Giving my kitty a pill
Question:
>I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the >wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are >differently connected from ours, any comments? >Jim > I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he > nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it.
Try giving the liquid meds between the teeth and the buccal wall with a syringe – this greatly reduces the risk of gagging and worse – aspiration. Also, you don’t need to force open her mouth. Good luck. Phil.
Response:
>> I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he > nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it. I thought he > would know I was about to squirt liquids into him, since it wasn’t the first > time, and be prepared but he wasn’t. >The link I posted talks about how to give liquid meds so as to avoid >inhalation; it’s at the end. Pictures and all.
Yes, that’s a good explanation, it does suggest that you could get a pill into the airway though, but the risl must be pretty low, as no one seems to have an opinion … J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Laura >– >Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. >-Groucho Marx
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete >> esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as >> long as 5 > minutes >> to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >> esophagitis. >> Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or > 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). > The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the > stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from > the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to > reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing > into the water syringe and down it all goes. > You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be > crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be > reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or > forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth. > Good move. 
> She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. > That’s so sad. > Keep the faith. > Good luck. > Phil. > CPS.
Phil, if you 1/2 or 1/4 the pill, what good would an enteric coating be? I just assumed that there was none because you are supposed to split it. I have some old supplement (human) bottles aroung with capsules in them. I’ve been emptying out the contents and putting 1/4 pill of methadazole (?) in it, rolling it in butter and popping it down Kiplings throat. Then he eats right away. Is that OK? Unfortunately I can’t use the "treats" because he’s going to be on this medication for a long time and the "treats" cost 50 cents each (50mg).
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete >> esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as >> long as 5 > minutes >> to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >> esophagitis. >> Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or > 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). > The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the > stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from > the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to > reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing > into the water syringe and down it all goes. > You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be > crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be > reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or > forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth. > Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. > That’s so sad. > Keep the faith. > Good luck. > Phil. > CPS. > Phil, if you 1/2 or 1/4 the pill, what good would an enteric coating be?
Not a whole helluva lot. >I just assumed that there was none because you are supposed to split it.
Not all pills are enteric coated – Sometimes, to get the correct dose, you have no choice. Many medications can be reformulated into "cat doses". Tapazole can also be reformulated into a flavored suspension preparation. Speak to your pharmacist about different reformulations. >I have some old supplement (human) bottles aroung with capsules in them.
I’ve been emptying out the contents and putting 1/4 pill of methadazole (?) "methimazole" > in it, rolling it in butter and popping it down Kiplings throat.
You can buy a bottle (100) of empty gelcaps in any size at almost any pharmacy; if they don’t have gelcaps in stock, they can order them for you. >Then he eats right away. Is that OK?
I think so. >Unfortunately I can’t use the "treats" because he’s going to be on this
medication for a long time and the "treats" cost 50 cents each (50mg). I just coat the pill with butter and drop into the laryngopharynx. They’re usually swallowed before the cats ever taste the stuff – The water chaser guarantees the pill clears the esophagus and washes away any after-taste. HTH, Phil.
Response:
>Alway give a BIG KISS on the lips after a pill!
On the lips? Mine is FLV+ and sometimes barfs after pilling. CPS.
Response:
>Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal >clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes >to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >esophagitis. >Phil.
I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing into the water syringe and down it all goes. I follow with a dish of fish broth. She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. CPS.
Response:
>Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal >clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes >to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >esophagitis. >Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or 1/2 pills > anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway).
The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing into the > water syringe and down it all goes.
You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth.
Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time.
That’s so sad. Keep the faith. Good luck. Phil. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> CPS.
Response:
>I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the >wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are >differently connected from ours, any comments? >Jim
I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it. I thought he would know I was about to squirt liquids into him, since it wasn’t the first time, and be prepared but he wasn’t. CPS.
Response:
> So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier?
