Difference between revisions of "Give a Cat a Pill"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
#Get a large towel or sheet. There are different ways of holding the cat, depending on whether you are working single-handed or have help available. Most ways work best, however, when you have a large towel or sheet in which to wrap the cat, or for the cat to sit on. | #Get a large towel or sheet. There are different ways of holding the cat, depending on whether you are working single-handed or have help available. Most ways work best, however, when you have a large towel or sheet in which to wrap the cat, or for the cat to sit on. | ||
#Ask a friend to help you. Enlist the help of a friend to steady your cat. It can be much easier to wrangle a cat when you have an extra set of hands to help you. | #Ask a friend to help you. Enlist the help of a friend to steady your cat. It can be much easier to wrangle a cat when you have an extra set of hands to help you. | ||
| − | #Place a towel on a table or countertop. Spread out a towel or sheet on top of a table or countertop. Working at a table is a comfortable height and will make your job of administering a pill easier. The cat will rest on the towel in part to be comfortable and in part so he doesn’t slip around on the table.<ref>BSAVA Textbook of Practical Animal Nursing. Cooper & Mullineaux. BSAVA Publications.</ref> | + | #Place a towel on a table or countertop. Spread out a towel or sheet on top of a table or countertop. Working at a table is a comfortable height and will make your job of administering a pill easier. The cat will rest on the towel in part to be comfortable and in part so he doesn’t slip around on the table.<ref name="rf18116">BSAVA Textbook of Practical Animal Nursing. Cooper & Mullineaux. BSAVA Publications.</ref> |
| − | #Place the cat on the table or countertop. Gently pick up your cat and set him down on the table. Have your helper grasp the cat's shoulders, with the cat's head pointing towards you.<ref | + | #Place the cat on the table or countertop. Gently pick up your cat and set him down on the table. Have your helper grasp the cat's shoulders, with the cat's head pointing towards you.<ref name="rf18116" /> |
| − | #Wrap your cat in a towel. If your cat is likely to scratch, it’s best to wrap the cat in a towel. Spread out a large towel or sheet and place your cat on top of it. Wrap the towel around the cat so that the cat is inside the towel and his paws are snugly wrapped against his body. Make sure his head is sticking out.<ref | + | #Wrap your cat in a towel. If your cat is likely to scratch, it’s best to wrap the cat in a towel. Spread out a large towel or sheet and place your cat on top of it. Wrap the towel around the cat so that the cat is inside the towel and his paws are snugly wrapped against his body. Make sure his head is sticking out.<ref name="rf18116" /> This is often described as the burrito wrap, and it keeps paws and claws safely out of scratching range. |
#*This is often described as the burrito wrap, and it also resembles a swaddled baby. The cat’s limbs are held against his body, with paws and claws safely out of scratching range. | #*This is often described as the burrito wrap, and it also resembles a swaddled baby. The cat’s limbs are held against his body, with paws and claws safely out of scratching range. | ||
#Place the towel-wrapped cat on a table. If you have assistance, place the towel-wrapped cat on the tabletop. Ask your helper hold the cat steady while you prepare to open the cat’s mouth and deposit the pill. | #Place the towel-wrapped cat on a table. If you have assistance, place the towel-wrapped cat on the tabletop. Ask your helper hold the cat steady while you prepare to open the cat’s mouth and deposit the pill. | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
#Position your forefinger and thumb on the cat’s forehead. Make an upside-down U shape with the forefinger and thumb of your left hand. Place this over the cat's forehead. | #Position your forefinger and thumb on the cat’s forehead. Make an upside-down U shape with the forefinger and thumb of your left hand. Place this over the cat's forehead. | ||
#*Your fingers will rest on either side of your cat’s face along the cheekbones. | #*Your fingers will rest on either side of your cat’s face along the cheekbones. | ||
| − | #Rest the tips of your forefinger and thumb on the cat’s upper lip. Place the tip of your thumb and the fingertips on the upper lip so that your thumb rests on one side of the cat’s face and the forefinger tip rests on the opposite side.<ref | + | #Rest the tips of your forefinger and thumb on the cat’s upper lip. Place the tip of your thumb and the fingertips on the upper lip so that your thumb rests on one side of the cat’s face and the forefinger tip rests on the opposite side.<ref name="rf18116" /> |
#*When the head is raised with the nose angled towards the ceiling, the jaw falls open slightly. | #*When the head is raised with the nose angled towards the ceiling, the jaw falls open slightly. | ||
