Introduction
Cats can be finicky creatures, especially when it comes to taking liquid medicine. Whether it’s due to the taste, texture or smell, many cats will do everything in their power to avoid swallowing it. However, as responsible pet owners, it’s important to make sure they get the medication they need. In this article, we’ll discuss various tips and tricks for tricking a cat into taking liquid medicine.
Make a “Pill Pocket”
A “pill pocket” is a small, soft treat that can be easily manipulated to conceal medication. This method is especially helpful if your cat refuses to take medication that is mixed into their food.
To make a pill pocket, you’ll need a soft, chewy treat such as cheese or meat. Simply break off a small piece and mold it around the medication. Be sure to watch your pet take the entire treat to ensure they’ve gotten all the medication.
Use a Syringe
A syringe is a useful tool for administering liquid medication. It ensures that your cat receives the correct dose and the medication is delivered directly into their mouth.
When using a syringe, it’s essential to place the tip of the syringe on the side of the mouth and aim it towards the back of the throat. Aim to avoid the tongue, teeth or the roof of the mouth. To make it easier, try mixing the medication with a small amount of water to make it less thick and easier to swallow.
Hide it in Wet Food
Mixing medication into a small amount of wet food is a great way to mask the taste and texture. It’s essential to ensure your cat is hungry before serving the mixture, so they’re more likely to eat it.
To make the mixture more appetizing, try adding a small amount of chicken broth or warming it up slightly. Always check that the medication was consumed in its entirety.
Crush Pills
If your cat is taking a pill, crushing it up and mixing it with water or wet food is a great way to hide it. However, not all medications can be crushed. It’s crucial to discuss this with your veterinarian beforehand to avoid any adverse effects.
To crush medication, use a mortar and pestle or a pill crusher. Be sure to mix the medication into a small amount of food to ensure your cat eats it all.
Wrap it in a Towel
Cats can be challenging to handle when it comes to medication. If they’re particularly unruly, wrapping them in a towel can help keep them still and make the process easier for both of you.
To wrap your cat, place the towel on a flat surface and place your cat onto it. Fold the towel over the cat, so their body is entirely enclosed, but their head is free. Administer the medicine into the side of their mouth, making sure they swallow all of it.
Use a Popsicle Stick
For those who find administering medication with a syringe too difficult, a popsicle stick can be a less stressful option. This method is also useful for administering small amounts, such as eye medication.
To use a popsicle stick, place the medicine on the flat end of the stick and hold it near their mouth. When they open their mouth, gently place the stick in their mouth, so the medicine contacts their tongue, and they swallow it.
Use an Eye Dropper
An eye dropper is a helpful tool for administering small amounts of medication for cats. This method is often used for eye drops, ear medication, and nasal medication.
To use an eye dropper, hold your cat gently and tilt their head slightly back. Administer the proper dosage of medication into their eye, ear, or nasal cavity, depending on the medication prescribed by your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Administering liquid medication to cats can be a chore, but by using the different techniques outlined in this article, it’s possible to make the process more manageable. Remember to always consult your veterinarian with any concerns, and don’t give up if one method doesn’t work for your cat. With a little persistence, you can ensure that your cat gets the medication they need to remain healthy and happy.
