Most cat owners will have to deal with a common form of treatment.Cats may receive preventative medication such as flea and tick prevention, or medication to help heal a wound or injury.It is a simple process to apply medication to a cat.Just talk to your vet and read the medication directions before applying, keep your cat comfortable while you apply, and make sure your pet doesn't get sick once it's in place.
Step 1: You should consult with your vet.
Speak with your vet before you apply any medication to your cat.If the vet prescribes the medication during an appointment, you may be able to ask them for a demonstration for proper application.If you are using an over-the-counter treatment, you should call your vet to make sure it is the right one.Ask your vet about potential problems during application.Planning may be required before application for some medication.
Step 2: You can read the directions for the medication.
Before applying any treatment, be sure to talk to your vet and read the medication packaging.You can read the directions to find out how much medication to apply at a time, where and how frequently to reapply the treatment for your pet.If directions are missing from the packaging or you have questions about the use of the medication, reach out to your vet.Take note of any warnings as well.Some medication can cause irritation in the eye area, so it's not a good idea to use it near that area.You should double check that they have given you the right medication and that it is labeled for use on cats.Accidentally applying flea medicine to dogs can cause life threatening poisoning in cats.
Step 3: As necessary, equip yourself.
Gloves can be used for protection or to properly administer medication.You need supplies to successfully apply the treatment.You can consult with your vet to see what tools are necessary.
Step 4: Before you apply, make sure your cat is secured.
Before you use the medication, you want to make sure you have a firm grasp on your cat.It's important that your cat is calm and comfortable for this process.Hold your cat in a certain way.While still exposing the application area, use a hold that is as close to your typical hold as possible.Wrap your cat in a warm towel or blanket if you need to.Extra hold on with appendages can help calm them.It would be helpful to have another person hold the cat while you apply the medication.You can have both hands free with this.The cat can be placed on a table or surface that is comfortable for you to work on.Put a towel down if it's slippery.
Step 5: The medication should be applied.
If you have a hold on your cat, apply the medication.The treatment should be carefully administered to the necessary areas.If there is a leak from outside of the treatment area, wipe it away.If the medication needs to be dried before your cat can come into contact with other pets or children, continue to gently restrain and calm the cat.If you are applying medication to a healing wound, make sure you don't rub the area too much.To lightly apply the medication, use a finger.
Step 6: Wear the wound.
Flea and tick treatment will not require you to cover up the area of application.It may be necessary to apply a patch or bandage if you are applying medication to an injured area.Unless otherwise instructed, do it immediately after application.It's important to use dressing that is made for pets.Those made for humans use glues that can catch on fur or skin.Pets prefer wrapped bandages or patches.If you have a bandage on your cat, keep it restrained.
Step 7: Before feeding, apply immediately.
If your cat licks or wipes off medication, apply the treatment before feeding time.Feeding your cat immediately after applying the medication may help keep it focused on the treatment.
Step 8: You can use an Elizabethan collar.
If your cat is prone to licking or biting at its injury, use an Elizabethan collar, or cone, to help keep its mouth from coming into contact with the afflicted area.You can keep the collar on the cat until the injury heals, or you can use it while the medication dries.The Elizabethan collar can be purchased at most pet stores.
Step 9: The dressing needs to be changed.
The treated area should be kept clean and changed regularly to prevent it from becoming loose.You should dress the area when you apply medication.Check the bandage daily to make sure it doesn't come loose if medication is applied less than once a day.Bandages should not be too tight.You can slide two fingers under the bandage.Bandages should be changed on a daily basis regardless of how loose they are.