The Side Effects of Clavamox for Cats

Clavamox is a brand name prescription medication commonly used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. The ingredients of Clavamox--amoxicillin and clavulanate--have a synergistic effect on one another, allowing the medication to effectively fight resistant infections. Although Clavamox is a useful medication, cat owners should look out for common side effects.

  1. Diarrhea

    • Diarrhea is a common side effect in cats. This occurs frequently because the Clavamox kills not only the harmful bacteria in your cat's body, but also the healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Dehydration is a serious condition that can cause death in cats when a cat experiences diarrhea, so contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat has diarrhea or loose stool. Your veterinarian may prescribe subcutaneous fluids, or change your cat's medication to one that is less likely to cause diarrhea.

    Vomiting

    • Vomiting, due to stomach upset, can occur in cats taking Clavamox. Some cat owners do not realize their cats are vomiting because they are used to seeing their cats expel hairballs. If your cat is taking Clavamox, be certain to examine anything that your cat expels to ensure that it is vomit. Vomiting can be a serious condition in cats as it can lead to aspiration if the vomit enters the lungs. Contact your veterinarian right away if your cat vomits while taking Clavamox.

    Loss of Appetite

    • Loss of appetite can happpen when cats are taking Clavamox. The cause of this side effect is not always known. For some cats, this side effect occurs due to nausea, though for others it is thought that the cat simply loses his sensation of hunger. As long as your cat continues to drink water and eat a few bites of food, many veterinarians are not overly concerned about a cat's temporary loss of appetite while taking Clavamox. However, if your cat is not eating at all, or is losing a significant amount of weight, be certain to contact your veterinarian immediately.