Medicating Cats

What medicines are available?

Medicine may come in the following formulations:-

1.  Tablets.

2.  Capsules - powder contained within a dissolvable container.

3.  Powder.

4.  Syrups.

5.  Injections.

6.  Enemas/suppositories.

7.  Transdermal medications (medications absorbed through the skin).

What additional information do I need to know?

1.  Your vet will advise you whether it is important that the medication is given with food or on an empty stomach.

2.  Always complete any course of treatment that is prescribed and follow the instructions that you are given with respect to the dose and timing of medication.

3.  If you are concerned about your cats response to treatment or if any new signs develop then consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

4.  Do not alter or stop therapy without consulting your veterinarian since this may result in complications.

How can I medicate my cat?

It is important that your cat receives the prescribed medication and this may be achieved by one of the following:

1.  The medicine can be mixed with your cat’s food as long as it is not necessary to give the medicine on an empty stomach. This technique may be unsuccessful if it results in your cat being put off eating its food or if you have any other animals that may eat it. This method is most useful for dosing powders and syrups. Most tablets can be crushed and mixed with food, however some tablets are not designed to be crushed so check with your vet before doing this.

"Most tablets can be crushed and mixed with food, however some tablets are not designed to be crushed so check with your vet before doing this."

2.  Small tablets may be hidden in a piece of your cat’s favourite food and offered as a treat. Cheese, butter and pieces of meat are common favourites. 

3.  In diabetic cats insulin therapy may be needed. This usually involves daily subcutaneous injections of insulin and is a procedure that you will be trained to do if necessary.

4.  If enemas are prescribed, your vet will teach you how to administer these.

5.  Oral dosing may be the only technique by which you are able to guarantee successful medication. This sometimes requires two people - one person holding the cat while the other person administers the treatment.

6.  Transdermal medications may be prescribed and require you to wear a disposable glove to prevent you from absorbing the medicine and gently applying this to the inside of your cat’s ear(s). This method is only useful for specific types of drugs as not all cross the skin easily. The best example of this is methimazole which is used for treating cats with over active thyroid glands.

If you are having problems then get back to your vet as a matter of urgency as it is very important that medication is continued and given regularly.

Oral dosing of tablets

1.  The holder should stand behind the cat and place the palms of their hands on either side of the cat’s chest, cupping their fingers around the front of this. Since cats will often reach up with their paws when dosed, it may be necessary to hold the front legs as well. The front legs may be held between the third and fourth fingers whilst still steadying the cat's chest. The holder’s arms and upper body can be used to enclose the cat so that it is securely immobilised!

2.  The doser stands to the side or in front of the cat and places their thumb and third finger of one hand over the angles of the jaw (just below the ears on both sides). Cats will often close their eyes which can calm them. The palm of this hand is rested over the top of the cat’s head. The tablet is held between the thumb and second fingers of the other hand. As you tilt your cat’s head back it should open its mouth slightly. You can then use a small finger to open the jaw fully and the tablet can be dropped at the back of the throat. It is important that the tablet is placed at the back of the cat’s mouth so a quick push with the forefinger will ensure it goes down.

Specially designed pill and capsule administration devices are available and your vet may be able to supply you with one of these. These allow the pill to be put at the back of the cat’s mouth without the risk of being bitten!

3. If you are on your own it is best to place the cat in front of you, sometimes in a sitting position with their body between your legs and then following step 2 above.

4.  Cats can sometimes retain pills and especially capsules in their oesophagus. This can lead to discomfort and make your cat resentful of being medicated in the future. At worst, some medications are caustic and if they sit in the oesophagus for any length of time they can cause ulceration and strictures which are very difficult to treat. To avoid this, follow the medication with 2-3 mls of water given by syringe or butter wiped onto the gums to stimulate swallowing. Food can also be offered as long as your veterinarian has not advised you to give the medication on an empty stomach.

Oral dosing of syrups/liquids

This procedure is also best done with two people and the cat may be gently restrained as described above. The doser administers the liquid by a syringe which is gently inserted in the side of the cats mouth with the nozzle placed between the upper and lower teeth. Any liquids should be given slowly to allow time for swallowing. If your cat becomes distressed while this is being done then it is probably not the best way to dose it since the liquid may be inhaled which can cause pneumonia.