Manning Veterinary Hospital

How to Administer Medications to Your Cat

• See the instructions for the exact dosage. Ensure all instructions are read

correctly. You may need to enlist the help of someone to help restrain the cat.

• Place the pill between your thumb and your index finger in one hand. Hold the

top of the cat’s head and grasp the cheekbones with the thumb and index finger
of the other hand.

• Tilt the head back until the cat’s eyes are facing upward. Usually the cat’s jaw

will drop open on its own. If not, apply a little pressure on the lower jaw with
your middle finger. Bring the pill to the cat’s mouth in anticipation of tableting.

• Keep your middle finger over the small incisor teeth and deposit the tablet as far

back on the tongue as possible.

• Immediately close the cat’s mouth. Stroke the throat or blow into the nose to

encourage swallowing. Ensure all this is done quickly to avoid being bitten.
Liquids & Syrups

• See the instructions for the exact dosage. Ensure all instructions are read

correctly. Shake the bottle if required. Fill the syringe or dropper with correct
dose of medication.

• Hold the top of the cat’s head and grasp the cheekbones with the thumb and

index finger of one hand while holding the syringe or dropper with the other.

• Gently place the syringe in between the teeth and cheek as far back as possible

and gently squirt medication into the mouth.
Utilizing a Pill Popper

• Pull the plunger of the pill popper back. Place the tablet/capsule in the end of the

pill popper within the rubber pouch.

• Hold the pill popper between your index and middle fingers, using your thumb

to depress the plunger.

• Tilt the cat’s head back until his or her eyes are facing upward. Usually the cat’s

jaw will drop open on its own. If not, apply a little pressure on the lower jaw
with your middle finger. Alternatively you can scruff your cat and gently extend
their neck upwards. This will also make their jaw open partially.

• Place the pill popper over the tongue as close to the back of the throat as possible

and depress the plunger to release the tablet.