My 15 year old has been on different kinds of medication most of his life. One of the pills, he will not eat without it being forced on him as others in this thread have described. His hyper-thyroidism medicine is no problem, however. He eats canned food, so the start of his meal is about a teaspoon of that with 2 pill halves mixed in…hidden in little clumps of the food. He eats that and then the rest of his meal goes into the dish. I’m amazed that it works, but it’s non-traumatic for all concerned and worth a try.
Response:
I am very lucky, i just put the pill in front of my cat, she looks at it, then she eats it!! i was amazed the first time but she keeps doing it so i am going to keep quiet before she figures out its not a treat! Paul
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier? > My 15 year old has been on different kinds of medication most of his life. > One of the pills, he will not eat without it being forced on him as others > in this thread have described. > His hyper-thyroidism medicine is no problem, however. He eats canned food, > so the start of his meal is about a teaspoon of that with 2 pill halves > mixed in…hidden in little clumps of the food. He eats that and then the > rest of his meal goes into the dish. I’m amazed that it works, but it’s > non-traumatic for all concerned and worth a try.
Response:
> > …how does one give a cat a pill?
I just hold him by the scruff of the neck, tilt his head back, open his mouth, put the pill in as far as I can, close his mouth and wait for him to lick his lips which signals that he has swallowed the pill. He doesn’t like the procedure, but there’s not much he can do about it when he is being held that way. An easier way is to wait until he is alseep and quickly open his mouth and pop the pill in. Before he knows what happened, he has swallowed the pill.
Response:
>> > …how does one give a cat a pill? >I just hold him by the scruff of the neck, tilt his head back, open his >mouth, put the pill in as far as I can, close his mouth and wait for >him to lick his lips which signals that he has swallowed the pill. He >doesn’t like the procedure, but there’s not much he can do about it >when he is being held that way. >An easier way is to wait until he is alseep and quickly open his mouth >and pop the pill in. Before he knows what happened, he has swallowed >the pill.
I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are differently connected from ours, any comments? Jim
Response:
> With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: > 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. > 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. > Murphy
That’s damn funny. Karen
Response:
If the cat tends to scratch in this situation, put the cat on the floor and go on your knees over the cat, then start to sit on your heels enough so the cat is forced to crouch down on the floor. The cat will usually raise it’s head instinctively so you have access to the cat’s mouth. The easiest way to force the cat’s mouth open is to come from behind the cat’s head and put your thumb on one side of the jaw where the upper jaw meets the lower jaw and your middle finger on the other side where the jaws meet. Press firmly enough so the jaws are forced open. It’s not necessary to pinch very hard. Then follow though as advised by taking your finger and begin at the cat’s chin and rub down the throat toward the stomach repeatedly until the pill is swallowed. This usually takes a few seconds as most cats will resist swallowing the pill as long as they can. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> x-no-archive: yes > Depending on how willing your cat – > 1) Easy way – craddle your kitty in your arms like a babe, gently pry > open her jaw and quickly slip the pill to the back of her tongue and > then gently close her mouth and help massage the pill down by rubbing > her chinthroat and say "DOWN THE HATCH" :–) > 2) More difficult – wrap kitty in a towel or pillow case and follow > above. > 3) Same thing - 2 people – one holds, the other pills. > Since she’s not use to pills, it might be easy….. > Alway give a BIG KISS on the lips after a pill! >I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like >car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet >has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet >said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question >is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat >pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one >easier? > Sarah
Response:
> With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: > 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. > 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. > Murphy
lmao! Good one!
Response:
With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. Murphy
Response:
I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one easier? Sarah
Response:
> I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like > car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet > has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet > said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier? > Sarah
http://maxshouse.com/Medicating_Your_Cat.htm Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced esophagitis. Phil.
Response:
>I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the >wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are >differently connected from ours, any comments? >Jim > I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he > nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it.
Try giving the liquid meds between the teeth and the buccal wall with a syringe – this greatly reduces the risk of gagging and worse – aspiration. Also, you don’t need to force open her mouth. Good luck. Phil.
Response:
>> I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he > nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it. I thought he > would know I was about to squirt liquids into him, since it wasn’t the first > time, and be prepared but he wasn’t. >The link I posted talks about how to give liquid meds so as to avoid >inhalation; it’s at the end. Pictures and all.
