Few sentences can summon as much cat owner anxiety as: “Your cat needs medication.” But, while our feline friends can have strong opinions about medicine—and may express those feelings with their sharp teeth and claws—Golden Years Veterinary Services is here to help you have a safe and positive cat-medicating experience. Here are 10 tips and tricks to ensure the medicine goes down smoothly. 

#1: Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the medication

Senior cats may have painful arthritis or other conditions that make normal feline restraint uncomfortable and frightening, further complicating the medication process. Dr. Freed can show you how to safely position and hold your cat, to avoid causing discomfort or pain.

Once you’ve seen the medicating and restraint demonstrations, you’ll have an opportunity to practice the techniques and receive feedback. Since confidence is essential for effective cat medicating, we’ll work with you to ensure you feel comfortable with the task.

#2: Have everything ready before you collect your cat

Always gather all your supplies before you get your cat. Depending on the medicine formulation (e.g., pill, tablet, or liquid) and your cat’s temperament, your should have the following items ready:

  • Medication
  • Oral syringe
  • Towel
  • Pill popper
  • Tempting treats (e.g., strained meat, canned cat food, Pill Pockets, baby food, plain yogurt, cream cheese, or butter), which may be used to disguise the medication, or given to the cat before and after medicating

#3: Do not interrupt your cat’s sleeping, eating, or eliminating

Stealing your cat away from slumber or another important activity can be frightening and disorienting—and may cause your cat to panic. Try to wait until your cat is up and about, such as before meal time, to avoid triggering a flight or fight response.

Once you’ve collected your cat, ensure no other pets or distractions that may cause anxiety in your cat, or make them feel vulnerable during the medicating process, are nearby.

#4: Stay calm to keep your cat calm

Cats are perceptive and will sense your nervousness or anxiety. Set yourself up for success by always ensuring you have plenty of time to medicate your cat (i.e., don’t try to do this if you’re running late for work). Spend some time simply petting your cat or feeding them tasty treats first—this easy and positive bonding opportunity will help you both relax.

#5: Food-motivated cats may take a hidden pill

If your senior cat enjoys treats, you may be able to disguise the medication. Some cats will happily accept a food-coated capsule or pill, while others may take medication that has been ground up and mixed into wet food or broth. Start by mixing only a small amount, to ensure you’re not wasting food or medication if your cat refuses. And, always ask your veterinarian if your cat’s medication can be opened, crushed, or given with food. If your cat needs a coated pill or tablet, try giving a plain (i.e., non-medicated) treat before and after.

#6: Towel wrapping ensures cat and owner safety

If your senior cat is difficult to hold, uses their claws, or you have no help medicating them, towel wrapping is recommended. Towel wrapping (i.e., the kitty burrito) has a swaddling effect and secures your cat’s limbs safely and comfortably against their body. For a towel wrapping demonstration, check out this video. 

#7: Use safe techniques for manually medicating your cat

Use your non-dominant hand to securely hold your cat’s head. From above, place your thumb and middle finger at the corners of their jaw. Tilt the head slightly upwards. Then, with the pill in your dominant hand between your index finger and thumb, use your middle finger to lower the bottom jaw. Place the medication as far back in your cat’s mouth as possible, and gently close their mouth. For liquid medication, keep your cat’s head at a natural angle, and slip the syringe tip into the corner of their mouth. Release small amounts of liquid at a time, allowing your cat to swallow between doses. If you’re worried about putting your fingers in the cat’s mouth, try using a Pill Popper (i.e., pet piller) instead.

#8: Ensure your cat swallows before you release them

Nothing is worse than letting your cat go, only to watch them spit out the medication like a Pez dispenser. Rather than immediately releasing them, encourage swallowing by gently blowing on your cat’s nose or stroking the throat. When in doubt, open their mouth to confirm the pill or tablet was swallowed. 

#9: Reward your cat

By bookending your cat’s medication experience with rewards (e.g., treats, toy play, or petting) you can help create a positive emotional response. If your cat waits by their food dish for their next meal, consider medicating them right before mealtime, and allowing dinner to be their reward. If your cat is too distressed to eat or play, you may need our help to explore alternative medication methods or formulas.

#10: Consider alternative formulations

If your cat refuses to accept a pill, ask your veterinarian about other formulations. Some medications can be compounded into a treat, liquid, or transdermal (i.e., topical) gel form that can be easier to administer. 

At some point in their nine lives, all cats will need a little extra help in the form of medication. And, while we can’t help them understand it’s for their own good, we can do our best to make the process more enjoyable, safe, and stress-free. If you need further assistance with your cat’s medication, we’re happy to help—contact Golden Years Veterinary Services.