Problem:

The dreaded thing has happened. At the behest of your vet, Fluffy must be given his worm pills or antibiotics.

Regardless, you have a cat with needs, but almost certainly a cat who will claw, bite and scratch to avoid it. So how do get medication from the package into the kitty?

In an ideal world, there are a number of steps you can use to get medication into a cat: spiking their food, grinding up a pill into their fur so they lick it off or even potentially feeding it to wild mice and hoping that if they eat enough the cat will get a concentrated dose. In many cases however, none of these options will be feasible and you will be reduced to the brute force method.

As with any battle, preparation in advance is important. You will need the following things:

The cat- Crucial, and you will quickly learn the hardest to get. When regular doses need to be applied and the cat will go into hiding even as you start thinking about the deed.

A soft blanket or large towel- For making a comfortable kitty straight jacket.

The medication- To put into the cat. With luck (especially if this is your first try) the vet will have given you a little extra in case the cat bluntly refuses the dose and it squirts everywhere or the pill gets lost.

Antibiotic ointment of choice- I use Polysporin. In the event you do get scratched this will prevent unsightly infections. Cats’ claws are grubby and filled with unpleasant bacteria.

A clear surface to lay things out on and somewhere to sit down- Chuck the dirty dishes out the window if you have to, elbow room will give you a better edge in holding the animal without harming it or yourself and getting the whole process over quickly.

Thick clothing- Your claw proof armour. Wear jeans, not nylons and silk. This will prevent destruction of outfits and rending of your flesh.

Two other things are very helpful, but not essential in your adventure:

Another person- I always medicate cats as a team. One person can hold the cat and the other one can give the medication.

The cat’s favourite food- This can be anything from flake tuna to tomato and makes excellent kitty lures and bribes of apology.

Starting out, you should (for best results) get all the other ingredients set up and ready before you get the cat, changing your clothing and calling a friend if need be. You’ll want to have everything ready laid out, either the stopper loosened and the dropper loaded (if a liquid medication) or the pill(s) easily grabbed.

Then, catch your cat. Mad dashes through the house are discouraged, they panic the creature. For best results, see if you can lure him or her into your clutches as gently as possible. Coax and hold the cat, stroking and soothing.

Once you have the cat, place it on your lap and wrap it with a blanket. If you can get the wrap held closed just in front of the animal’s forelegs (but not strangling the animal) and keep this held firmly it with help prevent mad lunges for freedom and a fair percent of the awful scratches these operations often generate.

A skinny cat will not like being placed on it’s back, but if your cat is particularly inclined to sink its claws into your thighs you may fairly consider this option for the duration of the procedure. *(1)

If you have another person, they can either hold the cat while you medicate (or vica versa. The actual medicating the cat itself is a matter of firmly opening its jaws and inserting the medication.

To pry the jaw open, press the sides just in front of the hinge. If it is a liquid medication you can (using an eyedropper) simply squirt it to the back of the cat’s mouth with an eyedropper. Pills are mildly more difficult; you will have to hold the cat’s mouth closed until it swallows. *(2)

In the aftermath, comfort your cat. If you have any, give him or her their favourite treat and set them down lightly. Then use an antibiotic cream on any scratches you (or your helper) have gotten and give yourself your favourite treat too.

*(1) Beware of a relaxed cat. Do not cease your firm hold when the cat stops struggling. Personal experience has taught me this is when they leap for freedom.

*(2) Old wives’ tales inform me lightly stroking the cat’s throat will trigger a swallow reflex.