Most cat owners will need to open their cat's mouth at some point. Cats generally don't like the process and cats won't open their mouths voluntarily in most circumstances. For example, you may need to open your cat's mouth to put in a pill or some medicine that the cat doesn't want to digest. Because of this, the top priority in opening a cat's mouth is safety, for you and your cat. Your cat's health is in your hands so you owe it to her to care for her with love and safety first.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Open the Cat's Mouth
Step 1. Choose a time when the cat is calm
Don't try to open your cat's mouth when it's annoyed, wants to play, or is upset. You should also avoid waking the cat to open its mouth as doing so can frighten the cat. Instead, choose a time when your cat is calm and happy and wants to be around you.
Step 2. Plan how you will position yourself and the cat
You will need to think about where and how you will hold the cat and how and where you will hold any medication that will be administered, if that is your plan. Ideally, you need to do it on a table. Make sure there are no glassware near the table, as the cat can run away and nudge the item until it falls.
- Place a towel or blanket on the table and spread it out. The towel or blanket will be used to wrap the cat so it can't move.
- You'll also need to have a syringe (without the needle attached) full of water, if you're giving your cat pills. This will help carry the pill down your throat.
- Hold the pill with the more dexterous hand. Place your hands at the same height as the cat.
Step 3. Position the cat and make the cat feel comfortable
Pick up the cat and place him in the center of the towel, holding him lying on his stomach. Pull one side of the towel over your body, then pull the other side up snugly. Pull the back end forward, making sure the towel feels comfortable.
- Finally, wrap the front of the towel around the cat's back snugly. This will result in only the cat's head sticking out. Make sure the cloth is wrapped comfortably around the cat to keep the cat's paws and paws in the towel.
- Try to calm down if the cat resists. Some cats won't mind being very neatly wrapped, while others will fight back vigorously. Assess your cat specifically and decide if you can wrap him up and soothe him or you just need to wrap him up just before opening his mouth.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Cat Open Its Mouth
Step 1. Hold the cat firmly on the table
If you are giving the cat medicine, hold the cat with your non-dominant hand while your dominant hand takes the medicine. If someone can help, ask him or her to hold the wrapped cat. Otherwise, slide the elbow and forearm from the non-dominant hand across the wrapped cat's body until you're holding it between your arm and chest, with the wrapped cat remaining on the table.
Step 2. Position your fingers
Place your thumb on one side and index finger on the other side of the cat's mouth along the cheek where the jaw hinges are. You will be able to feel the teeth a little.
Step 3. Apply gentle pressure until the cat opens its mouth by pressing the cat's lower jaw until the cat opens its mouth
Basically, you're pushing your fingers between your upper and lower jaws when you apply downward pressure. This pressure will be uncomfortable for the cat so the cat will open its mouth.
Part 3 of 3: Giving the Cat Medication in Its Mouth
Step 1. Put any medication in the cat's mouth while its mouth is open
With your index finger and thumb, place the pill at the back of your mouth at the base of your tongue in one swift motion. Then immediately pull your fingers so they don't get bitten. If you're worried about getting bitten, you can buy a pill-feeding kit that's shaped like a long syringe with a plunger to hold the pill in and put it in your cat's mouth.
Don't just push the pill down the back of the cat's throat. The pill can be accidentally pushed down the cat's windpipe, causing it to choke. On the other hand, accidents can also occur in the back of the throat if the pill is forced down the esophagus
Step 2. Force your cat to swallow
Release the cat's mouth and hold its jaw or face so that its nose is facing up. Gently rub the throat to trigger the swallowing reflex.
- Use a syringe to insert a small amount of water at the junction of the upper and lower lips to push the pill "down" through the esophagus. This will prevent the pill from irritating or "sticking" to the throat and damaging the tissues.
- DO NOT spray water down the back of the throat as the cat can inhale the water into its lungs.
Step 3. Hold the same position for a few seconds before removing the wrapping towel and releasing the cat
You don't want your cat to get hurt while running away so you should try to calm her down a bit before releasing her. Also, don't forget to give your cat lots of praise and a little treat of delicious food as a reward for good behavior.
Tips
- Some people feed the cat after doing this to make it a pre-feeding ritual.
- As soon as you open the cat's mouth, place the medicine in it as fast as you can! Everything has to be done very quickly or you have to start over from scratch.
- Make sure you are in a position that allows you to move freely. The cat may run away and you may have to chase it.
- If you're really nervous about trying this process, ask your vet to do it for you.
Warning
- Practice will make you an expert. Your cat may bite or scratch you, so wear long sleeves and long pants to avoid getting hurt.
- It is very important to give the cat a small amount of water immediately after inserting the pill to avoid hurting the cat. If you don't have a syringe, you can try offering your cat some milk or water plus tuna water to drink.
- Gifting food isn't just an extra step. It's important to reward your cat as soon as possible after giving her medication to make her more cooperative the next time you need to open her mouth for an examination or medication.
