Essential Cat Medications Checklist for Pet Owners

It's not uncommon for new cat owners, even those who are still planning to adopt a cat, to ask me, "How much does it cost to keep a cat?" When you haven't owned a cat yet, you might think, "Not much, right? Just feed the cat some food and it doesn't need to be walked; what could the costs be?" But let me tell you, once you have a cat, you'll understand the real deal. Owning just one cat can be incredibly expensive. Beyond the daily expenses of cat food, treats, and various household items, there are also essential medications that cannot be overlooked. Every cat owner knows that the scariest thing is when your feline friend suddenly falls ill, and then your wallet starts to empty rapidly, without you even having a say in it. So, to help new cat owners navigate the daily challenges, this article will list some highly practical medications and nutritional supplements that are essential for cat care!

1. Internal and External Deworming Medications

For adult cats, a monthly external deworming treatment can effectively prevent fleas and other external parasites, giving both the cat and its owner peace of mind. Additionally, a quarterly internal deworming treatment is crucial to prevent internal parasites and guard against intestinal diseases.

Recommended List:

Internal: Bayer

External: Frontline, Advocate

Both Internal and External: Bravecto

2. Ear Cleaning Solution

Ear mites are a common parasitic disease in cats and a frequent issue. Most cats will experience ear mites at some point, and they often recur. To prevent ear mites in cats, it's recommended to clean the ears with ear cleaning solution about three times a month. For mild cases of ear mites, using ear mite medication promptly can also be effective. If the ear mites are severe, with a strong odor, it's crucial to seek veterinary care and treatment immediately.

Recommended List:

Victor Ear Rinse, EarFlex

3. Gastrointestinal Medications (Diarrhea, Vomiting)

Cats have delicate and sensitive digestive systems. Sudden changes in environment, stress, diet changes, and new treats can all lead to diarrhea or indigestion. To protect the cat's intestines and aid digestion, it's important to feed them cat food or nutritional supplements that support the digestive system regularly. Of course, if your cat experiences diarrhea or vomiting, it's essential to consult a professional for specific medication based on the situation and cause.

Recommended List:

OptiLife Probiotics

Medcal, Bayan Sheep Milk Powder

Mommy Love

Lactase

Digestive Tablets

Lactic Acid Bacteria Tablets

4. Eye Drops

Preventing eye diseases is important, as cats are prone to eye inflammation. Always keep an eye on your cat during petting sessions, and if you notice excessive discharge, be sure to use eye drops.

Recommended List:

Eyedrops

Erythromycin Eye Ointment

5. Skin Diseases

Ringworm is perhaps the most frustrating issue for cat owners. Newborn kittens, young cats just brought home, and even adult cats can contract ringworm. This is often due to damp or dirty environments, or stress from a new environment. If the ringworm is mild, it's not a cause for concern. Regular use of medication and daily protection will help your cat recover.

Recommended List:

DermaSoothe

PetFen

6. Cold Medications

Clear runny nose, dry nostrils – your cat might be suffering from a cold, especially during the colder winter months or during seasonal changes. It's important to keep your cat warm and protected. If you suspect a cold, treat promptly, and if your cat is listless and not eating, check its temperature. If it's severe, seek veterinary care immediately.

Recommended List:

Suprax

CatAmine

7. Daily Nutritional Supplements

Cats are carnivores, and their cat food typically has a higher meat content than dog food, which can lead to a lack of other essential nutrients. Therefore, it's important to supplement your cat's diet with additional vitamins and other nutrients to boost immunity, prevent skin issues, and combat stress.

Many cats don't drink enough water, which can lead to constipation, urinary blockages, and even urinary stones – a painful and potentially dangerous condition, sometimes requiring surgery. It's crucial to ensure your cat drinks plenty of water, such as using a circulating water fountain, placing multiple water bowls around, and feeding them canned food with high moisture content.

The benefits of nutritional supplements are to enhance immunity, prevent and combat daily diseases. This is an expense you can't skimp on, as if your cat falls ill, it's not just a small amount of money that will solve the problem. The key is that the suffering comes from the cat itself during the examination, injection, and treatment process.

Recommended List:

Red Dog Nutritional Paste

Junbao Demulcent Paste

Canned Food (Snowy, Mantos, Canidae Premium Cuts, etc.)

Developmental Power

Lysine

Taurine

At the beginning, I said there wasn't much to say, but as I wrote, I couldn't stop. A colleague mentioned that we haven't talked about dental care yet. Well, actually, cats are not omnivores. As long as you don't feed them human food, cats won't easily develop mouth ulcers or other diseases. If you're still worried, you can use mouthwash, such as Bayan's, which can be added to their daily drinking water. As for toothpaste, I believe most cats won't allow you to brush their teeth with a toothbrush.