When our furry friend is not feeling well and the vet tells us that he needs medicine, it is often inevitable to think that we will face a complex task. This is true, since cats have highly developed senses that allow them to detect even the slightest alteration in their food or routine. However, managing the proper medication is crucial for your speedy recovery. Therefore, in this article we explain how to give medicine to a cat, covering everything from specific techniques depending on the type of medication to tips to minimize stress for both the cat and the caregiver.
Emotional preparation and environment
Before starting to administer the medication, it is essential to prepare both the environment and our attitude. Cats are very sensitive to the emotional state of their caregivers. If you are nervous or rushed, they will sense this and react negatively.
- Just relax: Take a deep breath, hold it for 10 seconds, and then exhale slowly. Do this several times if necessary. Rushing and stress will only hinder the process.
- Create a calm environment: Make sure there are no loud noises or interruptions that could disturb the cat.
- Prepare everything you need: Have the medication, towels or blankets available to restrain the cat if necessary, and treats to reward the cat at the end.
Once you are calm and the environment is suitable, spend a few minutes petting and reassure your cat. Not only will this relax him, but it will also create a less stressful experience for both of you.
Techniques according to the type of medication
There are different types of medications for cats, and each requires a specific method for administration. Below we explain how to proceed depending on the case.
Administer pills
Giving a cat a pill can be quite a challenge, as they are often very good at detecting and spitting them out. Here are a few techniques:
- Direct method: Wrap the cat in a towel to immobilize him. Support his head with one hand and use the other to gently open his mouth. Place the pill at the base of his tongue and close his mouth. Massage his throat to encourage swallowing.
- Indirect method: If the direct method doesn't work, try hiding the pill in your pet's favorite food. You can use pate or treats specifically designed for hiding medicines.
- Use of pillboxes: These devices make the task easier by allowing the pill to be placed directly into the cat's throat without having to insert your fingers.
Give liquid medications
Syrups or liquid solutions are usually easier to manage. To do this, use a syringe without needle:
- Fill the syringe with the indicated dose and hold the cat's head slightly tilted upwards.
- Insert the tip of the syringe into the side of the cat's mouth, where the row of teeth ends, and release it slowly to give the cat time to swallow.
It is important to avoid the liquid solution entering suddenly to prevent the risk of suffocation.
Eye and ear drops
Medications in the form of drops can be uncomfortable for the cat, so it is important to act carefully:
- Eyes: Have someone hold the cat while you gently open the affected eye. Apply the drops to the center of the eye and make sure the cat blinks to distribute the drops evenly.
- Ears: Place the cat on a stable surface and support its head. Apply the drops into the ear canal and gently massage the base of the ear to facilitate absorption.
Injections
In cases where frequent injections are required, such as insulin treatments, your veterinarian can teach you how to administer them at home. This is usually done in areas with less sensitivity, such as the skin fold on the back of the neck. Remember to always stay calm and follow all instructions from your veterinarian.
Additional tips for success
Beyond the techniques, there are some tips that can facilitate the administration of medications:
- Age and weight: Make sure the dosage is appropriate for your cat's size and needs.
- Rewards as positive reinforcement: After each medication, offer a treat or pet so that he associates the process with something positive.
- Frequency and schedules: Follow the schedules indicated by your veterinarian to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Giving medication to a cat can seem complicated at first, but with patience and the right techniques, it is possible to ensure your cat's well-being while strengthening the bond with your pet. Remember to always consult with a veterinarian if you have doubts and use methods that minimize stress for both of you.
Fortunately, my cat is fine now, she does not stick her tongue out or drool from the infection she had in her mouth.
Being picked up from the street, she is very distrustful, and I don't know where she gets her strength from, because her 5-month-old children are older than her, but for being small she has a lot of power.
The vet needed to put her in a kind of cage that is narrowing to immobilize her, and to be able to give her 2 injections of painkiller because one was not enough to calm her, and even so to look at her mouth I had to hold her back legs.
He gave her an injection of antibiotics, but to give us the pills at home, it was almost impossible.
I tried mixing the crushed pill with various types of food, but nothing at all, nor was I hungry. He approached and when he smelt the plate he retired.
We decided to powder the pill and mix it with hardly any water, to give it to him with a syringe (without a needle) in his mouth.
I grabbed her by the neck to immobilize her, but as we brought the syringe to her mouth, she jerked her hind legs (the vet already knew what it was about…) and my husband took a good blow.
We made more attempts, I grabbed her by the neck, we held her back legs, but she was seen and not seen, she gave a cramp, she jumped and the cat was gone ...
I see it well to wrap it with a towel, it would be the most correct. But with this cat, first the job is to catch her (she lets herself be caressed but not caught) and then keep her in the towel for 3 seconds because she goes crazy, but it is still the ideal.
My daughter managed on a couple of occasions and with great luck, to empty the syringe into her mouth, taking advantage of the fact that she opened it to “snort” at her.
Anyway, thank goodness he's cured. I put more vegetables in her regular meal and I guess that and the two pills we managed to give her have helped.
I realized before it began to happen, that some of the can that I gave him caused discomfort and others did not. As he did not know that he was missing two molars, and that is why the infection etc. he thought the pate was sticking to a hole in his mouth.
Advice; If a cat does not like a food no matter how good it is, do not force it, or you will visit the vet sooner or later.
Wow, what character has hehe
I totally agree with what you say: if you don't like food, it is much better to try another until you find one that you like.