How do I give my cat medication?

Giving Your Cat Medication

It’s always a good idea to brush up on your pet’s health care needs to ensure your cat is living its best life. Knowing how to give your cat medication is an important part of caring for your feline friend. Read through these steps to learn how to safely and effectively give your cat medication.

Step 1: Read Medication Directions

Before attempting to give your cat medication, read the medication label and pharmaceutical insert that came with it. This will make sure you know exactly what drug you’re giving your cat, when and how much to give. Pay close attention to any warnings that may be included on the label as well.

Step 2: Prepare Medication

Most medication being administered to cats usually comes in pill or liquid form. Pills are usually administered whole or crushed in food or a special treat made just for cats. Liquid medications are typically administered directly from the dropper that comes with the bottle or with a syringe.

Step 3: Administer Medication

An effective way to give your cat their medication is by pretending to play with them. This will help distract them and make them more likely to accept the medication. Consider offering a treat afterwards to ensure a positive association with the process.

If you’re administering the medication orally, try to put the pill or liquid directly on the side of your cat’s mouth. This will ensure they swallow the medication and don’t spit it out. If you’re giving them a pill, you may need to use your finger and thumb to gently close their mouth and hold it closed for a few seconds. Make sure to speak calmly throughout the process to further relax your cat.

Step 4: Monitor Your Cat

Always observe your cat for any adverse reactions to the medication such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a decrease in appetite. Contact your veterinarian if you observe any of these symptoms as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure to give your cat their medication on a regular schedule as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Bottom Line

Giving your cat medication doesn’t have to be a stressful experience when done properly. With a few simple steps and some patience, you can make sure your cat is getting the medication they need to stay healthy and happy.

Key Points:

• Read the medication directions before administering the medication
• Prepare the medication in pill or liquid form
• Administer the medication with distractions and a treat afterwards
• Monitor your cat for any adverse reactions
• Give your cat their medication on a regular schedule as prescribed