe to use antibiotics that have not been prescribed by a vet unless you are treating a topical infection. Calendula flower and honey are some natural remedies that have antibacterial properties and can prevent or treat infected wounds, but they should be used infrequently.
Countless companies claim to provide antibiotics that can cure just about any ailment your cat may suffer from.
However, many of these products, such as colloidal silver, do not work, and can even be dangerous for your cat.
Read on to find out which antibiotic remedies are safe for you to use!
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Best 5 Natural Antibiotics For Cats
If you are wondering, what natural antibiotics for cats are any good, then it is important that you first learn what antibiotics are.
Antibiotics are substances that target bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections or other illnesses.
These are the best 6 natural antibiotics for cats:
- Calendula (Buy on Amazon)
- Honey (View on Amazon)
- Echinacea (Shop on Amazon)
- Thyme Oil (Buy on Amazon)
- Lavender Oil (Shop on Amazon)
Keep reading to learn more about antibiotics, and why each of the natural antibiotics for cats suggested above are beneficial.
What Is An Antibiotic?
Antibiotics are used to prevent or treat certain types of bacterial infections.
They work in two ways:
- Preventing bacteria from spreading
- Killing bacteria
If you are looking for a natural antibiotic for cat infection, there are many herbs and natural remedies that have been shown to have antibacterial properties. However, they should be used with caution.
Unfortunately, the overuse of antibiotics has become a huge problem throughout the world since bacteria targeted by antibiotics begin to mutate until they eventually become resistant.
Taking antibiotics too frequently or stopping antibiotics before your prescription has run out can result in the bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotics.
Today, many antibiotics once effective against certain infections no longer work. Even the use of antibacterial soap has been shown to increase bacterial resistance!
As a result, you should only use antibiotics when necessary.
The only time it is appropriate to use antibiotics without a prescription is for topical use.
Using antibiotic cream or natural antibacterial substances on a minor burn, scrape, or cut can kill bacteria that may have infected the wound (sources 1,2,3,4).
Natural Antibiotics Safe For Cats
If you are wondering what is a good natural antibiotic for cats, keep reading!
(Source 1)
Below, we take a closer look at each of the recommended natural antibiotics for cats, to understand the benefits of each natural antibiotic:
1. Calendula
Calendula officinalis, known as calendula or pot marigold, is a fragrant flower with some antimicrobial properties.
While the stems of this plant can be toxic to cats, the flower is usually safe.
However, some cats have been known to have allergic reactions to calendula, so take care when using this ingredient.
You can buy dried Calendula flowers, which you can then brew into tea.
Applying calendula tea to an open wound can fight off bacteria, as well as reduce inflammation.
However, make sure you do not apply this remedy too quickly; since calendula may trap unwanted bacteria inside the wound if it hasn’t dried out a bit (source 1,2).
2. Honey
Honey from various kinds of bees has been shown to have antibacterial properties, so it makes a great natural antibiotic ointment for cats.
Honey should be used as a topical ointment for burns and scrapes.
Since honey contains lots of sugar, it can be difficult for cats to digest. As a result, you should only use a small amount of honey on your cat, and avoid using it too frequently.
Please note that raw honey can also contain bacteria and other pathogens, so use it with caution (source 1).
3. Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea is a kind of flower that can be used as a supplement to support the immune system and decrease inflammation.
Some studies have shown it can also be effective in treating upper respiratory infections.
Echinacea powder should be taken with food.
Like any supplement, though, you should talk with your vet before giving your cat echinacea powder, especially if you decide to use it regularly (source 1).
4. Thyme Oil
Another natural antibacterial treatment for cats is thyme oil.
Oil extracted from Thyme vulgaris has been effective against many different infections, including some strains of Staphylococcus.
Like other essential oils, thyme oil should only be used externally, and it should be diluted first (source 1).
5. Lavender Oil
Essential oils from lavender, specifically Lavandula angustifolia, also have antimicrobial properties.
While lavender oil is less effective than thyme, it certainly smells a lot better!
Lavender is also known to be relaxing and can help restless or anxious animals sleep better.
What Are Natural Antibiotics For Cats?
