How to open a cat”s mouth to give medicine

It can be difficult to administer medication to a cat. Strong personalities and resistance to things they dislike are characteristics of cats, particularly when it comes to taking pills or liquid medication. Many pet owners find themselves in difficult situations and are unsure of how to proceed.

Fortunately, you can calmly and safely open your cat’s mouth to give them the medication they require. Just use the proper technique. Being calm, gentle, and patient is crucial to prevent your cat from becoming stressed out, which can make the process more challenging for you both.

We’ll show you how to open your cat’s mouth and give them medicine with less difficulty in this article. You’ll discover how to make this important chore as simple as possible while still keeping your cat comfortable.

Preparation for the procedure

First and foremost, thoroughly read the medication’s instructions, paying close attention to the following details:

• dosage,
• how many times a day to take the medicine,
• Before or after meals.

It is important for a novice to understand that just because the directions state that the medication should be taken after eating, it does not follow that the animal should start taking it right away. You must wait for approximately forty minutes in order to prevent the cat from gagging.

Giving medicine to a cat can be difficult at first, but with the right technique, it gets easier and less stressful for both of you and your pet. It’s important to maintain your composure while gently restraining your cat and opening their mouth with your fingers. You can pry open their mouth sufficiently to insert the pill or liquid medication by holding the top of their head and lightly pressing on the sides of their jaw. Reward your cat afterward and always be patient to make the experience more enjoyable.

Little tricks

Although tricking a cat is difficult, it is still worthwhile to try; perhaps the medication issue will be resolved on its own.

Using no special techniques, you can administer the medication in the following ways:

• Crush the tablet into dust and mix it with food that the cat likes, for example, a piece of minced meat. However, in this case you must first consult a veterinarian about the possibility of mixing the drug with food. The portion should be such that the taste of the medicine does not interrupt the taste of the food, and at the same time the animal should consume the entire portion without a trace at one time.
• If you cannot mix the medicine with food, but you can with water, then finely crush the tablet with a small amount of water, literally 1-2 ml, and after drawing the liquid into a syringe without a needle, carefully pour it into the animal"s mouth. For this method, it is not necessary to open the animal"s mouth. It is enough to fix the head with one hand and place the thin tip of the syringe in the corner where the lips are. You do not need to squeeze out the entire mixture at once, so that the cat does not choke, it is better to do it several times.
• The last method requires some skill, but experience, as we know, comes with training. Try it, and even if not the first time, you will definitely succeed. The index finger of one hand is slightly moistened (you can lick it), and a tablet is placed on its tip so that it slightly sticks. We approach the cat, who is sitting peacefully and unsuspecting on an elevated surface, a table or a sofa will do. With the other hand, we stroke the animal on the head.
• Having placed the palm on the head, with the thumb and index finger we press on both sides on the places where the jaws close. The cat automatically opens its mouth and at this moment, with a light poke of the finger with the tablet, place it directly into the root of the tongue. And immediately with this hand we fix the jaw from below for a few seconds. Usually the cat does not even have time to understand what it was, and the medicine has already been swallowed.

Remember to give yourself a thorough hand wash after the procedure.

Stages of the procedure

This section is for cat owners who have sly and cunning pets that can damage the enemy significantly and put up a good fight.

The following should be taken as general advice: never open a blister pack or pill bottle when a cat is around.

The shrewd ones only have to do it once to recall the noise and shuffling that precede an uncomfortable process. The next time, you’ll have to follow him around the apartment for a considerable amount of time, hiding under couches and behind furniture. It is more challenging with particularly courageous boys and girls. They will have time to get their teeth and claws ready for defense at a familiar sound.

• Prepare a thick towel and get the medicine unnoticed by the cat, it is better to do this in another room.
• While stroking the animal, wrap it tightly in a towel, paying special attention to the secure fixation of the paws.
• Unclasp the jaws by pressing on both sides at the same time, place the tablet in the oral cavity or pour the medicine in with a measuring spoon or syringe.
• Make sure that the medicine is swallowed. Some particularly cunning individuals are able to spit out the tablet and after a minute.
• Unfold the fluffy one from the towel and place it in front of a bowl of clean water.

Cats may salivate more when taking certain bitter-tasting medications; this is nothing to be alarmed of.

How to give medicine to a small kitten

Medications for young kittens are typically made as liquids or suspensions that can be administered to the animal using a syringe. However, there are instances when you must use a tablet form that cannot be combined with liquids or food. In this instance, you can break the tablet in half or into multiple pieces. Then, alternately place the pieces on the tongue’s root to assist the animal in swallowing while massaging its neck.

It’s crucial to monitor dosage closely for young kittens because even a small amount can be harmful.

Piller to the rescue

A unique gadget known as a piller, introducer, or, in Russian, a pill dispenser, is sold by veterinary pharmacies. This cheap tool, which resembles a syringe, will help prevent cat bites and make life much simpler for those who are worried they won’t be able to handle giving a pill to a cat.

Giving medicine to a cat through its mouth may seem difficult, but it is possible to accomplish with the correct technique. Remember that your cat will sense your energy, so maintain your composure and patience. It can go more smoothly for both of you if you apply light pressure in the appropriate places and speak softly.

Don’t push your cat if they refuse to cooperate. Gradually work your way up to a point where they feel comfortable being handled, and then give them a treat or extra love. They may be able to link the event to something positive thanks to this encouraging feedback.

In conclusion, keep in mind that practice makes perfect. It becomes easier the more times you do it. Seeking advice or alternative techniques from a veterinarian is always a good idea if you’re still having trouble. Both you and your cat will eventually become more proficient at it.

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