Step-By-Step Tips on How to Administer Medication to Your Cat at Home

If you have tried to give your cat medication by placing it in their favorite food (crushed or whole) and have failed, please find these tips on how to administer medication to your cat in the comfort of your own home:

Firstly, you need to know your cat - kittens are easier to handle, however, older cats may be a little difficult...

1) Prepare the meds in advance, a water filled syringe (just in case) and a towel on hand. Bring your cat to a quiet, small room with as little hiding places as possible (no beds/cabinets that they can crawl under) and close the door...

2) Wrap the cat with a towel (like a burrito!) making sure that the arms and legs are firmly tucked in (clip nails slightly just in case). If you are alone, place the cat on the floor in-between your legs to hold him/her firmly. If there is another person, have that person hold the cat tightly before going to the next step...

3) Use one hand to pry open the mouth...

3) With the other hand quickly put the medicine as far back/down the mouth as possible (to avoid the cat from tasting any foul medicine), quickly shut the mouth, lift the head up so the neck is straight and rub the throat for a few seconds (squirt a little water through the side of the mouth with a syringe if needed). You need to be quick here!!

DONE!!

* Give lots of cuddles and food afterwards! 

* Try not to traumatize your cat too much, if it doesn't work the first time and your cat is totally freaked out, take a break for a few minutes/hours and try again.

* If you find it hard to use your fingers to administer pills, you can purchase a pill popper from your vet/pet shop.

* If all else fails, please contact Pitter Patter Pet Care or your vet to do it!

* Please note that some antibiotics such as Metronidazole, Flagyl and Clavulox are foul tasting to many cats, ask your vet to prescribe you an easier drug to administer, there is an alternative in most cases.

* Many strokes and cuddles to the wonderful and brave cats for these beautiful pics: Benny, Bjorn, Ella and Baby!!