What is the easiest way to give cats liquid meds?

Question

I have three cats that need liquid meds, but it is a real challenge. I tried to incorporate it in their food, but they always know it's there, and just don't eat it. We have tried holding them with a towel wrapped around thier body for our safety, but they usually manage to spit most of it out. I wonder if it would work if I got it on their feet and just let thier normal grooming instinct take over and let them lick it off. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Hi there...here's an instructional video by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on how to administer liquid medicine with a plastic syringe: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/liquid_medications/

Answer 2

The easiest way to give them liquid meds is by using the syringe that came with the medication.

You can wrap them up in a towel, take the syringe and place it in their mouths but on the side of their mouth, not directly in front. They will clasp their jaws shut tight so just put some pressure on their jaws, gentle pressure. Squirt the meds in their mouth and while gently holding their mouths shut, blow a bit in their faces, that makes them want to swallow.

If it's clavamox, know that it is very bitter and they may drool after taking it.

I doubt they would lick it off of their paws, depending on the meds, I'm sure it tastes like crap, lol.

I find it easier to give a pill....that's just me though.

Good luck, hope it helps.

Answer 3

I have been going through this with my kitten for 3 weeks now, I put all 4 liquid meds she was on in WET adult cat food --try half a can with each dose and a seafood flavored one those seem to cover up the medicine smell and taste the best. I tried the syringe in her mouth shooting it in her throat but some of them she foamed at the mouth--guess it was too bitter! good luck!

Answer 4

We had this issue with our 3 cats. We had to catch them, wrap them in a towel and then use a dropper (like the kind they use for babies) to put the meds in their mouths. It was not fun and my poor husband was often scratched. There is really no other way to do it. Good luck!

Answer 5

Try using a needle-less syringe it worked 4 my cats, if not u cud always c if yr vet has a different way of administerin the meds

Answer 6

You forgot the *secret* ingredient.

You will need:

A brave friend
Lots of patience
A large fluffy towel
A pair of gloves

1.) Swaddle Mrs./ Mr. Kitty in the towel in your arms.

2.) Pass Kitty to friend, have friend hold kitty gently, but tight enough to restrain head and body.

3.) Put on gloves. measure medication. (don't forget this part)

4.) Pry kitty's mouth open.

5.) Pour meds down kitty's neck, and *immediately blow a puff of air in kitty's nose*.

(this makes kitty swallow)

Answer 7

use a syringe, hold the cat's head and squirt it as far back in the mouth as you can....the cat might gag a little, but most of the meds will be swallowed....it's tricky, and it won't be pleasant, but what's more important is that your little friend will be getting medication and gettin healthy! good luck

Answer 8

Here is some idea of what to expect:

HOW TO FEED A CAT A PILL (Don't actually try this at home!!)
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1) Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2) Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in leftarm and repeat process.

3) Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4) Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5) Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6) Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

7) Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8) Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9) Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink 1 beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10) Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard, and close door onto neck, to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11) Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Apply alcohol compress to cheek to disinfect. Throw Tee shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12) Call fire department to retrieve the cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap.

13) Tie the cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of steak filet. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.

14) Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and remove pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15) Arrange for SPCA to collect "mutant cat from hell" and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.