There are various forms of medicine that you can give your cat, such as capsules, tablets, as well as liquid medicine to take. Cats will usually rebel and refuse when you try to put something in their mouth, this is also true even if you use a sprayer to put medicine in the cat's mouth. However, if you have a little preparation and follow some of the tips below, you will find it easier to administer liquid medicine to your cat.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Equipment
Step 1. Spread out a towel
Spread a wide towel over the area where you plan to give the medicine to your cat. You can use this towel to wrap the cat if it can't stay still.
- The ideal towels to use are beach towels or bath towels.
- Spread the towel evenly throughout.
- Choose a place that is comfortable for you to do this, for example on a table.
Step 2. Prepare the medicine to be given
Follow the directions given on the bottle or your vet to do it properly. Some types of liquid medicine must be shaken before use.
If the medicine must be given directly from the bottle, place the medicine bottle on a flat surface that is easily accessible to you
Step 3. Prepare the drip kit
If the drug must be given through a drip or spray, then fill the device with the recommended dose of the drug.
- Follow all directions and recommended dosage.
- Place the dropper or sprayer in an easily accessible place
Part 2 of 3: Preparing Your Cat
Step 1. Place the cat in the right position
Take the cat to the place where the towel has been spread out and make sure you speak in a soft, happy, and relaxed tone. Place the cat in the center of the towel that is stretched facing you.
Step 2. Prevent your cat from moving
You have to make sure that the cat won't sway or even run away during the administration of the medication.
- If your cat is very calm, you can simply hold it. If someone can help you, ask them to hold the cat's shoulders and gently grip the cat's paws. This will keep the cat calm and prevent the cat from scratching you.
- You or a friend who is helping you can hug the cat to your chest or stomach to prevent the cat from rocking to the other side, making treatment more difficult.
- If your cat can't sit still and looks like it's about to scratch you, then you should wrap it in a towel. Wrap your cat tightly so that only the head sticks out. A tight bandage around the cat's neck will ensure that the cat won't be able to scratch you.
- To do this, fold part of the towel to cover your cat's back, and fold the other part to cover the front, until the cat is completely covered. Tighten any loose areas, especially the neck, so that the entire body is well wrapped in the towel.
- If a friend helps you, ask him to hold the cat by the shoulders from outside the towel, so that the cat remains in an upright position.
Step 3. Open the cat's mouth
Shape the letter "C" upside down with the index finger and thumb of your left hand. Place the finger that has formed a "C" on top of your cat's head. The fingertips should be at the two ends of the cat's mouth, with the palms still above the cat's head. Gently press your fingertips to open the cat's mouth.
- If you are left-handed, use your right hand to open your cat's mouth and your left hand to drip the medicine.
- By doing this, you will avoid the risk of the cat biting its own lips, and also reduce the chances of it biting you.
Step 4. Face the cat's head up
When the cat's mouth is slightly open, point the cat's head up, facing the ceiling.
This can be done without changing the position of your left hand, simply by turning your wrist. That way, the cat's mouth will open a little wider
Part 3 of 3: Giving Your Cat Medication
Step 1. Put the dropper/sprayer into the cat's mouth
Use your other hand to hold the dropper and position the area where the medicine will come out behind your cat's lower fangs (the long teeth in front of the lower jaw), just above her tongue.
Step 2. Start the drops
Press the dropper/spray slowly and gently until about half a milliliter of medicine has been dropped into the cat's mouth.
- When the medicine has been dripped, the cat will move its tongue and swallow the medicine.
- Some cats may lower their heads to swallow, so you'll need to flex your hand that's holding their head so the cat can lower its head when needed.
Step 3. The final stage of drug administration
After the cat has finished swallowing the drops you gave her, give her another half a milliliter of drops.
Repeat this process until you have given the drug according to the recommended dose
Step 4. Give your cat a treat
While gently unwrapping the towel, talk to your cat gently. Give your cat a treat of attention or good food after he's gone through the drip.
That way, the cat won't be as badly traumatized by this process and may make it easier for you the next time you give the drops
Tips
- While you can do this process yourself, it's much easier if you have a friend who can help you hold the cat to be medicated, so you can use both hands comfortably to administer the medication.
- Try drops with water first to make sure that the device is not blocked.
- You can prepare food that your cat likes to give as a gift after the medication process is complete.
Warning
- Do not place your finger directly between your cat's teeth, as this will increase your chances of being bitten by the cat.
- Do this process patiently. Dripping / spraying the drug too quickly will cause the cat to inhale the drug liquid, so it has the potential to cause severe pneumonia.
- Never give more than the dose recommended by your cat's doctor.
- If you are prescribed a tablet, make sure you discuss it with your veterinarian first before crushing the tablet to mix it with water. Some types of tablet drugs are made with ingredients that will give effect slowly, or some are protected with a protective layer to resist stomach acid and the drug will be active when it reaches the intestine. Crushing the tablet may reduce its effectiveness and this should be avoided as much as possible.
