Keeping those kitties fit and healthy
As your cat get older they can be prescribed a concoction of medication along side any food supplements they are already on. It can get a bit much for you and your cat and it may take some time but you will find a routine and a balance. Its never straight forward when you want to give your pets medication so we wanted to give you some tips and tricks to help you along the way.
If your cat ends up on tablets we recommend purchasing a small pestle and mortar specifically for them. Finely crushed tablets helps disguise the medication as it easily dissolves in their wet food. As cats are generally grazers you can always try adding more water to their wet food to ensure they finish their daily dose.
We found this to be the best approach especially if they are prescribed weeks worth of medication as its stress free for you and your cat. If you find they are still being picky try adding YuMove or a fish based oil to entice them. We also recommend purchasing a brush to make sure all the medication is out of the mortar. Make sure to keep both clean.
This is something we have not tried but thought we should mention. Its relatively new to the market and looks interesting as it has a moldable texture that allows you to hide tablets inside of the treat. We always prefer putting medication with cat food than human food.
If you have tried this product or anything similar please let us know your thoughts and experiences.
We original used a knife to split tablets that were too tough to break by hand. We found tablets would break or crumble unevenly an end up going all over the place and wanted to find a better solution. This is great for when you your cats medication dosage is in halves. Pill mill offer a range of pill crushers. We recommend this particular one as it is made from metal and easy to use. It can be expensive but it will last.
You place the tablet in the center of the two compartments. Close the lid and push together. This works great for tablets that have score marks. This does not work so well with tiny softer tablets.
The syringe allows you to place the tablet at one end which you insert into your cats mouth. Once you are happy with the position you push the other end which releases the tablet into their throat.
This can feel invasive for you and for your cat but you have to remember it is for your cats health. Try rewarding them with a treat and a cuddle afterwards. This may help your cat get used to medication times if they have to take it regular. If you struggle to do this alone or worried you may hurt them, try asking a family member or friend to help. You could also dip the syringe in a fish oil to help disguise the taste.
Let us know if you have any tips or tricks when using a pill popper.
We recommend setting alarms or even keeping a timetable, or diary of what and when they are eating and how they are taking their medication. This helps your vet understand your cats routine and their habits. If you and your cat struggle to give medication orally, depending on their diet you can try splitting their doses between their wet and dry food. We offer a timetable template you can fill out and print in the resources section.