Yes, that’s a good explanation, it does suggest that you could get a pill into the airway though, but the risl must be pretty low, as no one seems to have an opinion … J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Laura >– >Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. >-Groucho Marx
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete >> esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as >> long as 5 > minutes >> to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >> esophagitis. >> Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or > 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). > The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the > stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from > the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to > reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing > into the water syringe and down it all goes. > You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be > crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be > reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or > forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth. > Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. > That’s so sad. > Keep the faith. > Good luck. > Phil. > CPS.
Phil, if you 1/2 or 1/4 the pill, what good would an enteric coating be? I just assumed that there was none because you are supposed to split it. I have some old supplement (human) bottles aroung with capsules in them. I’ve been emptying out the contents and putting 1/4 pill of methadazole (?) in it, rolling it in butter and popping it down Kiplings throat. Then he eats right away. Is that OK? Unfortunately I can’t use the "treats" because he’s going to be on this medication for a long time and the "treats" cost 50 cents each (50mg).
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete >> esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as >> long as 5 > minutes >> to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >> esophagitis. >> Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or > 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). > The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the > stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from > the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to > reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing > into the water syringe and down it all goes. > You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be > crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be > reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or > forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth. > Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. > That’s so sad. > Keep the faith. > Good luck. > Phil. > CPS. > Phil, if you 1/2 or 1/4 the pill, what good would an enteric coating be?
Not a whole helluva lot. >I just assumed that there was none because you are supposed to split it.
Not all pills are enteric coated – Sometimes, to get the correct dose, you have no choice. Many medications can be reformulated into "cat doses". Tapazole can also be reformulated into a flavored suspension preparation. Speak to your pharmacist about different reformulations. >I have some old supplement (human) bottles aroung with capsules in them.
I’ve been emptying out the contents and putting 1/4 pill of methadazole (?) "methimazole" > in it, rolling it in butter and popping it down Kiplings throat.
You can buy a bottle (100) of empty gelcaps in any size at almost any pharmacy; if they don’t have gelcaps in stock, they can order them for you. >Then he eats right away. Is that OK?
I think so. >Unfortunately I can’t use the "treats" because he’s going to be on this
medication for a long time and the "treats" cost 50 cents each (50mg). I just coat the pill with butter and drop into the laryngopharynx. They’re usually swallowed before the cats ever taste the stuff – The water chaser guarantees the pill clears the esophagus and washes away any after-taste. HTH, Phil.
Response:
>Alway give a BIG KISS on the lips after a pill!
On the lips? Mine is FLV+ and sometimes barfs after pilling. CPS.
Response:
>Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal >clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes >to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >esophagitis. >Phil.
I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing into the water syringe and down it all goes. I follow with a dish of fish broth. She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. CPS.
Response:
>Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal >clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes >to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >esophagitis. >Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or 1/2 pills > anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway).
The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing into the > water syringe and down it all goes.
You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth.
Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time.
That’s so sad. Keep the faith. Good luck. Phil. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> CPS.
Response:
>I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the >wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are >differently connected from ours, any comments? >Jim
I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it. I thought he would know I was about to squirt liquids into him, since it wasn’t the first time, and be prepared but he wasn’t. CPS.
Response:
> So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier?
My 15 year old has been on different kinds of medication most of his life. One of the pills, he will not eat without it being forced on him as others in this thread have described. His hyper-thyroidism medicine is no problem, however. He eats canned food, so the start of his meal is about a teaspoon of that with 2 pill halves mixed in…hidden in little clumps of the food. He eats that and then the rest of his meal goes into the dish. I’m amazed that it works, but it’s non-traumatic for all concerned and worth a try.
