Proper Syringe Feeding Cat Technique Guide
When young kittens are unenthusiastic about drinking water or taking medication, a syringe is often the goto tool for feeding them. If they are particularly resistant, you can opt for a rectal syringe or an eye dropper bottle. If your cat is particularly averse to drinking water, consider trying a flowing water fountain. Cats tend to prefer the movement of water, which can encourage them to drink more. Remember to clean the syringe thoroughly after each use, and when feeding, always gently push the liquid into the side of the cat's mouth. Cats often resist water being inserted directly into their faces, and it's easier for water to leak out from the side. Maintain a slow and steady pace to prevent the cat from choking.
For standard cat medication administration, follow these steps:
1. Hold the medication in your hand and wait for the moment when the cat's mouth naturally opens. Seize the opportunity to gently place the pill at the corner of the cat's mouth. If successful, you've done a fantastic job! If not, don't be discouraged; move on to step 2.
2. Lift the cat, using one arm to cradle it and the other to gently press on its cheeks to open its mouth. Placing the cat on a raised surface with a towel or blanket, such as a dressing table or workbench, can make the process easier. Alternatively, you can sit in a chair, lift the cat, and place it bellyup between your legs.
3. Use your thumb and ring finger to pinch the cat's cheeks together, and your middle and index fingers to gently elevate the nose. Be sure not to block the nostrils; your fingers should be on either side of the nose.
4. Gently slide the medication into the cat's mouth at the corner. If swallowing seems difficult, offer a small amount of water to help. For liquid medications, avoid dripping it directly onto the tongue or throat to prevent it from entering the trachea and causing the cat to choke. Instead, insert the dropper between the cat's cheek and teeth.
5. After administering the medication, gently pat the cat's throat and nose to encourage swallowing. Throughout the process, be gentle and patient to encourage the cat to take the medicine. If these steps don't work, don't worry; we have a final trick up our sleeve, which is step 6.
6. If the cat is uncooperative, a medication syringe can be a lifesaver. These syringes are similar to pill syringes, with a rubber tip that can hold a pill. Insert the syringe into the cat's mouth at the corner and push the plunger to quickly administer the pill.
