How to give medicine to a cat
To give medicine to a cat, tablets or liquids are usually administered through the mouth. Soft, liquid, and solid forms of medication can be given this way.
Powders can be given with familiar cat food (canned meat) or with milk (sweet tea). Powders (such as powdered medications) can also be given forcefully by introducing them into the oral cavity with a spoon (table or tea) or by pouring them into the open mouth.
If the cat is prescribed tablets, they can be given using long syringes without needles. To do this, try to place the medication at the base of the cat’s tongue, close its mouth, and gently stroke the animal’s neck (this will help the cat swallow the medication more quickly).
How to give medicine to a cat liquid medications
All liquid medications for cats should be poured into the cat’s cheek pouch in the corner of their mouth using a teaspoon or tablespoon. Remember that the amount of liquid given in one dose should not exceed the amount of one swallow for your cat (to prevent choking). Repeat the process until the cat receives the full dose of medication.
Liquid medications should be given with caution. If your cat begins to cough, immediately stop administering the medication. Wait for the animal to calm down, otherwise the medication may enter the lungs and cause a serious illness.
Sometimes liquid forms of medications are administered to animals through the rectum (rectal administration). This is also known as an enema. Enemas are given using a syringe with a rubber (soft) tip. The liquid (enema) should be administered very slowly. After the procedure, press the base of the tail against the anal opening to prevent the liquid from leaking out.
Solid, liquid, and soft forms of medication can also be applied topically, or locally. Powders can be applied to wounds or inflamed surfaces using a gauze bag, cotton swab, or special powder blower. Alternatively, they can simply be blown off a piece of paper (shaken off a brush).
How to give medicine to a cat. Pastes, ointments, and liniments
Pastes, ointments, and liniments are applied to a previously prepared surface: hair and fur are clipped, the skin is washed with warm water and shampoo (or soap) and dried thoroughly. Pastes and ointments should be applied using a spatula (or other flat object). They can also be applied by hand if the medicinal preparations used are harmless to the skin on the hands. Liniments are applied to the skin with a cotton pad or brush.
How to give medicine to a cat. Liquid dosage forms
Liquid dosage forms They are used externally for washing, rinsing, lubricating, and spraying the affected area. Before applying liquid medications, the treated surface is prepared in the same way as before applying ointments. The affected area of the skin can be lubricated using a swab (stick) with cotton wool wound around its end or a soft brush. Oil and alcohol solutions are absorbed very well into the skin, while water-based solutions are not. Damage to the skin improves the absorption of substances.
Washing is prescribed for cats with eye diseases, childbirth, mucous membrane of the oral cavity, and for the treatment of deep suppurating wounds. To do this, use a syringe, eye dropper, rubber tube with a funnel, enema cup, or simply gauze or cotton swabs. Spraying involves short-term exposure to a more or less limited area of the animal’s skin. It is done using a sprayer or special aerosol substances.
How to give a cat a pill with a syringe
Tablets or capsules are usually administered to animals orally. It’s understandable that cats are not fond of taking any medication and will immediately try to spit it out. The tablet should be placed as deep as possible in the cat’s mouth so that it is difficult for them to spit it out. To do this, you can use a syringe. Trim the syringe if necessary so that the tablet can easily come out of it. Often, a third or half (quarter) of a tablet is prescribed to the animal. Before starting the procedure, check the dosage indicated on the package.
Put the tablet in the syringe. Hold the cat’s head by the back of its neck with one hand. Gently tilt the animal’s head back. With the other hand, pull down the lower jaw and then gently insert your finger between the cat’s jaws to prevent it from closing its mouth.
Insert the syringe into the cat’s mouth and, holding it above the center of the tongue, press the syringe plunger to release the tablet. You need to try to get the tablet as deep as possible into the cat’s mouth, otherwise, it will instantly spit it out. Don’t overdo it, the tablet must definitely reach the cat’s tongue. Now, without releasing the cat, let it close its mouth and gently massage its throat with the fingers of your free hand. This will trigger the cat’s swallowing reflex. If you are giving a «soft» homeopathic tablet that does not need to be swallowed, just keep the cat’s mouth closed, allowing the tablet to dissolve.
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