Most pets don’t like taking their medication, so we must find ways to medicate them when they fall sick. It is challenging to administer a liquid medicine, mainly to difficult cats, since they are so notorious, and you will have to face some form of resistance.

But you don’t have to worry! With proper techniques and preparation, giving liquid medicine is simple.

Here are the two main ways of giving liquid medicine to a difficult cat.

1. Mixing the Drug with Food

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Mixing the medicine with some food is one of the easiest and most effective methods to medicate your cat. Ensure you mix it with your cat’s favorite food, and let the food look yummy and tastier.

Only mix a small amount of food to ensure there are no leftovers. Using this method when your cat is hungry is advisable since it will not realize the medication inside the food.

If your cat is unwilling to take the food with medication or has dietary restrictions that hinder you from using this method, then give the medicine directly into your cat’s mouth. However, ensure you read the dosing instructions carefully to prevent overdosing or under-dosing.

2. Give the Liquid Medicine Directly Using a Syringe

This is an alternative technique for administering medication to your cat if the first option doesn’t work. You need to find a safe place to securely handle your pet.

Make sure you gently shake the liquid medicine before withdrawing it into the syringe. In case the drug is refrigerated, place it in warm water or hold the syringe in your hand tightly for about two minutes.

This is a step-by-step guide on how to give liquid medicine to a difficult cat:

  • Step 1: Measure the right amount of medicine as prescribed using a syringe from the medicine bottle. Put the medication ready and close to where you are before involving your cat.
  • Step 2: Place the cat in your lap and ensure he is not facing you. Hold the cat with your active hand and the syringe using the dormant hand if you are giving the medication without any assistance.
  • Step 3: Wrap your cat using a towel or blanket while exposing the head only. This mainly applies to difficult cats: Even though it may cause some stress, it allows you to control your cat efficiently. If your cat is more notorious, allow someone to hold the cat for you as you give the medicine.
  • Step 4: Position your cat’s head to look up. Let your fingers hold the cat’s top lip while pushing his whiskers backward. It is good to note that some veterinarians suggest administering liquid medicine without positioning the cat’s head up. Others say you allow your cat to lick the syringe’s tip first if he doesn’t find it distasteful. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of which is the ideal method to use.
  • Step 5: Gently place the syringe tip at the mouth’s side behind the fangs. You will find that your cat will automatically open its mouth. Ensure you position the syringe such that it lies at the center of the mouth and not down the throat since this can lead to gagging.
  • Step 6: Slowly squirt the liquid medicine into your cat’s mouth. Avoid dispensing so fast or so close to the cat’s front tongue since he may spit some of the medicine out.
  • Step 7: Gently rub beneath your cat’s chin to encourage swallowing. Ensure you give him enough time to swallow. Remember to do this lightly because your cat’s throat is tender. 

After you are through with dispensing the medicine, remove the syringe from your cat’s mouth slowly. Praise your cat for taking the medication or reward him with a vet-approved treat.

If your cat foams at the mouth after taking the medication, this should not worry you. You will find that most cats usually foam at the mouth since they don’t like the medicine’s taste.

Pro Tips

These pro tips will help you to administer the liquid medicine appropriately:

  • Ensure you trim or cut your cat’s nails a few hours before giving the medicine. This will help to prevent unwanted scratching.
  • Practice makes perfect. You can practice giving medication to your difficult cat using water in the syringe. By doing so, you will gain more courage and confidence.
  • Ensure you finish the medication just as instructed by your vet, even if your cat looks okay.
  • Show a lot of love to your cat after every dose. They will remember this, and it will be easier for you to administer medication next time.

Conclusion

The above two techniques work great for difficult cats. Ensure you follow the above steps carefully and to the latter. If your cat is more rebellious, we advocate for injection from a trusted veterinarian.

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