Pets’ Corner

eterinarMaltman Cosham V y Surgey gery provides veterinary care for Horsham and the surrounding area. Run by local veterinary surgeon Mark Maltman, with assistant vets H hW tLidl Stw tCl NwtWHannah We est, Lindley Stewart, ClaareNewton, PhilippaBulman,PoppyWinter,Becky Pritchard,AnnaEthertonandCatia Paglierani. veterinary team with all dog vaccinations

wwwmaltmancoshammcoukwww.maltmancosham m.co.uk

Lyons Farm Estate, Lyons Road, Slinfold, Nr Horsham, RH13 0QP 01403 791011

TABLETING CATS

Tips and tricks for administering medication

Administering medication to cats is one of the most challenging tasks we have to undertake, often causing upset for both pet and owner alike. There are several methods of administration so choosing one most suitable for you and your cat may be the key to confident stress free medicating.

Give tablet with food

• It is important to check that the medication is suitable to be given with food, check with your vet beforehand • Make sure your cat is hungry, offer a little food with the medication • Use something that your cat likes as a treat such as a small amount of cheese/meat/fish (check with your veterinary surgeon that these treats are suitable with your cats condition) • Ensure that the tablet has been eaten

Administer by hand

• This task is made easier if you have a second person to restrain • Place your cat onto a non slippery surface positioned in front of you facing away • Gently hold around the shoulders to prevent your cat from running off, this will also help to keep legs, paws and claws tucked away • You could use a towel to wrap around your cat to help keep legs secured • Hold the tablet between your thumb and forefinger, place your other hand over the top of your cats head ( this feels less threatening to a cat than approaching from the front) and tilt the head gently backwards • Use your middle finger to pull the bottom jaw open and quickly place or drop the tablet as far back in the mouth as possible • Hold the jaw closed until your cat swallows , gently stroking the throat helps to encourage this Tel: 01403 791011. www.maltmancosham.co.uk