Cat owners--need some advice!

[kslib]

Both my cats take daily pills. Bubba takes his pretty easily, but Gracie absolutely fights and growls at me every night. She just started taking medicine last week, and this is at least an 8 week adventure. Any advice? I've already tried crushing it into tuna, and she actually ate AROUND the crushed parts (it was a fine powder, and she spit out the tuna that had the powder), I also tried a "piller" , what a joke! She bit the piller, and it was so awkward, that I gave it up. A little butter makes it slide down, so she doesn't spit it out, it's just getting it in her mouth in the first place!

Any tips would be welcome!!!

[demnan]

1. If you can get your vet to give you dropper medicine

that would go down much better. I know they issue antibotics that way now and I'm really glad because both of mine hate pills.

I try to slide my hands around the mouth and a relaxing way, as if I'm petting the chin and then push gently on the hinges of the mouth until they open. The trick is then to get the pill in the mouth before they have a chance to react. Then close the mouth and gently stroke the throat so they swollow the pill.

[Lorien]

4. Most meds can be formulated as a liquid

and that has worked well for my cats also. You might also try Pill Pockets; they're tasty treats that you slip the pills into. Worked every time so far. :-)

[kslib]

5. Thanks Lorien!

I asked, but unfortunately it doesn't come in liquid; however, it DOES come in a transdermal form that you simply rub on the ear. It's quite a bit more expensive, but it might be worth it to decrease her stress level! Glad I asked!!!

:hi:

[sleepyhead]

8. Transdermal gels are great!

Make sure that the pharmacy you get it from is a licensed compounder. Remember to alternate ears with each dose and make sure that the skin you are applying the medication to is clean. Wear gloves or finger cots to prevent absorption into your skin.

[kaitykaity]

2. Have you ever seen this?

http://www.howlingdog.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/howlers/cat_pill.htm

GIVING THE CAT A PILL
Some advice for the novice!



1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat’s mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding front and rear paws lightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, holding front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold cat’s head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat’s throat vigorously.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foilwrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines from hearth and set to one side for glueing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with its head just visible from below spouse’s armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force cat’s mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply bandaid to spouse’ s forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbour’s shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12. Ring the fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologise to neighbour who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foilwrap,

13. Tie cat’s front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Force cat’s mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour a pint of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Get spouse to drive to you to emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes remnants from right eye. Call at furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15. Arrange for vet to make a house-call.

[underseasurveyor]

3. ROTF

God that's so funny cuz damnit, it's so true....ha ha ha

[kslib]

6. Hey!!! That's her!!!

:eyes:

[kaitykaity]

7. I was busy telling you about the towel thing when I remembered

about this little joke.

Only the one I remember had a different end -- one about
taking the cat to the pound and getting a goldfish.