While the term antibiotics is specifically used for medications that target bacteria, many substances all over the world contain antibacterial or antimicrobial properties.
Finding natural antibiotics safe for cats, however, can be tricky.
Some plants or substances may be good natural remedies for humans, but they can be dangerous for cats.
For example, aloe vera is commonly used to soothe burns and prevent infections, but it is toxic to both cats and dogs.
Ultimately, it is better to trust your vet’s judgment than to seek out natural cures.
Most medications come from natural sources anyways, such as penicillin.
While you may think that finding a remedy that only contains natural ingredients is the safest way to treat your pet, that simply is not true.
Natural ingredients can be just as dangerous as synthetic ones.
Whether something is manmade or not does not determine if it is healthy, nor how it interacts with your cat’s body at a molecular level, which is what truly matters (source 1).
Cat Antibiotics Without Vet Prescription
Many studies have shown that a variety of herbs and other natural remedies can be effective against certain bacterial strains.
However, be cautious when purchasing any of these remedies for yourself or your pets.
Many essential oils may claim to provide health benefits, but that does not mean they have been tested.
Talk with your vet before using any new herb or other remedies, even if it claims to contain natural ingredients.
After all, just because something is natural does not mean it is automatically safe for your cat too!
Why Would A Cat Need Antibiotics?
Many people wrongly assume that antibiotics can be used to treat just about everything.
However, they are completely useless unless they are specifically being used to treat a bacterial infection.
Here are some cases where a cat would need antibiotics (source 1):
- Strep Throat: Strep throat can be passed from humans to cats, and vice versa. While sore throats are generally caused by viral infections, strep throat is a potentially dangerous bacterial infection that can only be treated with antibiotics.
- Staph Infection: There are numerous strains of staph infection, but all of them should be treated with antibiotics.
- Serious Bacterial Infections: While antibiotics can be used to treat many different bacterial infections, vets do their best to only prescribe them in times of absolute need. Ultimately, a vet will decide to prescribe antibiotics if they suspect your cat will not be able to fight off the infection on its own.
Natural Home Remedy Antibiotics For Cats
If you’re wondering, if there are any natural antibiotics for cats, you should first ask yourself why you want them in the first place.
Owners looking to support their cat’s immune system and prevent infections from happening in the first place, do not need antibiotics.
However, if your cat is already suffering from an infection, then you should seek treatment from your vet.
The only kinds of natural home remedy antibiotics for cats should be used topically.
Honey is the easiest remedy to find at home, but be careful about which kind of honey you are using.
Manuka honey is widely regarded as the best kind of honey for fighting off bacterial infections.
Raw honey, however, can sometimes contain bacteria and other pathogens, as well, so use it with caution.
If you want to learn how to make natural antibiotics for cats, you may not need to look any further than your own garden!
Many herbs such as oregano, thyme, and lavender have antibacterial properties.
You can use some of these herbs to make teas or essential oils, but be careful.
Undiluted essential oils can be dangerous, and even some plants that are safe for cats can be toxic if you use the wrong part.
Overall, having some safe natural remedies to use for minor cuts or scrapes can be helpful in a pinch, but you should never try to treat a serious infection without a vet’s help.
What Is A Good Natural Antibiotic For Cats With These Conditions?
Cats can suffer from all sorts of different illnesses.
While it is always a good idea to take your cat to the vet if they have severe symptoms or symptoms that persist over several days, there are still some things owners can do to treat a mildly sick cat.
1. Natural Oral Antibiotics For Cats
Only topical antibiotics are available for purchase over the counter.
Antibiotics that must be administered orally or intravenously can only be prescribed by a vet.
While some natural oral supplements can fight off some bacteria, the risk of bacterial resistance is simply too high.
2. Natural Antibiotic For Cats Teeth
While brushing your cat’s teeth is a great way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it is not always an option.
Cats who do not like having their teeth brushed may be susceptible to certain bacterial infections in their gums or teeth.
These cannot be treated with natural remedies, so it is best to focus on prevention by tooth brushing, dry food, or a dental gel.
3. Natural Antibiotics For Feral Cats
Feral cats are much more susceptible to infection than indoor cats.
