Alternative Ways to Give Your Cat Medicine
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First of all – Pet owners are total “scaredy cats” -when it comes to giving their feline friends medication. As a pharmacist who specializes in veterinary compounding,
I talk to worried clients with sick cats every day. And, I get your fears! Similarly, you want to ensure your beloved cat gets the best treatment possible, but you’re also aware your cat probably doesn’t see it that way when you’re feeding it a bitter pill.
That’s where veterinary compounding can help. Your veterinarian may work with a compounding pharmacist to access a broader range of treatment options that are commercially available, and give you more ways to easily and effectively administer medications to your cat. Compounding is a technique of preparing customized medications for animals.
Based on a prescription from a veterinarian, a pharmacist combines ingredients together to the exact strength and formula of medication your veterinarian requests.
So, in celebration of Responsible Pet Owner Month, here are a few strategies to make medication pleasing to your cat.
How to give your cat medicine
Make it appetizing.
Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and very sensitive to the bitter taste of most medications. Your veterinarian may refer you to a compounding pharmacist, who can turn medication time into treat time by flavoring your cat’s prescription. Soft “chewy” treats are a great way to get your cats the precise medication dosage they need and they even come in flavors like chicken and tuna, which tend to be popular with cats.
Pick an easy delivery method.
Most cats hate pills, but they love an ear rub! If possible, your veterinarian may suggest that you administer medication through transdermal gels and ointments. Your cat will love the attention and you’ll love building a stronger connection with your pet.
Also, if your cat isn’t one for cuddling, an oral suspension medication is also an option. These liquid medications are usually fixed in almond oil and can be flavored to whatever is most palatable to your cat.
Don’t force it.
As aloof as cats can sometimes seem, they can also sense our moods. So, if you are tense when giving your cat medication, your pet will mirror your temperament. And if your attempt to administer medication ends in a vomiting kitty, don’t double dose. Some oral medications are quickly absorbed through the mucosal membranes in your cat’s mouth.
Talk to your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian and referred pharmacist can be great resources if you have any questions or concerns about giving your cat medication. Cats can be mysterious creatures and there are no dumb questions! While veterinary compounding is a great way for cat lovers to improve their cat’s health and develop a customized medication solution that is just as unique as their furry family member. Ask your veterinarian what options are available in your area.
About the Author
Kyle Sullivan, PharmD is a pharmacist specializing in veterinary compounding at Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group in Seattle. He’s an animal lover who enjoys researching new ways pharmacists can help veterinarians improve health outcomes for pets.
Cats are really smart. My friend’s cat knows when the meds are mixed with her food and she doesn’t eat her food. It is difficult to get her take her medicines as sometimes, no tricks tend to work. Thanks for these tips. I will suggest these to her.
Thanks, Ywain!
Great alternative ways to give your pet cat medicine.Yes, I agree it is really difficult to give medicines to cats. Cats are sensitive to the bitter taste. Thus,veterinary compounding medicines are the best way to give your pet best treatment. Compounding pharmacists provide flavored medicines in soft chewy form to give your cat the accurate medication dosage they need. Aapex Pet Pharmacy is FDA/ EPA approved pharmacy that provides high-quality unavailable and flavored medications for pets which improves your cat’s overall health.
Thanks Kyle Sullivan for sharing your knowledge and experience on pet care. Pet owners must understand the nature and behaviour of cats and should treat them as their baby while feeding the medicine. They not just need medicinal care but also the emotional one. I usually buy flavoured medicines for my cat from Aapex Pet pharmacy. It offers FDA-approved medicines only.
Thanks, Mr Kyle Sullivan for sharing your knowledge and experience on pet care with us. Sometimes, we didn’t make time to go for the veterinarian. That time this kind of post really helps us a lot. Cats are really sensitive and your tactics gonna work for sure.
Thanks, Mr Kyle Sullivan for sharing this wonderful information. I was bit worried about my cat as you know cats are so notorious for not taking there pills because of the smell or taste i find your blog so helpful and encouraging me to go forward with compound medication.Thanks a lot for your guidance. The following was the pharmacy suggested by the Doctor.