I’m really at a loss here, and I could use some advice. My cat, Whiskers, was just put on antibiotics, and it's been a nightmare trying to give them to him. Every time I try, he wriggles out of my grip and runs off to hide under the couch. It's been two days, and I’ve only managed to get them into him once, and honestly, I’m freaking out a bit that he’s not getting the medicine he needs. I’ve tried the pill pockets and mixing it with his favorite wet food, but he somehow knows and just sniffs at it like it’s poison. Has anyone dealt with this before? What can I do to make this easier on both of us?
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. It’s quite common for cats to be a bit tricky with medications, especially antibiotics. Cats are sensitive creatures, and their keen sense of taste means they often detect when something’s a bit off with their food.
One potential cause could be the taste or smell of the medication itself, which your cat might find unpleasant. Try hiding the pill in a small amount of their favorite wet food or a treat specifically designed for administering pills. If it's a liquid antibiotic, sometimes mixing it with a bit of tuna water can do the trick.
However, if your cat is refusing all attempts, or if they vomit or have diarrhea after taking the antibiotic, it's important to address this as it can lead to an incomplete treatment cycle, potentially allowing the infection to persist or worsen.
Pay attention if your cat shows signs of discomfort, such as drooling, hiding, refusing all food, or continued vomiting after medication attempts. These could be indicators of a more serious adverse reaction or side effect.
For ongoing difficulties, or if you're concerned about missing doses, I’d recommend scheduling a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. This way, we can explore other options tailored specifically to your cat’s needs.
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