Have you ever tried to medicate a cat? If you have, you probably have a few scratches to prove it! Cats only want to do something if it's their idea. And, it's never their idea to have a pill pushed down their throat. So, how do you manage getting that medicine into his body without coming out on the wrong side of his claws?
If the medicine is a pill, the easiest way to feed it to her is by putting it into her food. Of course, you'll have to crush it into powder form first. Using two spoons, put the pill into one and use the back of the other to break it down. Then, mix it into her canned cat food. If you only feed her dry food, she'll really think she's getting a treat with doctored up canned food!
If the medicine is a capsule and not a pill, you have it made. All you have to do is take the capsule apart and mix it into the canned cat food.
If you have a sick cat, he won't want to eat. In this case, you might want to purchase a pet piller. Your veterinarian will have these available for you. They are plastic rods that the pill fits into. You press the plunger to direct the pill into kitty's throat. Be careful that you don't push the rod too far or you could injure him.
Now, getting the pet piller into his mouth is another thing. He won't want it in his mouth at all! If he is still a kitten, you can wrap him in a towel so that it's easier to handle him. You can try using a towel with an older cat and it "might" work. Otherwise, you'll just have to hold on tight and not let him loose.
If you're afraid of hurting your cat or kitten with the rod and plunger system, you can try to give him the pill by hand. This is NOT easy! Tuck her under your arm to hold her still and open her mouth by pushing gently on each side of it. Put the pill as far back into her mouth as you can manage and hold her mouth closed for a minute or so. She should swallow it then, if she hasn't already.
If your cat has been sick for a while, it may be easier to give him his medicine. He won't feel like putting up much of a fight.
Treat your kitty gently while giving her the pill or other medications. She's never going to like the medication-taking process, but if you are gentle, you won't have her running from you every time you enter the room.
Giving Pills: First, try deceiving your cat by hiding the pill in some baby food. If that doesn't work, try kneeling on the floor and putting the cat between your knees. Make sure your cat's front legs are tucked in between your knees so it can't claw you. Put the palm of your hand on top of its head, and thumb and index finger on either side of its mouth; your cat's mouth will fall open as you tilt the head back. If it doesn't, gently push down on the cat's lower front teeth with your middle finger of your other hand. Drop the pill in your cat's mouth as far back as you can. Keep its head tilted back until the pill is swallowed.
Giving Liquids: To administer liquid medication to your cat, use the same procedure as for pills using a needleless syringe that you can obtain from your vet or a pet store. Squirt the medicine down its throat. Since cats do not breathe through their mouths, don't worry about it choking on the medicine. As cats can vomit easily, it might help to give it a cat treat after the medicine.
Topical Application: This should be a fairly simple procedure. However, if your cat is less than agreeable, you will need to restrain it. Try wrapping it in a towel or holding it by the fur on the back of its neck with one hand. Hold the head down and clean/medicate with the other hand.
Burns: If a cat suffers minor or major burns, immediate veterinary treatment is necessary. In the case of minor burns, keep the burn covered with cool compresses never use ice as you get the cat to the veterinarians office. In the case of major burns, protect the burn with a thick layer of gauze or cloth, cover the cat with a blanket and get veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Cautions: Do not apply antiseptic ointments, butter, margarine, or any other product unless advised to do so by your veterinarian. Never use cotton balls or cotton batting to cover any type of burn since particles of cotton will stick to the damaged skin.
Choking: A curious cat or playful kitten may become a choking victim when bones, string or other objects become lodged in the cats throat. If this occurs, he may paw at his mouth, gag and drool. Unconsciousness may follow if complete obstruction persists. Be careful to avoid being bitten. If possible, have someone help you. Hold the cat upside down, press his chest with both hands until the object pops out. Caution : Never attempt to remove string, thread or a needle to which a thread could be attached. These kind of obstructions should be removed by a veterinarian. If a linear object such as string or thread is lodged with one end in the mouth and the other end in the stomach and intestines, the material can cut through the walls of the intestines.
If the cat is unconscious, open his mouth and look for the obstruction. Remove it with needle-nose pliers. If you cannot do this, rush the cat to your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic. In rural areas, remember that rabies can also cause signs of choking. Use great caution in handling a cat who is not known to you.
Cuts And Bites: In cats, most skin wounds do not bleed profusely unless a larger underlying blood vessel is opened. Excessive manipulation can lead to further injury to the cat or injury to the owner. Getting the cat to your veterinarian as fast as possible is recommended.
If a cat receives a wound that results in deep bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound and rush the cat to a veterinarian. If prompt veterinary treatment is not possible, apply a sterile bandage or clean gauze or cloth directly over the wound. Bandage the area firmly with a two-to three-inch gauze roll or strips of clean cloth made from a sheet or soft material. Secure the bandage in place with adhesive, electrical or masking tape, or by tying the gauze or cloth. Avoid frequent removal of the bandage to check the wound because bleeding may start again. In applying a bandage, avoid excessive manipulation of the cat which can lead to additional injury. A tourniquet should be avoided. It is not as effective as properly applied pressure and the prolonged interruption of the blood supply may cause additional damage to the limb.
Both Jude Wright & Tristan Andrews are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jude Wright has sinced written about articles on various topics from Debt Consolidation, Affiliate Programs and Cure Anxiety. Jude Wright is the owner of two cats who she treats as her babies. Visit CatAndKittenCare.com for information on cat and kitten health, cat breeds and more.. Jude Wright's top article generates over 110000 views. Bookmark Jude Wright to your Favourites.
Tristan Andrews has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Education and Collection Agencies. Tristan Andrews writes useful articles about cats and kittens. Discover and explore the feline world. Find out how to better care for, train and live with your. Tristan Andrews's top article generates over 673000 views. Bookmark Tristan Andrews to your Favourites.