Giving meds to cat - help, please!

[Eventer13]

[QUOTE=shiloh;8348924]

Vet Techs/Vets - Could I give a shot at home of Convenia? Is that something that can go sub-q or does it have to go in muscle? I could give a shot a whole lot easier. And would they give a prescription to me for home if this was possible?[/QUOTE]

Convenia is given SQ, so is very simple to give. Whether they will dispense it is another matter. However, it is usually given every 10-14 days (depends on the clinic) so if you can bring her in, they can usually have a tech pop her quickly and then send you on your way. And she may very well only need one dose.

[make_x_it_x_so]

My parents had success with mixing the pill/medication into something sticky but palatable (I think they used cream cheese) and then smearing it on the uncooperative cat’s leg.

Cat’s dislike for being dirty overrode his dislike for the flavor. You would probably just have to separate her from any other cats/dogs for a few minutes while she cleaned it, so no one else tries a taste!

[sorrelfilly721]

[QUOTE=mvp;8348281]

1. For the claws and, OP, your cat who bites down hard, use the ol’ “Kicking or biting are acts of war” philosophy. I’ll accept a cat struggling and even using a claw in the heat of battle (though I make it clear to kitteh that, as a general rule, There Will Be No Claws On My Flesh Used In Anger Or Too Rough Play. Ev.Er.). The cat should have a track record of knowing that claws are only to be used on a “in case of fire, break glass” basis. Your cat should go to DefCon 5 with the claws only with great reluctance. And being bitten down on hard by a cat? Absolutely Not. You outweigh this animal, and you can be clear about that bright line. But you do have to teach this.[/QUOTE]

How do you teach? My cat is typically pretty gentle, but if you have one that isn’t, how do you teach delicacy?

[cloudyandcallie]

I have developed 2 methods of medicating cats over many decades of experiences and many illnesses:

1. Let cat sleep in your lap while you are watching TV. Have the pill/meds at hand and then put in cat’s mouth while cat is asleep. Cat wakes up, looks at you suspiciously, you watch TV and pretend nothing has happened. (This also works for trimming claws.)

2. I buy the feeding bottles for kittens/puppies at pet store. Cut off the very tip end of the nipple (not a lot of it) as you will want to administer meds faster than if you were feeding the cat. Dissolve any pills in a little water, or put the liquid med in bottle. Hold cat with hand and arm across chest while holding legs (put cat on table at waist level) so the cat cannot get those claws up. Put nipple into cat’s mouth and squirt in the meds. This works well.