Dear Dr. Robin: I just found out that my cat will have to take medication every day from now on. I’m a little intimidated by that thought. He’s generally cooperative, but I don’t want to teach him not to like me because I have to give him medicine. Thank you.
– L.S., Fort Collins
A: Giving cats medication can be a VERY intimidating experience! I have a multiple-cat household, and even I find the thought of long-term medication for some of them a bit scary!
Often the easiest way to give oral tablets to cats is to hide the pill in a small amount of tuna, salmon or cream cheese. Place the pill in a small amount of food that the cat is certain to eat. This is easiest when cats are fed actual meals rather than simply facing a full bowl all day. I recommend temporary meal feeding during medication time so cats are hungry for the treat. Some cats will eat the food and spit out the pill, so watch out! An alternative is to use a product called a “Pill Pocket.” Pill Pockets are like Pounce Treats with a hollowed-out part.
The pill goes into the center and the Pill Pocket is then “squished” around the tablet.
Sometimes we need to administer the pill directly into the cat’s mouth.
I generally recommend this method only for short-term use of medication.
Prepare a safe place to handle your cat. Have the tablet ready and in a place where it will be easily accessible. You may find it easiest to place your cat in your lap. You may need to have someone assist you in restraining your cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only the head exposed.
Lubricate the pill with a very small amount of margarine or butter to make it easier for the cat to swallow. This is particularly helpful with capsules. Hold the pill between your thumb and index finger.
Grasp your cat’s head from above with your other hand, by placing your thumb on one side of the upper jaw and your fingers on the other. Lift the cat’s head and tilt back allowing the mouth to open. With the pilling hand, open the cat’s mouth a bit further with pressure on the lower front teeth using the ring finger. Place the pill as far back over the tongue as possible. Close the cat’s mouth and “tickle” the nose to stimulate a swallowing reflex.
The cat’s medication may be able to be compounded into a liquid with an appealing flavor. Have your veterinarian work with a “compounding” pharmacist -someone trained in changing the formula of a medication.
Some tablet medications CANNOT be made into a liquid or it renders them useless!
Dr. Robin Downing will respond to your questions in her weekly column, but cannot answer individually. Send questions to: Robin Downing, DVM, P.O. Box 460, Windsor, CO 80550 or drrobin@windsorvet.com.
