How to Give Cats Liquid Medicine

Your feline friend might need liquid medication for a variety of health reasons, but let’s be real – giving a cat liquid medication can feel like a mission impossible, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry! We’re here to explain how to get a cat to take liquid medicine in a way that’s as smooth and stress-free as possible for both of you.

Ways to administer your cat’s liquid medication

There are two main ways of giving liquid meds to cats.

Through a cat syringe

You can use the syringe provided to give a cat liquid medicine. This tends to be the best way of giving cats liquid medicine because you can guarantee they consume the full dose. While giving liquid medication can be easier than pilling a cat, it's not always smooth sailing – some cats may foam at the mouth and others may put up a struggle. But don’t worry, we’ll share some tips on how to give medicine to a cat with a syringe a little later.

Mixing with food

The best foods to hide cat liquid medicine in are soft, wet, and tasty – try a small amount of canned cat food or tuna. Many pet parents find this the easiest way to give a cat liquid medicine. However, the risk is that furry felines don’t eat everything and only receive a partial-dose of their medicine. You also need to make sure other pets don’t eat the medicated food. If your cat’s on a special diet, always check with your vet before trying this method.

More helpful tips for giving your cat liquid medication

These handy tips for giving cats liquid medicine will help keep the process as smooth (and scratch-free) as possible.

How to 'burrito wrap” your cat

The easiest way to give your cat liquid medicine via a syringe is by wrapping them up. Sit them in the middle of a large towel or blanket and wrap it up, over, and around them, leaving their head poking out. This helps them feel more secure and keeps their legs under control, so you won’t get scratched. Vets often refer to this as the ‘purrito wrap’!

Handle your cat gently

Always be gentle, especially when holding your cat’s head. Speak soothingly and reward them with a tasty food treat after giving liquid medicine to a cat. This helps build a positive association with the process, meaning next time won’t be quite as dramatic.

Make the medicine taste better

Some liquid medication can be flavored to make it more appealing – just check with your vet first. They may recommend mixing it with a little tuna water to make it more palatable.

How to open a cat's mouth for liquid medicine

Gently hold your cat’s head with one hand and place your thumb and forefinger on either side of their jaw. Try not to touch their whiskers. Apply slight pressure and tilt their head back just a little. Then, insert the end of the syringe into the side of your cat's mouth, just behind the large canine tooth, and slowly depress the plunger. Make sure you give your furry feline time to swallow, especially if there’s a large volume of liquid medicine.

How do you give a stubborn cat liquid medicine?

If your cat won't take liquid medicine, you must speak to your vet. They’ll be able to help demonstrate the process or suggest alternative treatments. Skipping doses just because it's hard to give your cat liquid medicine could affect their recovery.

Forget worrying about your furry feline while you’re away

Our sitters will provide round-the-clock love, care, and attention for your precious pets in exchange for a place for stay. Plus, many of them have experience administering medication, so if your feline family member needs a little extra attention, they’ve got it covered. Rest easy knowing your purr pal’s in the best of hands, with a watchful eye on their well-being and a trip to the vet if things aren’t going to plan.

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Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been written by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

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