| − | #Gently press your thumb and fingertip into your cat’s mouth. When the cat’s jaw opens a little, push your thumb and fingertip down and into the mouth. Be sure to keep the cat’s lips between your fingers and the teeth. The cat will feel his lip press against his teeth and will naturally open his mouth to avoid biting his own lip.<ref | + | #Gently press your thumb and fingertip into your cat’s mouth. When the cat’s jaw opens a little, push your thumb and fingertip down and into the mouth. Be sure to keep the cat’s lips between your fingers and the teeth. The cat will feel his lip press against his teeth and will naturally open his mouth to avoid biting his own lip.<ref name="rf18116" /> |
#*If you are giving liquids with a syringe, you only have to open the mouth just slightly. If you are giving a pill, open the mouth wider. | #*If you are giving liquids with a syringe, you only have to open the mouth just slightly. If you are giving a pill, open the mouth wider. | ||
===Giving the Pill=== | ===Giving the Pill=== | ||
#Hold the pill in a pincer-like grip. Using your dominant hand, grip the pill between the tip of your thumb and middle finger. | #Hold the pill in a pincer-like grip. Using your dominant hand, grip the pill between the tip of your thumb and middle finger. | ||
| − | #Apply pressure with your forefinger to open your cat’s mouth. Place the tip of your forefinger on the point of the cat's chin, resting it between the two lower canine teeth (the large fang-like teeth). Apply gentle downward pressure and his mouth will open fully.<ref | + | #Apply pressure with your forefinger to open your cat’s mouth. Place the tip of your forefinger on the point of the cat's chin, resting it between the two lower canine teeth (the large fang-like teeth). Apply gentle downward pressure and his mouth will open fully.<ref name="rf18116" /> |
| − | #Drop the pill into the cat's mouth. Aim to drop the pill over the back of the tongue. If you place the pill far enough back, if the cat tries to spit it out, the contractions of the tongue actually push the pill backwards into the throat where it is swallowed.<ref | + | #Drop the pill into the cat's mouth. Aim to drop the pill over the back of the tongue. If you place the pill far enough back, if the cat tries to spit it out, the contractions of the tongue actually push the pill backwards into the throat where it is swallowed.<ref name="rf18116" /> |
#*If you drop the pill and it lands on the tip of the tongue, keep holding the mouth open and use the middle finger of your dominant hand to push the tablet further back on the tongue. | #*If you drop the pill and it lands on the tip of the tongue, keep holding the mouth open and use the middle finger of your dominant hand to push the tablet further back on the tongue. | ||
#Release the cat’s mouth. After the pill has been placed in the cat’s mouth, make sure that the pill is swallowed. As soon as the pill is in the right place, release your fingers from the cat’s mouth. Let the cat close his mouth and swallow by lowering his jaw. | #Release the cat’s mouth. After the pill has been placed in the cat’s mouth, make sure that the pill is swallowed. As soon as the pill is in the right place, release your fingers from the cat’s mouth. Let the cat close his mouth and swallow by lowering his jaw. | ||
#*If you are not sure if the pill went far enough back in the mouth, hold the cat's mouth closed until you see him swallow. | #*If you are not sure if the pill went far enough back in the mouth, hold the cat's mouth closed until you see him swallow. | ||
| − | #Blow gently across the cat’s nostrils. Some cats can be stubborn and refuse to swallow. If this is the case, blow gently across his nostrils, which triggers a swallow reflex. As he swallows, he’ll start gulping. Let go of the mouth and check to see that he doesn't spit the pill out.<ref | + | #Blow gently across the cat’s nostrils. Some cats can be stubborn and refuse to swallow. If this is the case, blow gently across his nostrils, which triggers a swallow reflex. As he swallows, he’ll start gulping. Let go of the mouth and check to see that he doesn't spit the pill out.<ref name="rf18116" /> |
#Follow the pill with some water. Once the pill is successfully swallowed, offer the cat a drink and something to eat. This makes sure the pill has gone all the way down the esophagus into the stomach. | #Follow the pill with some water. Once the pill is successfully swallowed, offer the cat a drink and something to eat. This makes sure the pill has gone all the way down the esophagus into the stomach. | ||
#Use a pill giver if necessary. If you are hesitant to put your fingers inside the cat's mouth, consider using a pill giver. A pill giver is a plastic grabber that grips the pill. | #Use a pill giver if necessary. If you are hesitant to put your fingers inside the cat's mouth, consider using a pill giver. A pill giver is a plastic grabber that grips the pill. | ||
| Line 43: | Line 43: | ||
#*Press the plunger to knock the tablet out of the grabber. It will fall down your cat's throat. | #*Press the plunger to knock the tablet out of the grabber. It will fall down your cat's throat. | ||
===Giving Liquid Medications=== | ===Giving Liquid Medications=== | ||