Response:
I am very lucky, i just put the pill in front of my cat, she looks at it, then she eats it!! i was amazed the first time but she keeps doing it so i am going to keep quiet before she figures out its not a treat! Paul
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier? > My 15 year old has been on different kinds of medication most of his life. > One of the pills, he will not eat without it being forced on him as others > in this thread have described. > His hyper-thyroidism medicine is no problem, however. He eats canned food, > so the start of his meal is about a teaspoon of that with 2 pill halves > mixed in…hidden in little clumps of the food. He eats that and then the > rest of his meal goes into the dish. I’m amazed that it works, but it’s > non-traumatic for all concerned and worth a try.
Response:
> > …how does one give a cat a pill?
I just hold him by the scruff of the neck, tilt his head back, open his mouth, put the pill in as far as I can, close his mouth and wait for him to lick his lips which signals that he has swallowed the pill. He doesn’t like the procedure, but there’s not much he can do about it when he is being held that way. An easier way is to wait until he is alseep and quickly open his mouth and pop the pill in. Before he knows what happened, he has swallowed the pill.
Response:
>> > …how does one give a cat a pill? >I just hold him by the scruff of the neck, tilt his head back, open his >mouth, put the pill in as far as I can, close his mouth and wait for >him to lick his lips which signals that he has swallowed the pill. He >doesn’t like the procedure, but there’s not much he can do about it >when he is being held that way. >An easier way is to wait until he is alseep and quickly open his mouth >and pop the pill in. Before he knows what happened, he has swallowed >the pill.
I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are differently connected from ours, any comments? Jim
Response:
> With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: > 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. > 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. > Murphy
That’s damn funny. Karen
Response:
If the cat tends to scratch in this situation, put the cat on the floor and go on your knees over the cat, then start to sit on your heels enough so the cat is forced to crouch down on the floor. The cat will usually raise it’s head instinctively so you have access to the cat’s mouth. The easiest way to force the cat’s mouth open is to come from behind the cat’s head and put your thumb on one side of the jaw where the upper jaw meets the lower jaw and your middle finger on the other side where the jaws meet. Press firmly enough so the jaws are forced open. It’s not necessary to pinch very hard. Then follow though as advised by taking your finger and begin at the cat’s chin and rub down the throat toward the stomach repeatedly until the pill is swallowed. This usually takes a few seconds as most cats will resist swallowing the pill as long as they can. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> x-no-archive: yes > Depending on how willing your cat – > 1) Easy way – craddle your kitty in your arms like a babe, gently pry > open her jaw and quickly slip the pill to the back of her tongue and > then gently close her mouth and help massage the pill down by rubbing > her chinthroat and say "DOWN THE HATCH" :–) > 2) More difficult – wrap kitty in a towel or pillow case and follow > above. > 3) Same thing - 2 people – one holds, the other pills. > Since she’s not use to pills, it might be easy….. > Alway give a BIG KISS on the lips after a pill! >I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like >car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet >has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet >said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question >is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat >pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one >easier? > Sarah
Response:
> With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: > 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. > 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. > Murphy
lmao! Good one!
Response:
With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. Murphy
Response:
I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one easier? Sarah
Response:
> I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like > car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet > has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet > said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier? > Sarah
http://maxshouse.com/Medicating_Your_Cat.htm Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced esophagitis. Phil.
Response:
>I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the >wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are >differently connected from ours, any comments? >Jim > I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he > nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it.
Try giving the liquid meds between the teeth and the buccal wall with a syringe – this greatly reduces the risk of gagging and worse – aspiration. Also, you don’t need to force open her mouth. Good luck. Phil.
Response:
>> I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he > nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it. I thought he > would know I was about to squirt liquids into him, since it wasn’t the first > time, and be prepared but he wasn’t. >The link I posted talks about how to give liquid meds so as to avoid >inhalation; it’s at the end. Pictures and all.
Yes, that’s a good explanation, it does suggest that you could get a pill into the airway though, but the risl must be pretty low, as no one seems to have an opinion … J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Laura >– >Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. >-Groucho Marx
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete >> esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as >> long as 5 > minutes >> to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >> esophagitis. >> Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or > 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). > The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the > stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from > the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to > reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing > into the water syringe and down it all goes. > You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be > crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be > reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or > forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth. > Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. > That’s so sad. > Keep the faith. > Good luck. > Phil. > CPS.
