1. If your veterinarian has prescribed pills, there are several methods you can use to administer the medication. It is easy to hide the medication is a small piece of meat, canned cat food, cream cheese or so forth. Make two small food treats, one with the pill inside, one without. Offer the "empty" treat first, then as the cat gobbles and enjoys that, offer the second. Your pet will generally gulp the treat with the pill quickly hoping for more and ignoring the pill.

2. Some vets advise the opposite of the technique described above, giving the pill-treat first and quickly following that with the second. Most cats are so greedy as to quickly swallow the first rather than to examine it in their mouth so that they will not loose out on the treat that follows. With both techniques try to avoid fatty or greasy foods as treats.

3. Certainly medication can be administered directly. Hold the pill in one hand (the right if you are right-handed) and open the mouth of the cat with your other hand. Quickly put the pill as far back in the throat as you can reach, hopefully behind the tongue. Then, get your hand out, close and shut the mouth and hold it shut. Blow sharply and quickly into the cat's nose and rub the throat. Most will reflexively swallow without much of a fight.

4. For really difficult cats you may be able to crush the pill and mix it with a little water, milk or dilute syrup and administer it as you would a liquid medication.

1. Most of the time when a liquid is dispensed it can be given with some type of dropper. Lift the nose of your cat upward and insert the dropper between the teeth and cheek or between the jaws onto the tongue. Most cats will swallow without a fight. If you do not have a dropper you can open the mouth slightly and pour the liquid from a spoon right into the mouth. Sometimes following this with a drink or a treat will assist the pet in swallowing the liquid.

1. Topical medications may be in the form of creams, ointments, sprays or drops. You should be certain as to A. What area(s) to apply the medication to. B. How often to apply the medication. C. If you should touch the medication to smear it on the area or not. D. If you should clean the area in any way before or between applications. and E. If and how you should keep the pet from licking the area and for how long after application of the medication. Otherwise the application of topical medications should be self-explanatory.

2. Shampoo dispensed by most veterinarians will generally be medicated. Wet the cat so that the coat is damp clear to the skin. It is usually best to pre-dilute the shampoo in a small amount of warm water. This will aid in an even application and lessen the amount needed to coat the pet. Apply the shampoo from the neck back unless you are instructed by your veterinarian to do the head area. Massage into the coat evenly to create a nice lather. Most medicated shampoo products need to be left on the coat 5-15 minutes to take full effect. Rinse the coat very well afterwards and repeat as directed.

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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.