| − | #Open your cat’s mouth. The mouth does not need to be fully open to give liquid medications. Open the mouth to allow enough space to slide the syringe into your cat’s mouth.<ref>Jones' Animal Nursing. Jones & Lane. Publisher: Pergamon</ref> | + | #Open your cat’s mouth. The mouth does not need to be fully open to give liquid medications. Open the mouth to allow enough space to slide the syringe into your cat’s mouth.<ref name="rf18117">Jones' Animal Nursing. Jones & Lane. Publisher: Pergamon</ref> |
| − | #*Do not tilt your cat’s head backward. This will increase the risk of liquid being inhaled into the cat’s windpipe.<ref> http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/cat_meds.aspx</ref> | + | #*Do not tilt your cat’s head backward. This will increase the risk of liquid being inhaled into the cat’s windpipe.<ref name="rf18118"> http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/cat_meds.aspx</ref> |
| − | #Place the nozzle into the pouch between the cheek and the teeth. Slide the nozzle of the syringe over the teeth. Let the syringe rest in the pouch between the cat’s teeth and its cheek on one side of the mouth.<ref>http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/cat_meds.aspx</ref> | + | #Place the nozzle into the pouch between the cheek and the teeth. Slide the nozzle of the syringe over the teeth. Let the syringe rest in the pouch between the cat’s teeth and its cheek on one side of the mouth.<ref name="rf18119">http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/cat_meds.aspx</ref> |
#Press the plunger slowly to release the liquid. Allow the liquid medication to go into the cat’s mouth. Pause frequently so that the cat can swallow the liquid comfortably and steadily. | #Press the plunger slowly to release the liquid. Allow the liquid medication to go into the cat’s mouth. Pause frequently so that the cat can swallow the liquid comfortably and steadily. | ||
#*If you are using a bulb syringe, gently and slowly squeeze the bulb to release the liquid into the cat’s mouth. Go slowly and pause frequently. | #*If you are using a bulb syringe, gently and slowly squeeze the bulb to release the liquid into the cat’s mouth. Go slowly and pause frequently. | ||
| − | #Do not flood the cat’s mouth with liquid. The most important thing is never to flood the mouth and always let the cat swallow mouthfuls in between. If you squirt too much liquid into the cat’s mouth, the cat risks breathing in and inhaling liquid down into his lungs. This can have serious consequences, including pneumonia.<ref | + | #Do not flood the cat’s mouth with liquid. The most important thing is never to flood the mouth and always let the cat swallow mouthfuls in between. If you squirt too much liquid into the cat’s mouth, the cat risks breathing in and inhaling liquid down into his lungs. This can have serious consequences, including pneumonia.<ref name="rf18117" /> |
#Remove the syringe when it’s empty. As soon as you have administered all of the liquid medication into the cat’s mouth, remove the syringe and allow the cat to close his mouth. | #Remove the syringe when it’s empty. As soon as you have administered all of the liquid medication into the cat’s mouth, remove the syringe and allow the cat to close his mouth. | ||
#*If the cat is struggling, you might need to administer the liquid medication in two stages. | #*If the cat is struggling, you might need to administer the liquid medication in two stages. | ||
===Hiding Tablets in Food=== | ===Hiding Tablets in Food=== | ||
| − | #Take away food for a few hours before giving the pill. Some medications are designed specifically with cats in mind, and the tablets are tiny, making them easier to hide in food. Make sure the cat is hungry by taking food away for a few hours before giving the tablet.<ref | + | #Take away food for a few hours before giving the pill. Some medications are designed specifically with cats in mind, and the tablets are tiny, making them easier to hide in food. Make sure the cat is hungry by taking food away for a few hours before giving the tablet.<ref name="rf18117" /> |
| − | #Hide the pill in wet food. Give the cat a quarter of his regular meal, with the pill hidden in it. Once you are sure the plate is clean, give the remainder of his dinner. <ref | + | #Hide the pill in wet food. Give the cat a quarter of his regular meal, with the pill hidden in it. Once you are sure the plate is clean, give the remainder of his dinner. <ref name="rf18117" /> |
#*To make it extra likely he will eat the food, consider giving his all-time favorite treat. Hide the pill in that treat and serve along with his food. | #*To make it extra likely he will eat the food, consider giving his all-time favorite treat. Hide the pill in that treat and serve along with his food. | ||
| − | #Use a pill pocket. Pill pockets are tasty treats that have a cavity in them for you to pop the pill inside (much like jam in a donut). The ultra-tasty outer pocket disguises the taste of the tablet and the cat happily swallows it down.<ref | + | #Use a pill pocket. Pill pockets are tasty treats that have a cavity in them for you to pop the pill inside (much like jam in a donut). The ultra-tasty outer pocket disguises the taste of the tablet and the cat happily swallows it down.<ref name="rf18117" /> |
#*Pill pockets are available in a variety of flavors from your veterinarian or local pet store. | #*Pill pockets are available in a variety of flavors from your veterinarian or local pet store. | ||
