How do I open my cat's mouth to give her medicine? - briefly
To safely administer medication to your cat, gently lift its upper lip with one hand while using your other hand to tilt its head back slightly. This will allow you to easily open its mouth and place the medicine on or under the tongue.
How do I open my cat's mouth to give her medicine? - in detail
To administer medicine to your cat, it is essential to know how to safely and effectively open its mouth. Here are the steps to follow:
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Preparation: Ensure that you have everything ready before you begin. This includes the medication, a syringe (if required), and possibly some towels or a blanket for comfort and containment.
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Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and calm area where your cat feels comfortable. Avoid places with too much noise or distractions that could startle your pet.
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Wrap Your Cat in a Towel: Gently wrap your cat in a towel, leaving only the head exposed. This technique is known as "purrito" wrapping and helps to keep your cat secure and calm during the process. Make sure not to restrict its breathing or cause any discomfort.
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Position Your Cat: Place your cat on a stable surface such as a table or countertop. Ensure that you have good lighting so that you can see clearly into your cat's mouth.
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Gently Lift the Upper Lip: Using your thumb and index finger, gently lift the upper lip of your cat to expose the gums and teeth. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this could cause discomfort or pain.
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Use Your Fingers to Open the Mouth: With one hand supporting the lower jaw, use the other hand to slowly and gently open the mouth by pressing down on the upper jaw near the molars (back teeth). You may need to apply a little pressure, but be cautious not to force it open too quickly or harshly.
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Administration of Medicine: Once the mouth is open, use the syringe or your fingers to place the medicine onto the back of the tongue or along the inside of the cheek. Be quick and precise to avoid spilling the medication.
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Close the Mouth Gently: After administering the medicine, gently close your cat's mouth. You can help your cat swallow by gently rubbing its throat in a downward motion.
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Offer Comfort and Praise: Once the process is complete, offer your cat some water to help with swallowing and provide comfort. Praise your cat for being cooperative to reinforce positive behavior.
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Monitor Your Cat: Keep an eye on your cat after administering the medicine to ensure there are no adverse reactions and that it is behaving normally. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.