HOW TO GIVE STUBBORN CATS MEDICINE
The Easiest Way to Give a Cat A Pill
The easiest way to give a cat a pill is undoubtedly to hide it in food. Before trying this method, ask your veterinarian if your cat’s tablet can be given with a meal (some medications require an empty stomach). And while you’re at it, ask them if it is ok to open a capsule or crush a pill up before mixing it with food. Doing so could cause you to unknowingly deactivate their medication or cause it to be distasteful.
Be Prepared
Imagine having your cat restrained, their jaw open, their claws quickly emerging – only to realize you haven’t opened up the bottle of their medication. Learn from the mistakes of countless pet parents before you and make sure you’re prepared.
You’ll want to have the correct dose of the medication ready to go and all the supplies you need (e.g. pill popper, cat treats) within arm’s reach. Whether you’re going at it alone or you have someone to help you, walk through the plan of exactly what you’re going to do.
Find a time when your cat is relaxed and don’t interrupt them if they are eating, grooming, or using the toilet. Then, approach your cat in a calm and confident manner – the same way you would if you were going to give them a cuddle.
Make it Go Down Easier
Lubricate larger capsules and chalky pills with a small amount of butter or a pet safe gel so they move down the esophagus easier.
How to Position Your Cat
Set your cat on your lap or a non-slippery hard surface, such as the floor or a table. Calm them by petting them and distracting them with treats before you jump in with your well-intentioned ambush.
Position your cat so that they face away from you. This is because cats typically will try to squirm backwards to break free and your body can protect them from falling.
You’ll give the medication with your dominant hand and hold their jaw open with your non-dominant hand, so adjust yourself accordingly.
You’ll want to do these steps as quickly as possible:
1. Open your cat’s mouth. Place your non-dominant hand on top of their head and tilt their nose towards the ceiling. Their lower jaw should drop slightly; Firmly push your thumb and middle finger into the corners of your cat’s mouth, just under their cheekbones, to open their jaw. If this isn’t enough to open their mouth, you can use your pinky finger of your dominant hand (the index finger and thumb should be already holding the pill) to gently pull their lower jaw down.
2. Insert capsule. When your cat’s mouth is open, place the capsule as far into the back of your cat’s mouth as you can. If you look closely, there is a divot in the back of the tongue that some vets call “the pill slot” – this is what you are aiming for. Make sure your cat’s head is tilted slightly upwards – gravity will help you get the pill into the back of the throat. Once in, release your cat’s head to a neutral position and gently hold their mouth closed.
3. Induce swallowing. Rub your cat’s throat for a few seconds to stimulate swallowing. Offer treats, wet food, or yogurt to ‘chase’ the pill to ensure it doesn’t get stuck in the esophagus or spit out. Having a syringe or dropper full of a small amount of water, tuna juice, or chicken broth to squirt in immediately following the pill can also help with swallowing, particularly for meds with a bitter taste.
If your cat doesn’t swallow the pill on the first try, let them spit it all the way out and try again.
You may also visit – https://www.facebook.com/angkopparasahayop
