How to Give a Cat Liquid Medicine

Are you tired of feeling like you’re in a wrestling match whenever you need to give your cat some liquid medicine? Does the mere sight of the medicine dropper send your feline friend running for the hills?

In this simple guide, I will walk you through tried-and-tested tricks that will make giving your cat liquid medicine a breeze (or at least a little less chaotic).

Different Methods for Giving Liquid Medication To Cats

Given below are different methods via which you can give liquid medicine to your cat. Try and follow different techniques until you find the best for you.

Disguising Your Cat’s Medicine in Liquid Form

Most cats love canned food, and you should take advantage of this! In addition, you can mix your cat’s liquid medicine with soft food. Tuna in springwater is always a winner in our house.

1. Choose a food your cat enjoys, such as baby food (without onions or garlic), wet cat food, pureed squeezable treats, tinned tuna in springwater, plain Greek yogurt, or another safe puree for cats.
2. The food should be sufficiently intense to cover up the drug’s scent.
3. Offer your cat a modest amount of food when hungry (so they won’t stop eating before the medication is finished).

You can also try a combination of liquid medicine with some treats you feed by hand. This way, you can ensure that your cat takes the medication rather than taking one lick, tasting it, and walking away.

Make a Smoothie and Use a Syringe

1. Water down a favorite puree treat or wet food so it will run through a big syringe efficiently.
2. Layer a small amount of food, medicinal liquid, and more food or treat inside the syringe.
3. Let your cat lick it off the syringe or squeeze it into their mouth.
4. Thanks to the stacking, Your cat will start and end with a fantastic flavor.

First and foremost, it’s essential to have the right equipment. You’ll need a medicine dropper, syringe, and some liquid medication your veterinarian prescribed.

• Next, find a comfortable and quiet spot to give your cat the medication. A place where your cat feels safe and relaxed will make the process easier for you and your furry friend.
• Now, here comes the fun part. The key to giving a cat liquid medicine is to be sneaky and quick. Start by holding your cat firmly but gently, and tilt its head upwards. Then, using the dropper or syringe, slowly and steadily administer the medication into the side of its mouth, aiming for the back of the throat. Again, going slow is essential to avoid overwhelming your cat and causing them to choke.
• If your cat is particularly stubborn, you may need to try a different approach. As stated above, you can try mixing the medication with their food or a treat they enjoy. Alternatively, you can ask your veterinarian for a flavored prescription that your cat may find more palatable.

What to do If Your Cat is Foaming at the Mouth

Sometimes, your cat might be allergic to medication, resulting in wheezing/foaming at the mouth. While this does not necessarily mean that the liquid harms your cat, it indicates that you should slow down.

This may happen for a few reasons: the medicine tastes bad or has a strong odor. Additionally, some medications may irritate the lining of the mouth or throat, leading to foam.

• First, remove any excess foam or drool from your cat’s mouth with a soft cloth or paper towel. This can help prevent irritation to the skin and mouth.
• Next, offer your cat a small amount of water or a treat to help rinse its mouth and eliminate any lingering taste or odor from the medication.

If your cat continues to drool or foam excessively or exhibits any other unusual symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian for further advice.

Can Cats Even Smell Liquid Medicine in Their Food?

You might think your cat won’t even notice a tiny amount. After all, it’s so little right? But you’d be wrong.

Cats have a fantastic sense of smell and may be able to detect liquid medicine in their food. Therefore, even if the medication is mixed in with the food, the scent may still be detectable to a cat. However, there are some ways to try and mask the smell of the medicine to make it less noticeable to your cat.

How to Hide the Bitter Taste/Smell of Liquid Medicine From Your Cat

Here are some tips to hide the bitter taste & smell of liquid medicine:

1. Mix the medicine with a small amount of tuna water: Tuna water is a great way to add flavor to your cat’s food, and it can also help mask the bitter taste of the medication. Mix a small amount of tuna water with the medication and serve it to your cat.
2. Try a syringe with a more extended tip: Some cats may not like the sensation of the medication hitting the back of their throat. A syringe with a more extended tip can help get the medicine back in the mouth, minimizing the sensation.
3. Use a pill pocket: Pill pockets are treats designed to conceal medication. Place the liquid medicine inside the pocket, and your cat will be more likely to eat it without noticing the medicine.

Final Thoughts on Giving Your Cat Liquid Medication

In conclusion, giving a cat liquid medication can be tricky, but with the right equipment, a comfortable spot, and a little sneakiness, you’ll be able to get the job done. And who knows, maybe your cat will even start to enjoy their medicine time (ok, let’s not push it). Thanks for reading!

Before you go, you might find these articles helpful:

How To Pill A Cat

How To Deworm A Cat

How To Clean Cats Ears – Step-by-step guide