Phil, if you 1/2 or 1/4 the pill, what good would an enteric coating be? I just assumed that there was none because you are supposed to split it. I have some old supplement (human) bottles aroung with capsules in them. I’ve been emptying out the contents and putting 1/4 pill of methadazole (?) in it, rolling it in butter and popping it down Kiplings throat. Then he eats right away. Is that OK? Unfortunately I can’t use the "treats" because he’s going to be on this medication for a long time and the "treats" cost 50 cents each (50mg).
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete >> esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as >> long as 5 > minutes >> to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >> esophagitis. >> Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or > 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). > The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the > stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from > the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to > reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing > into the water syringe and down it all goes. > You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be > crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be > reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or > forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth. > Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. > That’s so sad. > Keep the faith. > Good luck. > Phil. > CPS. > Phil, if you 1/2 or 1/4 the pill, what good would an enteric coating be?
Not a whole helluva lot. >I just assumed that there was none because you are supposed to split it.
Not all pills are enteric coated – Sometimes, to get the correct dose, you have no choice. Many medications can be reformulated into "cat doses". Tapazole can also be reformulated into a flavored suspension preparation. Speak to your pharmacist about different reformulations. >I have some old supplement (human) bottles aroung with capsules in them.
I’ve been emptying out the contents and putting 1/4 pill of methadazole (?) "methimazole" > in it, rolling it in butter and popping it down Kiplings throat.
You can buy a bottle (100) of empty gelcaps in any size at almost any pharmacy; if they don’t have gelcaps in stock, they can order them for you. >Then he eats right away. Is that OK?
I think so. >Unfortunately I can’t use the "treats" because he’s going to be on this
medication for a long time and the "treats" cost 50 cents each (50mg). I just coat the pill with butter and drop into the laryngopharynx. They’re usually swallowed before the cats ever taste the stuff – The water chaser guarantees the pill clears the esophagus and washes away any after-taste. HTH, Phil.
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>Alway give a BIG KISS on the lips after a pill!
On the lips? Mine is FLV+ and sometimes barfs after pilling. CPS.
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>Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal >clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes >to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >esophagitis. >Phil.
I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or 1/2 pills anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway). Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing into the water syringe and down it all goes. I follow with a dish of fish broth. She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time. CPS.
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>Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal >clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes >to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced >esophagitis. >Phil. > I gave up on pilling and powder all of the meds now (they are 1/4 or 1/2 pills > anyway so any enteric effect is nil anyway).
The enteric coating on some pills is not necessarily to protect the stomach from the medication, but for protecting the medication from the stomach acids – such is the case for medications designed to reach the intestines. > Then, I mix with some milk (she’s ok on milk), load the whole thing into the > water syringe and down it all goes.
You may want to give your pharamcist a call about which pills can be crushed and combined with other medications. Some medications can be reformulated into a gel that can be licked off the fur, or forumulated into a flavored suspension preperation. > I follow with a dish of fish broth.
Good move. > She’s pretty bad off so she regurgutates it about 1/2 of the time.
That’s so sad. Keep the faith. Good luck. Phil. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> CPS.
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>I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the >wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are >differently connected from ours, any comments? >Jim
I gave liquid medication (clavamox) to a cat once while he was inhaling and he nearly drowned. Spent about 2 minutes choking but finally made it. I thought he would know I was about to squirt liquids into him, since it wasn’t the first time, and be prepared but he wasn’t. CPS.
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> So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier?
My 15 year old has been on different kinds of medication most of his life. One of the pills, he will not eat without it being forced on him as others in this thread have described. His hyper-thyroidism medicine is no problem, however. He eats canned food, so the start of his meal is about a teaspoon of that with 2 pill halves mixed in…hidden in little clumps of the food. He eats that and then the rest of his meal goes into the dish. I’m amazed that it works, but it’s non-traumatic for all concerned and worth a try.
