As much as we love them, caring for our cats can sometimes be, well, difficult! Here are some tips for some relatively common tasks that happen to be relatively challenging for many cat owners. Hopefully this will make your job a little easier. If you find you still need help, don’t hesitate to call us!

Giving Medication

• Remember to always use caution when medicating an animal, as there is always a risk of being scratched or bitten.
• If you feel uncomfortable administering medications, or have any questions about what to do or how to do it, please call us! We’re happy to help.
  • To reduce risk of scratching, you may wrap the cat in a towel with the head free but legs held tightly in a cocoon form. Also you may wish to have another person restrain your cat.
  • There are several methods you can use to give your cat pills, tablets or capsules. The following one is a good way to start:
  • Check the bottle to make sure you have the correct medicine for the correct cat.
  • Also double check the dosage instructions.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Hold the capsule or tablet between your thumb and index finger.
  • Place palm of your other hand on the top surface of your cat’s nose.
  • Insert your thumb behind one upper canine (back) tooth into the mouth, rolling the animal’s lips inward over its teeth to minimize the possibility of being bitten. Stroke the roof of your cat’s mouth with your thumb.
  • Tilt your cat’s nostrils toward the ceiling or sky. This head position causes the lower jaw muscles to relax in most animals, which should make it easier to keep the mouth open.
  • Press downward on your cat’s lower teeth with the third, fourth, and fifth fingers of the hand holding the medication.
  • Place the capsule or tablet on the base of your cat’s tongue.
  • Withdraw your hand from your cat’s mouth and close the mouth quickly. Hold it closed while rubbing your cat’s neck to induce swallowing.

Pill Administration

If this procedure does not work with your cat, don’t dismay. Some cats may take medication hidden in a treat or require the use of a “pill popper.” In any case, there’s no need for frustration. Call us for help!

Liquid Medication Administration

• To reduce risk of scratching, you may wrap the cat in a towel with the head free but legs held tightly in a cocoon form. Also you may wish to have another person restrain your cat.
• There are several methods you can use to give your cat pills, tablets or capsules. The following one is a good way to start:
• Check the bottle to make sure you have the correct medicine for the correct cat. Also double check the dosage instructions.
• Wash your hands.
• Place liquid medication in syringe or small bottle.
• With one hand, form a pouch in your cat’s cheek between the lining of the lips and the teeth by pulling the lip out gently (the jaw may remain closed).
• Place liquid medication into the cheek pouch, small amounts at a time, keeping your cat’s nose pointed slightly upward, but careful not to point straight up.
• Give the medication slowly; ensure your cat has swallowed a small amount of liquid before placing any more liquid into the cheek pouch.