How to give a suspension to a cat if he won't let you?

How to give a suspension to a cat if he won't let you? - briefly

Giving a suspension to a cat that won't cooperate can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some steps you can take:

Preparation: Ensure you have all necessary materials ready before starting. This includes the suspension liquid or powder, a syringe without the needle, and possibly a towel or blanket to wrap your cat in for restraint.
Calm Environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit area where your cat feels comfortable. Avoid areas with loud noises or other distractions that could agitate your cat further.
Restrain Gently: Wrap your cat in a towel or blanket to limit their movement and prevent scratching. Be gentle but firm. Make sure not to restrict their breathing.
Administer the Suspension: Hold your cat's head gently with one hand while using the other hand to administer the suspension. Tilt your cat's head back slightly to open the mouth, then slowly squirt the liquid into the side of their mouth, between the cheek and gum.
Encourage Swallowing: Gently rub your cat's throat to encourage swallowing. You can also blow gently on their nose to stimulate this reflex.
Reward and Comfort: Once finished, offer your cat a treat or some water to help them relax and associate the experience with something positive. Provide plenty of comfort and praise to reassure them.

How to give a suspension to a cat if he won't let you? - in detail

Giving a suspension to a cat that is unwilling or resistant can be challenging, but with patience and the right approach, it can be accomplished safely and effectively. Here are some detailed steps to help you through the process:

Preparation:

Gather necessary supplies: You will need an appropriate suspension medication (always consult your veterinarian for the correct type), a syringe without the needle, and possibly a towel or blanket to wrap the cat in.
Choose a quiet location: Select a calm environment where you can work undisturbed. This could be a room with minimal clutter and no other pets present.

Safety Measures:

Ensure your safety: Cats can scratch or bite when they feel threatened. Wear long sleeves and gloves if possible to protect yourself from scratches.
Protect the cat: Wrapping the cat in a towel can help reduce its ability to struggle and may also make it feel more secure.

Administration Techniques:

Wrapping technique:
- Gently wrap the cat in a towel, leaving only the head exposed. This will restrict its movement and make handling easier.
- Hold the wrapped cat firmly but gently against your body to provide additional support and security.
Two-person method:
- If available, have someone assist you. One person can hold the cat securely while the other administers the medication.
Distraction technique:
- Offer a favorite treat or toy to distract the cat momentarily. This can create an opportunity for you to administer the suspension quickly and efficiently.
Pill pocket method:
- If your cat is food-motivated, try placing the suspension in a small piece of food or using a pill pocket designed for cats. This can make the process less stressful for both you and your pet.

Administering the Suspension:

Open the mouth gently: Use your thumb and index finger to gently open the cat's mouth by pressing on the sides of its jaw. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
Insert the syringe: Place the tip of the syringe (without the needle) between the cat's cheek and teeth, aiming towards the back of the throat.
Slowly administer the medication: Depress the plunger slowly to release the suspension into the cat's mouth. Avoid squirting it in too quickly as this can cause the cat to choke or spit out the medication.
Encourage swallowing: Gently stroke the cat's throat or blow softly on its nose to encourage it to swallow the medication. You may need to hold the cat's mouth closed for a few seconds to ensure it swallows.
Reward and comfort: Offer praise, petting, or a favorite treat to reward the cat for cooperating. This will also help to create a positive association with the experience.

Aftercare:

Monitor the cat: Keep an eye on your cat after administering the suspension to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
Clean up: Wash your hands thoroughly and dispose of any used materials properly.
Document the event: Note down the date, time, and amount of medication given for future reference.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively administer a suspension to an unwilling cat while minimizing stress for both yourself and your pet. Always consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about the specific medication or administration technique.