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Cat Care | Administering Medicine

Giving Your Cat Medication

Just like humans, your cat is going to get sick at some point, and your vet will provide you with medication to take home with you. Learning how to give your cat this medicine properly will make the process easier for you and them.

With any medication, be sure to follow the instructions provided by your vet. Use any medication to its entirety.

Tablets & Pills

  • Step 1:
    • Place the pill in-between the thumb and index finger of one hand.
    • Hold the top of the cat’s head and grasp the cheekbones with the thumb and index fingers of the other hand.
  • Step 2:
    • Tilt the head back until the cat’s ears are facing upward.
    • Usually the cat’s jaw will drop open on its own. If not, gently lower the law with your middle finger.
    • Bring the pill to the cat’s mouth.
  • Step 3:
    • Keep your middle finger over the small incisor teeth to keep the jaw open.
    • Deposit the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.
    • Immediately close the mouth.
  • Step 4:
    • Gently stroke the throat or blow on the nose to encourage swallowing.
    • Work fast to avoid getting bitten.

Liquids or Drops

  • Before Starting:
    • Fill the syringe or dropper with medication.
  • Step 1:
    • Hold the top of the cat’s head and grasp the cheekbones with the thumb and index finger of the one hand while holding the syringe or dropper with the other.
  • Step 2:
    • Gently squirt the medication into the pouch between the teeth and cheek with the dropper or syringe.
  • Step 4:
    • Gently stroke the throat or blow on the nose to encourage swallowing.
    • Work fast to avoid getting bitten.
Read the label for the proper dosage and, if instructed, shake the contents of the bottle.

Helpful Hints

  • Always follow the label instructions carefully.
  • Ask your vet if the medication can be taken with food, or if it requires an empty stomach.
  • Place the cat on a table or level surface.
  • When providing medication stay calm, your pet can sense your anxiety or frustration and this will make the process more difficult.
  • Always praise good behavior with praise and treats.

Medication Devices

 

Should you wish, you can use a “pilling” device to avoid placing your fingers inside the cat’s mouth. It is a plastic tube that resembles a syringe, which deposits the pill far back in the mouth.

  • Place the pill at the end of the device.
  • Hold the device like a syringe between your index and middle fingers, using your thumb to push the plunger.
  • Tilt your cats head back until his eyes are facing upward. If the jaw does not open on its own, again gently open it with your middle finger.
  • Place the device over the base of the tongue.
  • Push the plunger to deposit the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.