Buzz
There may be occasions when you need to open your beloved cat's mouth. Cats typically dislike this and may resist opening their mouths in various situations. For example, you might need to open your cat's mouth to administer medication or other treatments that your cat is reluctant to take. For this reason, the top priority is to ensure the process is safe for both you and your pet. Your cat's health is in your hands, so you must proceed with utmost care and caution.
Steps
Preparing to Open the Cat's Mouth
Choose a time when the cat is relaxed. Avoid attempting to open their mouth when they are agitated, playing, or irritable. You should not wake a sleeping cat to open its mouth, as this may frighten them. Instead, pick a moment when the cat is calm, happy, and willing to be near you.
Determine your position and your pet's position. Pay attention to how you hold the cat and the position of the medication if you're administering it yourself. Perform this step on a table. Avoid placing fragile items on the table, as the cat may squirm and knock things over.
- Spread a towel or blanket on the table. Use it to wrap the cat securely, preventing them from escaping.
- Prepare a syringe filled with water (without a needle) if giving medication. This helps the medicine go down more easily.
- Hold the medicine with your dominant hand. Keep your arm at the same level as the cat.
Position the cat comfortably. Lift the cat and place them in the center of the towel, lowering their body into a prone position. Fold one side of the towel over their body and neatly tuck the other side. Wrap the towel from the back to the front, securing their body.
- Finally, fold the front part of the towel snugly behind the cat's back. Leave only the cat's head exposed. Ensure the towel is wrapped tightly to contain their legs and claws.
- Stay calm if the cat resists. Some cats may be used to being wrapped, while others may struggle intensely. Understand your pet and decide whether you can wrap and calm them or just wrap them right before opening their mouth.
Opening the Cat's Mouth
Secure the cat on the table. If administering medication, hold the cat with your non-dominant hand and the medicine with your dominant hand. If someone is assisting, ask them to hold the wrapped cat firmly. If working alone, position your non-dominant elbow and forearm along the cat's body until they are snug between your arm and chest, firmly placed on the table.
Position your fingers correctly. Place your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other side of the cat's mouth, along the cheekbone above the jaw. You should feel the teeth around the cheekbone, though not distinctly.
Apply gentle pressure until the cat opens its mouth by pressing on the lower jaw until they open it. Slide your fingers between the upper and lower jaw while applying downward pressure. This discomfort will prompt the cat to open its mouth.
Administering Medication to the Cat
Place the medication into the cat's mouth while it is still open. Use your thumb and index finger to quickly place the pill at the back of the throat. Immediately withdraw your hand to avoid being bitten. If you're afraid of being bitten, consider using a pill dispenser, similar to a syringe, to safely deliver the medication.
- Avoid pushing the pill too deep into the throat. It could enter the windpipe and cause choking. Similarly, the throat could be injured if the pill lodges in the esophagus.
Encourage the cat to swallow the medication. Release the cat's mouth and hold the upper jaw or face to tilt the nose upward. Gently rub the throat to stimulate the swallowing reflex.
- Use a syringe to squirt water into the side of the mouth to help the pill move down the esophagus. This prevents irritation or the pill sticking to the throat and damaging tissue.
- DO NOT squirt water directly into the throat, as the cat may inhale it into the lungs.
Maintain the position for a few seconds before unwrapping and releasing the cat. Ensure the cat doesn’t harm itself while trying to escape, so calm it down before letting it go. Additionally, praise your pet generously and reward them with a treat for good behavior.
Tips
- Some people feed their cats immediately after opening their mouths, turning this action into a pre-meal routine.
- Once the cat's mouth is open, administer the medication as quickly as possible! Be swift and precise, or you may have to start over.
- Position yourself for easy movement. Cats might escape, and you’ll need to chase them.
- If you’re genuinely concerned about doing this, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate first.
Warnings
- Practice makes perfect. Cats may scratch or bite, so wear long sleeves and pants to avoid injury.
- It’s crucial to give your cat a small amount of water immediately after administering medication to prevent harm. If you don’t have a syringe, offer milk or water mixed with tuna juice.
- Rewards are never excessive. Reward your cat right after opening its mouth to encourage cooperation in future sessions for check-ups or medication.
What You’ll Need
- Small towel or blanket
- Medication
- Water
- Plastic syringe
- Treats
