How to Administer Medication to Cats

Consult with your veterinarian. Before giving medication to your cat, you should first seek advice from your vet. The vet will examine your cat and recommend the best treatment for their condition. If medication is necessary, the vet will prescribe it and explain how to administer it. If you're unsure about the steps, you can ask the vet directly.

• Ask your vet for guidance. If you need to give medication without food, you can request the vet to demonstrate. Before leaving the clinic, ask the vet about the proper way to give the medication. This will help you understand the process and address any questions you may have.
• If your cat is sick, avoid self-diagnosing. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
• Never give your cat human medication or medication intended for another pet.

Read the medication instructions carefully. Before administering medication to your cat, thoroughly read the instructions and understand the details. If you have any questions about the medication, contact your veterinarian. You can ask the vet the following:

• What time should I give the medication to my cat?
• Should the medication be given with food or separately?
• How should the medication be administered? Orally or by injection?
• What are the potential side effects of the medication?
• How can I ensure my safety while giving the medication? Should I wear gloves?

Choose the best method to administer the medication. Before giving medication to your cat, understand the most effective way to do so. If possible, combine the medication with food, as this is the simplest and easiest method for both you and your pet.

• Combining with food If the medication can be given with food, opt for Pill Pockets or another type of food your pet enjoys. You may need to try different foods to find one your cat likes.
• Without combining with food If the medication must be given on an empty stomach, use a syringe or carefully place the pill in your cat's mouth while restraining them. For liquid medication, use a small medical bottle to administer it while holding your pet securely.

Purchase special food designed for medication. If your cat can eat while taking medication, use products like Pill Pockets to encase the pill. These are available at pet stores, but if you can't find them or your cat doesn't like them, switch to wet food, rolling it into a ball and hiding the pill inside.

• You can also try Flavor Doh, a brand of food designed to wrap around medication.

Prepare the food. Insert the medication into a Pill Pocket or Flavor Doh. Ensure the food tightly encases the pill so your cat cannot separate it. Have regular food ready as a reward after your pet consumes the medicated food.

• If using wet food, roll it into four balls using your cat's favorite type, and hide the pill in one. Remember which ball contains the medication!

Offer treats. You can give your cat prepared treats they enjoy in a fixed location, such as where they usually eat or sleep. If using Pill Pockets or Flavor Doh, simply offer these to your cat and ensure they consume them entirely. If your pet spits out the food, try a new type of treat or use wet food rolled into small balls.

• To feed wet food, give your cat two of the four non-medicated balls first. Then offer the medicated ball and wait for them to swallow it. Finally, give the last ball to eliminate any medicinal taste in their mouth. This method helps mask the unusual taste, making it easier to continue using this approach.

Continue offering non-medicated food. After your cat finishes eating, reward them with their favorite treats. Additionally, you can pet or play with your cat if they seem comfortable, doing anything to help them relax. This will make them look forward to future medication sessions.

Prepare the medication. Before restraining your cat, ensure the medication is ready. If this is your first time administering medication, carefully read the instructions beforehand. Contact your veterinarian if you have questions about the process.

• Your vet may prescribe a pill pusher if the medication is given without food. A pill pusher works like a syringe, eliminating the need to place your fingers in your cat's mouth. For liquid medication, use a small medical bottle.
• Double-check the dosage and ensure you prepare the correct amount.
• If your cat must take medication alone, prepare a small bottle of medication with about 5ml of water. Offering water afterward helps the medication go down smoothly and prevents it from getting stuck in the esophagus.
• Place the medication near where you’ll hold your cat so you can quickly administer it when they open their mouth. For example, place the pill on a tissue nearby or ask someone to assist.

Wrap your cat securely in a towel, leaving only the head exposed. Wrap their body like a burrito by placing them in the center of the towel and folding it over them quickly. When administering medication without food, you’ll need to restrain your cat and place the pill in their mouth. If your cat isn’t used to medication, they may resist and try to escape. Wrapping them tightly while leaving their head exposed prevents them from squirming or running away. The towel also protects you from scratches.

• You can hold your cat in your lap while administering medication if it feels comfortable. However, they should still be wrapped to prevent escape.
• Ask a friend or family member for assistance if this is your first time giving medication. One person can hold the cat securely while the other administers the medication with both hands.

Administer medication to your cat at a moderate height, such as a kitchen counter, wardrobe, or washing machine. The height should be around waist level to make the process easier. Hold your cat securely (still wrapped in a towel) while placing their body on the surface. If administering medication alone, lean your hip against the edge of the surface and wrap your arms around your cat.

Open your cat's mouth. Use your thumb and ring finger to press the sides of your cat's mouth. Your pet will open their mouth when pressure is applied. If they don’t open wide enough, gently push their lower jaw down with your other hand.

• Place your fingers on the outside of their mouth while opening it. Position your fingertips on the sides of their mouth to avoid contact with their teeth.

Place the medication in your cat's mouth. If using a pill pusher, insert the pill toward the back of their tongue. If using a small bottle, place the tip between their cheek and teeth. Avoid squirting medication directly into their throat or tongue, as liquid could enter the windpipe and cause choking.

• Add 5ml of water if administering medication without food. Drip the water between their cheek and teeth.

Close your cat's mouth and stroke their throat. After giving the medication, gently close their mouth and stroke the area under their chin. This encourages swallowing.

Reward your cat for cooperating. If you can’t offer a treat after administering medication, do something to show your appreciation for their behavior. Pet, play with, or praise your cat immediately after giving them the medication.

• Quickly place or drop the medication into your cat's mouth before stress or resistance arises. This is why you should prepare the medication before handling your cat.
• You can also hide the medication in your cat's food.
• Try to calm your cat before administering medication to prevent them from panicking and running away. Have the medication ready, maintain a calm demeanor, and then give the medication.
• If your cat tilts their head when you try to open their mouth, hold the scruff of their neck to stabilize their head.
• If your cat keeps escaping before taking the medication, take them to an empty room, such as a bedroom or bathroom, and close the door. The process will be quicker if you don’t have to search for them around the house each time they try to escape.
• Consider asking your vet to mix the medication into a powder or liquid. You can combine it with tuna oil to mask the taste.
• Neutering male cats can reduce aggression and excessive resistance. It also helps prevent AIDS, control reproduction, minimize territorial marking, and promote a calmer demeanor.

• Never give human medication to your cat, as it can be harmful or fatal!