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I am very lucky, i just put the pill in front of my cat, she looks at it, then she eats it!! i was amazed the first time but she keeps doing it so i am going to keep quiet before she figures out its not a treat! Paul
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier? > My 15 year old has been on different kinds of medication most of his life. > One of the pills, he will not eat without it being forced on him as others > in this thread have described. > His hyper-thyroidism medicine is no problem, however. He eats canned food, > so the start of his meal is about a teaspoon of that with 2 pill halves > mixed in…hidden in little clumps of the food. He eats that and then the > rest of his meal goes into the dish. I’m amazed that it works, but it’s > non-traumatic for all concerned and worth a try.
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> > …how does one give a cat a pill?
I just hold him by the scruff of the neck, tilt his head back, open his mouth, put the pill in as far as I can, close his mouth and wait for him to lick his lips which signals that he has swallowed the pill. He doesn’t like the procedure, but there’s not much he can do about it when he is being held that way. An easier way is to wait until he is alseep and quickly open his mouth and pop the pill in. Before he knows what happened, he has swallowed the pill.
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>> > …how does one give a cat a pill? >I just hold him by the scruff of the neck, tilt his head back, open his >mouth, put the pill in as far as I can, close his mouth and wait for >him to lick his lips which signals that he has swallowed the pill. He >doesn’t like the procedure, but there’s not much he can do about it >when he is being held that way. >An easier way is to wait until he is alseep and quickly open his mouth >and pop the pill in. Before he knows what happened, he has swallowed >the pill.
I always wonder if there’s any danger of the pill going down "the wrong way" in cats … though I understand their airways are differently connected from ours, any comments? Jim
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> With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: > 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. > 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. > Murphy
That’s damn funny. Karen
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If the cat tends to scratch in this situation, put the cat on the floor and go on your knees over the cat, then start to sit on your heels enough so the cat is forced to crouch down on the floor. The cat will usually raise it’s head instinctively so you have access to the cat’s mouth. The easiest way to force the cat’s mouth open is to come from behind the cat’s head and put your thumb on one side of the jaw where the upper jaw meets the lower jaw and your middle finger on the other side where the jaws meet. Press firmly enough so the jaws are forced open. It’s not necessary to pinch very hard. Then follow though as advised by taking your finger and begin at the cat’s chin and rub down the throat toward the stomach repeatedly until the pill is swallowed. This usually takes a few seconds as most cats will resist swallowing the pill as long as they can. Bill
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> x-no-archive: yes > Depending on how willing your cat – > 1) Easy way – craddle your kitty in your arms like a babe, gently pry > open her jaw and quickly slip the pill to the back of her tongue and > then gently close her mouth and help massage the pill down by rubbing > her chinthroat and say "DOWN THE HATCH" :–) > 2) More difficult – wrap kitty in a towel or pillow case and follow > above. > 3) Same thing - 2 people – one holds, the other pills. > Since she’s not use to pills, it might be easy….. > Alway give a BIG KISS on the lips after a pill! >I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like >car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet >has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet >said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question >is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat >pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one >easier? > Sarah
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> With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: > 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. > 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. > Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. > Murphy
lmao! Good one!
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With a cat not used to pills, I actually got away with this ONCE: 1. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. 2. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. 3. Toss pill on floor. Cat eats. 4. Toss yummy treat on floor. Cat eats. Mind you, that never worked again, but it was pretty cool. Murphy
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I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one easier? Sarah
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> I am about to go on a long car trip with my cat, and she does not like > car trips in the least so…I took her to the vet today, and the vet > has given me tranquilizers for the end of the week. However the vet > said that I should start giving Sirena pills tonight. So my question > is…how does one give a cat a pill? I used to have to give my old cat > pills and I know that was a chore, any clue on how to make this one > easier? > Sarah
http://maxshouse.com/Medicating_Your_Cat.htm Follow the pill with water or canned food to ensure complete esophageal clearance. Pills entrapped in the esophagus can take as long as 5 minutes to dissolve causing extreme discomfort and/or medication-induced esophagitis. Phil.
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