Molesey Vets Share 5 Ways to Give a Cat a Tablet
May 21, 2024
If you’re struggling to give your cat a tablet without getting scratched, you’ve come to the right place. Our experienced nurses at Molesey Vets are here to help!
Should you have any questions after reading our article or feel unsure about administering the tablet at home, our veterinary nursing team in Molesey will be more than happy to assist you.
Contact us to book a nurse consult
Tips for medicating cats
Administering medication to your feline friend needn’t be an intimidating chore. With a range of methods to choose from, you can discover the approach that suits both you and your cat best. Here are five proven and tested techniques, as recommended by our veterinary nurses in Molesey, for giving a cat a tablet:
- Direct Administration: This involves placing the tablet directly at the back of your cat’s tongue. Hold the tablet between your thumb and index finger, tilt your cat’s head slightly upwards, and place the tablet deep into their mouth. Follow up with a gentle massage of the throat to encourage swallowing. This method won’t be right for all cats and you may need a second person to hold your cat. If you think this will be too distressing for your cat and you are at risk of being scratched or bitten, our nurses advice for Molesey cat owners, is to try one of the methods below instead.
- Hide in Treats: Another efficient technique involves concealing the tablet within a high-value treat or food item. Select a treat that your cat adores and discreetly hide the tablet inside. For instance, you can opt for a small portion of cooked chicken or a spoonful of tuna. It’s essential to supervise your cat to guarantee they ingest the entire treat, along with the concealed tablet.
- Crush & Mix in Food: If your cat is finicky about taking tablets, crushing the medication and mixing it with their food can be a viable option. You’ll need to check with a vet to see whether your cat’s medication is safe to crush, as some tablets are formulated for extended release and should not be altered – call us for advice. Mix the crushed tablet thoroughly with a small amount of their favourite wet food to mask any bitterness.
- Pill Pockets: Pill pockets are specially designed treats with a hollow centre where you can insert the tablet. These treats are available in various flavours and textures, making them an appealing option for many cats. Simply place the tablet inside the pill pocket, pinch the ends to seal it shut, and offer it to your cat as a tasty snack.
- Liquid Medication: If your cat is particularly resistant to taking tablets, you can ask your vet if the medication is available in liquid form. Liquid medication can be easier to administer, especially for cats who are skilled at spitting out tablets. If liquid medication is available, our Molesey veterinary team can provide you with a syringe or dropper to accurately measure and administer the prescribed dosage.
Try out these various methods to discover which one suits your cat’s unique preferences and temperament the best. Always remember to adhere to your vet’s guidance regarding medication dosage and administration.
If you’re unsure about the best approach for your cat, don’t hesitate to talk to the nurses at our vet practice in Molesey for guidance and support. With patience and persistence, you can ensure that your cat receives the medication they need to stay happy and healthy.
Contact us to book a nurse consult
Before you go, May 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM), a month-long celebration of veterinary nurses everywhere for their hard work and commitment to providing the very best care for pets and owners. We know our nursing team would love to hear from you, so why not share how they’ve helped you and your pet on our Facebook page, with the hashtag #VNAM24
