Tablet/Capsule
Some cats take pills or other medication hidden in a small amount of palatable food such as a bite of cheese or a meatball. In my experience, however, most cats are not that accommodating. Some take the treat and spit out the pill or refuse the treat entirely.
Just in case your kitty is the stubborn type, I suggest administering the oral medication in a neutral area of the cat's territory, not in a place such as his litter box, which you want to remain attractive to the cat. The less retraint or wrestling with the cat, the better; it might be beneficial to have a partner hold the cat while you do the deed. Talk softly and smoothingly rather than yell at the cat for behavior that makes sense to him. Praise any sign of cooperation on the part of the kitty.
Medications can be administered with the cat standing, sitting or lying on his chest on the floor, on a bed, or on a small table.
Wash your hands, lubricate the capsule or tablet with a minute amount of butter, hold the capsule or tablet between the thumb and index finger of one hand, place the fingers of your other hand over the top of the cat's snout, rolling his upper lip inward over his teeth (if he bites down he'll bite his upper lip), raise the cat's head upward with the hand holding his upper jaw, press down on the cat's lower jaw with one or more of the remaining fingers of the hand holding the medication, place the capsule or tablet on the base of the cat's tongue as far back as possible, withdraw your hand quickly, shut the cat's mouth, and stroke the neck area until he swallows.
There are some refinements to this method. Those that feel trusting or brave might push the pill down the hatch with the index finger while that vulnerable finger is in the cat's mouth. Commercial pill pushers are available at veterinary hospitals and pet stores; these handy insturments work on the syringe principle--a plunger pokes the pill down. Some people have better luck with the pill or capsule unlubricated, as too much butter can cause the pill to stick to one's finger instead of going down the hatch.
The outcome of medicating cats is not always the expected one. An owner may congratulate himself for his accomplishment, only to find the pill lying on the carpet when vacuuming the next day. Another may have the ungrateful cat spit the pill back into his face. On rare occasions, one may become so intent on giving the medication that he fails to notice that the cat is choking or having difficulty breathing. Knowing when to stop is also part of the art of nursing.
Liquid
Although some cats will take liquid medication from a spoon, I find it easier to adminsiter this form of medicine in a dropper or small syringe (Syringes and droppers are usually calibrated in milliliters. 1 teaspoon equals 5 milliliters). The cat's jaws can remain closed for this procedure. Make a pouch in the corner of the cat's mouth by placing a finger or thumb inside the cat's cheek and pulling out on his lip. The cat's head should be parallel to the ground or slightly raised. Place the liquid medication into the cheek pouch, small amounts at a time. Proceed slowly, waiting until the cat swallows before adding more medication.
Pastes
Laxatives and nutritional supplements may come in a paste or gel form. These medications can be administered to the side of the cat's lips or even to his paws. Most cats will lick the medication off their face or fur. |
