If you’re not used to it medicating your cat can seem a daunting task. Some cats are very amenable and will happily take their oral medication on food or as a treat. Others need us to give the medication directly.
Some medications come in different formulations, so if you find your cat would rather have a liquid than a tablet then please ask if the medication you have been prescribed is available in a different formulation. Pharmaceutical companies are starting to make more of their medications palatable and simple to administer to cats and many now come with the “Easy to give” logo granted by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). We can also use products to disguise tablets for your cat, these usually come in the form of a pliable putty that you can squash the tablet into, and a lot of cats don’t even realise it’s there.
Giving your cat a tablet straight into their mouth
- Check with the vet whether the tablet can be split or crushed or if capsules may be opened and sprinkled onto food
- Be confident and calm
- Being prepared in advance and if possible, having a second person to assist can help things go smoothly
- Have your cat sat upright on a stable surface, facing away from you
- Hold the cat close into you, if you have a second person then hold your cat’s front legs gently just above the elbow (this helps keep claws under control!)
- You may find it easier to wrap your cat in a towel. Use a medium size towel and spread it out on the floor, place your cat in the middle of the towel facing away from you. Swaddle your cat in the towel by bringing up one side at a time so the cat is wrapped up to their neck (containing claws!)
- Hold the tablet between your thumb and forefinger
- Place your other hand on top of the cat’s head and use your thumb and forefinger to hold either side of their top jaw towards the corners of their mouth
- Gently tilt their head back towards you
- Use your middle finger of the tablet holding hand to gently lower the bottom jaw
- Drop the tablet into the cat’s mouth, as far back and centrally on the tongue as possible and. Speed is of the essence here!
- Hold their mouth closed for a few seconds and give their throat a gentle rub
Watch Patch take his daily tablet here:
Giving your cat a liquid straight into their mouth
- Be prepared and have the medication ready before getting the cat, having a second person may be useful if possible
- Be confident and calm
- Have your cat sat upright on a stable surface, facing away from you
- Hold the cat close into you, if you have a second person then hold your cat’s front legs gently just above the elbow (this helps keep claws under control!)
- You may find it easier to wrap your cat in a towel. Use a medium size towel and spread it out on the floor, place your cat in the middle of the towel facing away from you. Swaddle your cat in the towel by bringing up one side at a time so the cat is wrapped up to their neck (containing claws!)
- Place the syringe into the side of your cat’s mouth, just behind their canine (fang) tooth
- Slowly but steadily press the syringe plunger and squirt the liquid into their mouth
- For small volumes this can be done in one go
- For larger volumes you may want to take the syringe out and let your cat swallow before giving the remainder of the medication
- Some medications are tasty ad your cat may simply lap them from the syringe
Watch Oscar take his daily medication here:
If you feel uneasy about giving your cat any medication, then phone us and one of our nurses can have a chat with you to make a plan.