This was challenging. You all know that Kodi is suchagooboi, but he is not one of the many docile kitties online who just sit there and willingly take their meds without fussing at all. He hates getting his meds, and he also began to hate me a little bit and even avoid me. I wasn't sure I would even address this with you at all. Thanks to the ShoKo Crew on my Patreon ( / shortyandkodi , I was convinced to do a video showing the challenges of medicating a fussy cat and what advice I have to share. You know just how much I love my boy so seeing him go through all of this has been a little heartbreaking, not gonna lie. But I think I can offer some help to others who may be struggling and to help avoid unnecessary stress in an already stressful situation. In this video, I share 10 tips for giving your cat liquid medication:
1. Be prepared with the medication well in advance. This helps with #2.
2. Give them meds when they're calm and not expecting it, like when you're relaxing on the couch
3. Hold them snugly between your legs. Some people like "burrito'ing" them in a towel. Shorty is way too strong for that and Kodi is too wiry. If he can grip onto something, he will get away. If you have a hardwood or laminate or other flooring without carpet, that would be best.
4. Lift their cheeks and gently move the syringe into the side of their mouth to open. Squirt the medication towards the back of the throat and hold their head up for a few seconds so they swallow.
5. If #4 doesn't work, insert a finger gently into the side of their mouth to open. This is the technique you would use if you have to pill them.
6. Treats! Afterwards, give them treats and positive reinforcement.
7. Give them space. If you're hovering around them, they may think it's not over yet.
8. Let them come to you. Don't go chasing after them telling them to come out. That will stress them out.
9. Give them lots of cuddle time, if that's what they want. They may come to associate you with the medication process, so any time you can spend with them when you're not giving them meds will be good.
10. Stay calm. If you're stressed, your cat will be stressed. Take a deep breath and know that all will be ok.
If this still doesn't work, talk to your vet about other options. They can also give a strong medication via injection once a week, or give you a medicated lotion that you can rub on their inner ear for easy absorption, or you can bring them in to have a vet tech perform the procedure.
No 2 cats are alike. I hope this helps you, but if you have any other advice, please leave it in the comments section to help others. For now, Kodi is doing great! He does have more bloodwork in a couple of weeks to check his levels again.
Peace and purrs out, everyone!
Rob
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