Effective Ways to Administer Medication to Your Cat

Feeding medicine to a cat can be a daunting task for many pet owners, though some lucky individuals have a particularly cooperative feline. One such网友 shared a heartwarming story about their clever dog that helps by holding the cat still during medication time, making the process much easier.

However, not every dog is as considerate. So, let's help you out with a guide that not only ensures your cat gets its medicine but also keeps your furry friend happy and the process as stressfree as possible. Who knows, you might even find a new way to make a living with these tips!

Before you begin, there are three essential preparations to make:

Understand the medication itself.

Control your cat's movements.

Open its mouth!

Understanding the Medication

Thoroughly read the prescription instructions and precautions, including the dosage, frequency, and duration of the medication. Some drugs need to be taken whole and cannot be crushed or broken, as this can render them ineffective. Always consult with your vet for clarification and to ensure the medication is taken correctly. Also, check if the medication can be taken with food or if it needs to be on an empty stomach, as mixing it with food can affect its efficacy.

Controlling Your Cat's Behavior

Many pet owners have been scratched or bitten while trying to administer medication. While injuries from domestic cats typically don't require vaccinations, no one wants to get hurt. This step is crucial, especially if you're alone when giving medication.

Prepare a large cloth, such as a towel, bedsheet, or scarf. Lay the cloth in a diamond shape on the table. Place your cat comfortably on it, gently petting or massaging to relax it. The cloth should tightly wrap the cat's body, including its tail, leaving only its head exposed, resembling a baby's swaddle (though I think it's more like a chicken wrap). If you're concerned about it escaping, you can tie a rope or belt around the outside. Place the wrapped cat between your legs with its head towards your knee for easy access to administer the medicine.

Opening Your Cat's Mouth

Cats, unlike dogs, are not as accommodating when it comes to having things placed in their mouths. They are highly alert and will sniff anything before accepting it. If it's medicine, they'll likely try to run away, let alone open their mouths. Here's how to do it:

Lift the cat's head at a 45degree angle.

With your left index and thumb forming an inverted U, gently pull down along the back of the cat's head, close to the upper lips on both sides, and lift slightly.

Position the cat's nose towards the ceiling, and its lower jaw will slightly open.

With the mouth slightly open, gently insert the tip of your thumb into the cat's mouth to keep it open. The cat will naturally open its mouth to avoid biting its own lips.

Once you've mastered these steps, you can proceed to give the medicine.

How to Administer Medicine to Your Cat

1. Administering Tablets Directly

Place the tablet at the back of the cat's tongue. If it's deep enough, when the cat tries to spit it out, the tongue's muscle contraction will push the tablet down the throat. Release your fingers and let the cat close its mouth and lower its jaw to swallow the tablet. If you're unsure if the tablet has been swallowed, keep holding the cat's mouth until it does.

You can also use your other hand to stroke the throat to help swallowing. For particularly stubborn cats, blowing gently into their nostrils can trigger a swallowing reflex. After confirming the tablet is swallowed, offer your cat some water or a food treat to ensure the tablet reaches the stomach.

2. Mixing Tablets with Food

Don't feed your cat anything for a few hours before administering the medicine to keep it slightly hungry. Some medications are very small and can be easily concealed in food. Prepare your cat's favorite food and divide it into two servings. Hide the medicine in 1/4 of the food and give it to your cat. Then, offer the remaining food. Alternatively, use a treat designed for administering medicine, like filling a sweet roll with jam, to mask the taste of the tablet.

3. Administering Liquid Medication

Prepare a syringe for liquid medication. The cat's mouth doesn't need to be fully open; just enough to insert the syringe. However, don't tilt the cat's head back, as this can allow the liquid to enter the trachea. Insert the syringe's tip between the cheek and teeth (the inside of the cheek). Release the medication slowly, pausing several times to allow the cat to swallow comfortably.

If you're using a plunger syringe, gently squeeze the rubber ball to release the medication slowly and pause occasionally to let the cat swallow.

Be cautious not to inject too much medication at once, as this can cause the cat to breathe heavily and potentially inhale the liquid into its lungs, leading to serious consequences like pneumonia. If the cat struggles, pause and calm it down before continuing.