At some point in most pets' lives it will be necessary for them to take medication. The first thing you may think of is hiding a pill in some cheese for a hungry Labrador or the convenience of a pill pocket. Cat owners know all too well that things can get tricky when it comes to dosing their pets. 

Cats by nature are smart and quick, which can make the job a more complicated one. Despite this, it is still imperative that cats in need receive necessary treatments at home. We hope that by sharing these tips and tricks you will be able to motivate your cat to not only tolerate but to look forward to taking his or her medication. 

For Syrups and Solutions

It is helpful to get your pet accustomed to the tools used in administering medications at home before they need them. Likely, these medications will be delivered via a pre-measured syringe. We can use this to our advantage by using positive reinforcement ahead of time. 

Dosing syringes can be picked up at most pet stores. Cover the end of the syringe in a meat based baby food or similar consistency cat treat such as a Churu. Present the object to your cat as a treat and allow your pet to approach, explore, and eventually accept the treat at their own pace. Over time, your cat will begin to associate a syringe with a treat. If you need to use this tool to medicate your cat in the future, you can place the same desirable treat on the end of the syringe and watch as your cat becomes excited to take his or her medication. 

Pills and Capsules

For pills and capsules, it is important to first speak with your veterinarian about the specific medication. Some medications in these forms should not be ground up or removed from their capsule because in doing so would affect the rate in which it is absorbed by your pet. 

A popular option is to sprinkle a crushed tablet in a highly palatable treat. If doing so, it is important that your pet will be eating the entire treat to ensure the correct dose of medication is consumed. Similar to the above method for dosing syrups and solutions, pills can also be ground up and placed in a dosing syringe along with a delicious treat to encourage the pet to accept it. 

For capsules, after ensuring with your veterinarian that it is appropriate to mix with a treat, gently pull and twist opposite ends of the capsule in order to deposit the medication into the pet’s preferred vehicle treat. 

Topicals

Some medications come in the form of a topical ointment or solution that should be applied to your pet’s skin. For these, ensure you read the instructions completely before continuing. Some require gloves to administer in order to protect yourself from the medication absorbing into your skin. 

While following guidelines on where to administer, making the cat comfortable will encourage them to allow you to do so more readily. This can include a couple of different options, depending on the disposition of the pet. For example, a nervous pet might benefit from being wrapped snugly and securely in a Feliway sprayed blanket. A spritely cat might prefer a distraction in the form of a desired toy or cat grass. You know your pet best; the options are endless here to create a comfortable environment. If the pet is struggling or showing signs of discomfort, try another option to keep their mind busy while applying the topical. 

Further Assistance…

If the pet is still resisting despite your best efforts, it is best to talk with your veterinarian on how to provide further assistance. In some cases, there are alternative routes of treatment that may be available, such as injections given in the clinic that can help ensure your cat receives the treatment that they need.