Can a Nursing Cat Continue Nursing After Taking Medicat

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Can a Nursing Cat Take Medication?

Yes, it's essential to treat a nursing cat if it falls ill. However, if the condition isn't severe, it's advisable to first manage it with dietary adjustments and other home remedies before considering medication.

Some medications can pass through the milk and potentially affect the kitten's growth and development. Therefore, during and for a week after administering medication, it's recommended to stop breastfeeding and switch to bottlefeeding. It's also crucial to express the mother cat's milk to prevent engorgement and mastitis.

Let's delve into common situations faced by nursing cats and explore appropriate solutions, including medication or alternative treatments.

1. Diarrhea in a Nursing Cat

Diarrhea in a nursing cat often stems from eating greasy foods or acute gastroenteritis. Initially, avoid giving the mother cat medication and instead, fast her for 46 hours to observe the diarrhea's frequency. If the diarrhea subsides, introduce her to a diet of probiotics to regulate her gut. Ensure her diet is mild, starting with liquids like porridge or gruel, gradually introducing solid foods like boiled chicken breast, lean beef, and pure minced meat, or opt for specialized nursing cat food.

However, if the diarrhea persists or worsens, seek veterinary care immediately. In the meantime, feed the kittens with pet formula.

2. Cold in a Nursing Cat

A nursing cat with a cold should not continue breastfeeding due to the risk of respiratory infections, which can be transmitted to the kittens. Cat flu and cold symptoms can be similar, and if a newborn kitten contracts the flu, its chances of survival are slim.

Therefore, the first step is to isolate the mother cat and visit a vet to rule out feline herpesvirus. If it's not the flu, administer catspecific cold and antibiotic medications, ensure warmth, and encourage plenty of fluids. Only consider resuming breastfeeding once the mother's cold has completely cleared.

3. Parasites in a Nursing Cat

It's not advisable to use deworming medications during lactation. We typically recommend deworming a cat three to four weeks before pregnancy. Strong dewormers can be passed through milk, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney failure in kittens with weakened immune systems.

If a nursing cat has internal parasites, it's best to wean the kittens and consult with a vet for a safe and targeted deworming regimen.

For more information on medication for nursing cats, I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary expert!

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