While it is always kind to help feral cats, you should avoid giving them antibiotics.
Antibiotics must be taken regularly until the infection clears up, or else the bacteria may become resistant.
This can cause a bacterial infection to become untreatable, and it may even spread among other local feral cats.
4. Natural Remedies For Sick Cats
If your cat is feeling under the weather, you should provide plenty of liquids in the form of freshwater and wet food.
Turning on a humidifier can soothe respiratory infections and help your cat stay hydrated.
Vitamin C and apple cider vinegar can help treat and prevent illness, but you should talk with your vet before adding supplements to your cat’s diet (source 1).
5. Natural Cat Antibiotics For Cats Eye Infection
If your cat’s eyes look crusty or goopy, you can gently rinse them with distilled water and a cotton ball.
If the crust does not clear up soon, though, you should go to the vet rather than seek out natural eye antibiotics for cats.
Not all eye infections are caused by bacteria, so your vet will determine whether or not antibiotics are necessary (source 1).
6. Natural Antibiotics For Cats UTI
Only prescribed antibiotics can successfully and safely fight off the infection if your cat is suffering from a UTI.
However, there are still a few natural remedies that can help with mild UTIs.
Apple cider vinegar and cranberry capsules or powder can reduce your cat’s pH and restore the natural balance of your cat’s urinary tract system.
However, both of these natural remedies only work if your cat’s pee is too alkaline, so you should test the pH of your cat’s urine or talk with your vet first.
7. Natural Antibiotics For Kittens
While it is possible to use some home remedies for a mildly sick cat, you should not try to mend your kitten’s illness at home.
Kittens have much more delicate immune systems, and introducing a new supplement or remedy could potentially do more harm than good.
For example, while apple cider vinegar can be used to treat and prevent certain conditions, it can also worsen other conditions due to its acidic nature.
Reasons Not To Use Natural Antibiotics For Cats
Antibiotics may seem like magic at first since they can quickly clear up infections like strep throat or staph infection.
However, most doctors and vets only use antibiotics as a last resort.
Here are some reasons not to use natural antibiotics for your cat:
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem that is only getting worse.
Many people who are prescribed antibiotics stop taking them as soon as they feel better, which allows the remaining bacteria to survive and adapt to the antibiotic.
Even the use of antibacterial soaps has led to antibiotic resistance, and if we are not more careful, some conditions may become untreatable in the future.
It is important to use antibiotics only as a last resort for serious infections, or for animals that are too young, old, or sickly to fight off the infection themselves.
Different Strains
Even though many herbs and natural remedies may contain antibacterial properties, they are not nearly as effective as synthesized antibiotics that are designed to target certain kinds of bacteria.
There is no way for you to know what bacterial infection your cat is suffering from unless you happen to be a scientist capable of taking gram stains.
False Information
There is a massive market for natural remedies and supposed cure-alls, but many countries do not regulate supplements as rigidly as they do medications and food.
Many companies use buzzwords like “natural” and “holistic,” but that does not automatically mean their product has been tested or proven to be effective.
While some people prefer to seek out natural remedies over medication, whether something is natural or manmade does not determine whether or not it is safe for us or our pets.
When To Visit Vet
Taking your cat to the vet every time it sneezes or sniffles means you will be spending a lot more time (and money) than is reasonable.
Still, it is much better to rely on your vet for medical assistance than your home remedies.
The best things you can do for a sick cat are to provide warmth, water, and a peaceful place to sleep.
If your cat is coughing, sneezing, or has runny, watery eyes, then you should monitor your cat’s symptoms carefully. Should they not clear up in a few days, you should visit the vet.
In cases where your cat is vomiting, refusing to eat, or has diarrhea, then you should go to the vet if symptoms do not clear up within a day or two.
Conclusion
While there are many natural antibiotics for cats that can prevent and treat minor infections, you should rely on your vet’s judgment before giving any antibiotics to your cat.
Topical antibiotic ointments can be helpful for burns and minor scrapes, but if your cat is sick, it is best to wait for your cat to overcome the illness on its own or go to the vet.
